Alamo Plaza in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Clara Driscoll, Saviour of the Alamo

In Memoriam

Photographed By Sean Flynn

1. Clara Driscoll, Saviour of the Alamo Marker

Inscription. Whereas: The memory of Clara Driscoll will be immortal in the hearts of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas for the patriotic work which held her great interest, from her girlhood through her life.

Whereas: Clara Driscoll is known throughout nation as the Saviour of the Alamo, the venerated and sacred spot will ever be a reminder of her vigilant, courageous and successful effort to preserve forever the shrine of Texas liberty and

Whereas: This place, transformed from blood-stained lands, now through her generosity has become a park of blooming flowers, a benison of peace to myriads who come with homage for the heroic defenders of the Alamo and

Whereas: Endowed with the priceless heritage of being a daughter of the Republic of Texas, she accepted the privilege of giving her wealth, her endeavors, and her time to the end that Texas and the world might share with her the accomplishment of her dream -

Be it resolved - that those words shall be engraved for all to read upon a plaque in the Alamo, in order that the world shall know in what love, appreciation and reverence is remembered by the women of Texas who worked with her, the name of

Clara Driscoll
Saviour of the Alamo

Erected 1946 by Daughters of the

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Republic of Texas.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, Texas Independence • Women.

Location. 29° 25.554′ N, 98° 29.186′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in Alamo Plaza. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Alamo Plaza and East Houston Street. This marker is affixed to the southern wall of the covered, open-air section of the Long Barrack in the Alamo complex. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio TX 78205, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Birthplace of Freemasonry in West Texas (here, next to this marker); Masonic Heroes of the Alamo (here, next to this marker); Ruins of the Habitations of the Friars and Indians (here, next to this marker); Part of the San Antonio de Valero Mission (here, next to this marker); Cannon From the Battle of the Alamo (a few steps from this marker); The Alamo 1900 (a few steps from this marker); The Alamo 1891 (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Clara Driscoll (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.

Regarding Clara Driscoll, Saviour of the Alamo. Driscoll was born in

Long Barrack at the Alamo image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Sean Flynn, September 5, 2023

2. Long Barrack at the Alamo

The Clara Driscoll, Saviour of the Alamo Marker can be found in the southern wall of the covered, open-air portion of the Long Barrack. In this photo, it would be to the left if you walk through the archway.

Refugio County, Texas, a descendant of early Texas colonists. In 1903, after learning that the Long Barrack section of the Alamo was going to be sold for a new hotel, Driscoll bought the property, using her own funds to supplement money raised by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. She was dubbed “Savior of the Alamo," and two years later was reimbursed by the State of Texas for her purchase. In 1932 she helped the state buy land south of the Alamo Chapel. Later, she convinced city engineers not to encroach on the site to widen Houston Street, and persuaded the City of San Antonio not to put a fire station adjacent to the Alamo. As president of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, she oversaw the 1936 Centennial celebration of the shrine.

Driscoll died in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1945. Her body lay in state in the Alamo Chapel before her burial at Masonic Cemetery in San Antonio's Eastside Promise neighborhood.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Clara Driscoll

Also see . . . Clara Driscoll (1881–1945). Texas State Historical Association biography of Clara Driscoll. (Submitted on September 14, 2023, by Sean Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Clara Driscoll (circa 1913) image. Click for full size.

Library of Congress, circa 1913

3. Clara Driscoll (circa 1913)

Clara Driscoll used her own money to buy the Long Barrack in 1903, and put up her own money once again to help the state purchase more property surrounding the Alamo. Later, she convinced city engineers not to encroach on the site to widen Houston Street, and persuaded the city of San Antonio not to put a fire station adjacent to the Alamo. As president of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, she oversaw the 1936 Centennial celebration of the shrine.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 14, 2023, by Sean Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 88 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 14, 2023, by Sean Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.