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Adina De Zavala: Guardian of Texas Heritage
In the heart of Texas, where history whispers the tales of yesteryear, Adina De Zavala stands as a beacon for the preservation of the state’s cultural heritage. At the Alamo, a plaque in her honor explains that having been “exposed to vivid accounts of Texas’ revolutionary and republican past,” De Zavala “became a guiding force in the preservation of many of Texas’ most revered historic structures and sites.”
Adina De Zavala: Guardian of Texas Heritage
In the heart of Texas, where history whispers the tales of yesteryear, Adina De Zavala stands as a beacon for the preservation of the state’s cultural heritage. At the Alamo, a plaque in her honor explains that having been “exposed to vivid accounts of Texas’ revolutionary and republican past,” De Zavala “became a guiding force in the preservation of many of Texas’ most revered historic structures and sites.”
Adina De Zavala was born in 1861, in a time of profound changes and challenges for the United States. From an early age, she was surrounded by stories of Texas independence and the heroic deeds of her ancestors. This early influence planted in her a deep respect for the history and culture of her state, which would guide her life and work.
Adina grew up in a household that blended Mexican, Irish, and American influences. Despite her Hispanic ancestry, she never learned to speak Spanish, which was a customary practice among the inhabitants after the Republic of Texas was formed. Her upbringing was steeped in stories of Texas’ revolutionary past, which ignited her passion for preserving the history of the region. Her grandmother, Emily West, was from New York, adding another layer to Adina’s multicultural identity.
Her grandfather was Lorenzo De Zavala, a Mexican and later Tejano physician, politician, diplomat, and author. Born in Yucatán under Spanish rule, he was closely involved in drafting the constitution for the First Federal Republic of Mexico in 1824, after Mexico achieved independence from Spain. Years later, he also helped in drafting a constitution for the Republic of Texas to secure independence from Mexico in 1836.
Young Adina attended The Ursuline Academy in Galveston from 1871 to 1873, enrolled at Sam Houston Normal Institute in Huntsville in 1879, from which she graduated in 1881 and later attended a music school in Missouri. She taught in Terrell from 1884 to 1886, and later in San Antonio.
Her mixed heritage gave Adina a unique perspective. Her efforts to preserve the Alamo and other Spanish missions were not just acts of historical conservation—they were deeply personal attempts to honor the multicultural roots of Texas, especially its Hispanic legacy.
Adina excelled as an educator, but her true passion was the preservation of Texas’ historic heritage. She understood that historic sites and monuments were the soul of Texas, silent narrators of its rich history. With a clear vision and indomitable spirit, she set out to protect these treasures for future generations.
Around 1889, she and other San Antonio women met to discuss Texas history and its heroes; this group became one of the first women’s societies organized for patriotic purposes in the state. In 1893, the members of this society became affiliated with The Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the oldest organization of its kind in Texas, and one of the oldest in the country.
Perhaps the most emblematic episode in Adina De Zavala’s life was the battle she fought in defense of The Alamo, based not only on the historical value of the site, but also on its cultural and emotional significance to the people of Texas.
In 1905, the Texas legislature authorized the purchase of The Alamo Mission convent and granted its custody to the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, but soon, members of the association began to disagree over the procedures for preserving The Alamo and all that the mission contained at the time of its siege and fall in 1836. The women split into two factions, one led by Adina De Zavala, and they fought for control of the state organization of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and The Alamo.
While some members of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas expressed their desire to destroy the dilapidated Hugo, Schmeltzer & Company building in the mistaken belief that it had been erected after the battle of 1836, Adina De Zavala led the opposition with a firm stance against any such move and was instrumental in preserving portions of the original convent wall.
In fact, in February 1908, when plans emerged that threatened to alter the historic site and erase part of its legacy, Adina barricaded herself for three days in the north barracks of The Alamo to protest its destruction, since she believed that this section of the mission had more historical value than The Alamo chapel. Adina and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas resumed the dispute over historical issues surrounding The Alamo at intervals, but time has shown that Adina De Zavala was correct in most of her historical arguments about the mission.
Mission San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo, also known as the “Queen of the Missions” because of its size and beauty, was deserted and deteriorating until Adina intervened in 1902. According to one of its exhibits, “She guided the De Zavala Chapter of the newly organized Daughters of the Republic of Texas in one of the first historic restoration efforts in San Antonio.”
Only a few blocks away from El Alamo is the Spanish Governor’s Palace, now a Spanish colonial history and culture museum that was part of a military outpost built in 1722, most recently restored in the 1930s and designated as a national historic landmark in 1970. In 1915, Adina pointed out that the old stone building across the street from City Hall was more than just a decrepit eyesore — it was, in fact, the remains of one of the oldest and most important structures in the state. It was she who decided to call it the Spanish Governor’s Palace, although it had actually been the home and office of the captain of the Presidio San Antonio de Bexar, a Spanish fort.
In addition to her direct actions to protect The Alamo, Adina worked tirelessly to educate the public about the importance of preserving historic sites. Through writings, lectures and the creation of organizations dedicated to heritage preservation, she helped foster a greater awareness and appreciation for Texas history.
In 1912, she organized the Texas Historical and Landmarks Association, which still exists today, and placed 38 markers on historic sites in Texas. In 1923, Governor Pat Neff appointed Adina to the Texas Historical Board, and she was one of the first members of the Committee of One Hundred appointed to plan the state’s centennial. It is also likely that she was the one who most contributed to awakening interest in the preservation of the Spanish Governor's Palace in San Antonio, which was finally acquired and restored by the city in 1928.
Adina De Zavala’s contribution to the preservation of The Alamo and other historic sites left a lasting legacy. Thanks to her determination and leadership, these sites were not only saved from imminent destruction but also became symbols of the importance of protecting cultural heritage. Her groundbreaking work for historic preservation laid the foundation for future preservation initiatives in Texas and elsewhere.
Adina De Zavala’s tenacity in advocating for the preservation of Texas heritage did not go unnoticed. Throughout her life, she received numerous awards, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of people interested in preserving places of historical significance. Thanks to her work and efforts, sites such as The Alamo and other historic monuments continue to stand, telling the story of Texas to the world.
Adina dedicated her life to protecting and honoring Texas history. Her work is a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations, and her story teaches us that passion and determination can make a difference in preserving our history and culture.
Adina De Zavala is more than a historical figure. She played a pivotal role in preserving The Alamo, ensuring that generations to come will have a window into Texas’ storied past. Her life and work continue to be a source of inspiration, reminding us of the incalculable value of our heritage and the importance of protecting it.
Like Adina De Zavala, at Reliant, we believe in protecting what matters, which is why her story is a source of inspiration to us all. Reliant has deep roots in Texas, and so we celebrate the legacy of Adina de De Zavala and others who, like her, have dedicated themselves to preserving the state's rich heritage. Let us celebrate the spirit of Texas, because together, we can support our communities, preserve our history, and build a brighter future to light the way for generations to come.
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