Eastside Promise Neighborhood in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Clara Driscoll
(April 2, 1881 - July 17, 1945)
A descendant of early Texas colonists, including a veteran of San Jacinto, Clara Driscoll was born in Refugio County and grew up as a wealthy rancher's daughter. In 1903, soon after returning from school in Europe, she learned that the Long Barrack, part of the historic Alamo, was about to be sold as a hotel site. When the state failed to act, she bought the property. Using her own funds to supplement money raised by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Her gesture sparked public interest and won her the title “Savior of the Alamo”. The state reimbursed her in 1905 and placed the Alamo in the care of the DRT. In 1932 she helped the state buy land south of the Alamo Chapel.
Clara Driscoll was active in business, politics, and the arts. She headed several state organizations, including the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and served as Democratic National Committeewoman, 1928-44. She gave generously to support the Texas Federation of Women's Clubs, the Texas Fine Arts Association, and medical services for underprivileged children.
Married to newspaperman Henry H. Sevier, 1906-37, she lived in Austin before moving to Corpus Christi to manage family properties. After she died, her body lay in state in the Alamo Chapel before burial here.
Erected 1978 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 1287.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work • War, Texas Independence • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.
Location. 29° 25.19′ N, 98° 28.156′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in the Eastside Promise Neighborhood. Marker is on E. Commerce Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker is next to her mausoleum in the Masonic Cemetery, off E. Commerce Street between Pine and Monumental Streets. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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. John Lang Sinclair (a few steps from this marker); Mrs. Simona Smith Fisk (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); James Nathaniel Fisk (about 300 feet away); Old Powder Mill (about 300 feet away); Lost Burial Place of the Alamo Defenders (about 600 feet away); D.A. (Jack) Harris (about 700 feet away); Charles Frederick King (about 700 feet away); Samuel S. Smith (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,862 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 26, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.