Founded in 1858, the United States Arsenal at San Antonio was located on a site selected by Capt. R.H. K. Whiteley. Construction began in 1859 under the supervision of contractors John Me. and W.W. Campbell. Three buildings were under construction at the beginning of the Civil War: The magazine, office building, and Armorer's shop. After U.S. commander Gen. David E. Twiggs surrendered all federal property in the city to state forces commanded by Ben McCulloch in 1861, construction was continued by confederate forces. During the war the Arsenal served as a principal supply depot for troops in South Texas and on the western frontier. In November 1865 federal troops reoccupied this complex and assumed control of all military installations in the area. Construction of additional buildings continued after 1873, and this became a central supply point for U.S. troops in the southwest. In 1877 and 1883 buildings were added, and changes were made to existing structures. During World War I another building expansion program occurred,and by 1920 the compound consisted of forty-four buildings. The San Antonio Arsenal was deactivated by the U.S. Army in 1947.