Von Ormy lies on the Medina River. Its history includes a historic route, the Texas Revolution, mission and church history, and changes in transportation. Interstate 35 is also important for practical navigation: it passes through the town and connects it with downtown San Antonio.
Getting There and Getting Around
Von Ormy is accessible via exits 140 and 141 on I-35. As access configurations may change, check the current access before setting out. The interstate connects Von Ormy with downtown San Antonio, about 15 miles to the northeast. These exits and this approximate distance give you specific reference points when planning your destinations and searching for a hotel in Von Ormy.
Historic Routes and Memorial Sites
Von Ormy is located at the historic crossing of the Upper Laredo Camino Real. This connection places the town within the history of a route. Another historic landmark is the Santa Anna Oak, which marks the site of General Santa Anna’s camp in Von Ormy. Santa Anna camped here before setting out on his final march to the Alamo. The crossing and the camp represent different chapters in the town’s history—one shaped by a historic route, the other by a specific event in the Texas Revolution.
Mission, Churches, and the Town’s Name
The Herrera Ranch is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Santisima Trinidad Mission was founded on the ranch in 1836. Another story connects the Santisima Trinidad Church with Sacred Heart Church: In the 1920s, the congregation of Santisima Trinidad Church moved to Von Ormy and founded Sacred Heart Church there. The bell also changed locations. The 1878 bell from Santisima Trinidad Church was transferred to Sacred Heart Church. The mission’s founding year, the congregation’s move, and the bell’s date represent different historical milestones.
The name Von Ormy also has its own history. The community was formerly known as Medina Crossing; in 1886, postmaster Branson Bywater renamed it Von Ormy. The town’s present name comes from Count Norbert von Ormay. This story of the name adds the development of the town itself to its connections with the river and historic routes.
Architecture and Railroad History
The Castle on the Medina is a large Pennsylvania-style limestone house overlooking the south bank of the Medina River.
The railroad is also part of the area’s transportation history. In 1881, the International-Great Northern Railroad built the first railway line between San Antonio and Laredo. Near present-day Von Ormy, the company built a railroad bridge over the Medina River. The railroad connection changed the local economy: cattle ranching was followed by cotton farming and winter vegetable cultivation. These two transportation eras are clearly distinct: the railway line and bridge belong to the history of the 19th century, while I-35 now shapes road access to Von Ormy and the connection to downtown San Antonio.
Discover more destinations: San Antonio, Elmendorf, Universal City, Live Oak.
For the broader travel overview: Bexar.
