Location
Adina Emilia De Zavala
Topics
Description
De Zavala was a teacher, historian, and early champion of the conservation of Texas cultural and architectural sites. In many ways, she helped set the stage for protection of the natural landscape in Texas.
De Zavala was active in preserving the Alamo’s “Long Barracks”, even to the extent of civil disobedience (1892-1907). She also spoke up for saving the Mission San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo (1902), the Spanish Governor’s Palace in San Antonio (1915-28), and early Spanish missions in East Texas.
She was also very engaged in forming and leading groups to press these causes. For example, De Zavala helped to build the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (1893) and to start the Texas Historical and Landmarks Association (begun in 1912, and later responsible for 38 markers in the state). Also, De Zavala was appointed to serve on the Texas Historical Board (1923) and to help plan the state’s 1936 Centennial.
Location Notes
Historical Commission markers commemorating Ms De Zavala can be found in St. Mary's Cemetery (at the corner of Palmetto and Wyoming) as well as at Alamo Plaza. The coordinates for this site refer to the St. Mary's cemetery marker, to recognize that she did other preservation work apart from the Alamo.
Bibliography
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Adina De Zavala. History and Legends of the Alamo and Other Missions in and Around San Antonio. (reprinted, Houston: Arte Publico Press, 1996).