National Register Listing

Ursuline Academy

300 Augusta St., San Antonio, TX
With the end of official Mexican control in I836, the Catholic Church in Texas entered a period of decline that was recognized as serious by Pope Gregory XVI in l839. The Reverend John Mary Odin of New Orleans was directed to come to Texas to revitalize the Church in the new republic. Odin's efforts in the first half of the l840's were directed toward such basic things as church establishments and convents, but by mid-decade Odin was ready to expand the influence of the Church to the educational field. Odin appealed to the Ursuline Order of Hew Orleans and with their support he established the Ursuline Academy in Galveston in 1847.

The Ursuline Order was established in Italy in 1535 to educate young girls and to care for the sick and needy. In 1574 the nuns entered Frances. From their convent near Paris (built in I611) the order spread to most of Europe and America. The Ursulines also did extensive work in Canada. In I727 they established a convent in New Orleans. During the French Revolution of I789 the convents in France were destroyed, restored by Napoleon in I808, and suppressed again in 1904.

The Galveston school prospered so well that Odin decided to establish another at San Antonio. The sisters arrived in the city on September 14, 1847 under the leadership of Father Dubuis, the pastor of the Castroville Catholic Church. The land for the San Antonio Ursuline Academy had been purchased in 1848 by Bishop Odin for $1,000 from Ludouic Colquhoxui. The original owner had been Erasmo Seguin, a prominent Texan in the early history of the state. When the Ursuline Sisters arrived at their new home, they found that the only building there was inhabited by spiders and scorpions. The structure, which had been constructed by Colquhoun or by Seguin, had been allowed to fall into complete disrepair or had never been completely finished—the windows had no glass or blinds, the Inside was devoid of furniture, and the doors and frames needed repair. The academy building was erected after the sisters came, but the Seguin house was repaired and used as a dormitory for some time. It was a minor miracle that the sisters were able to open school in the early part of November - six weeks after their arrival.
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1969.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

education architecture
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Texas random facts
Bexar County, Texas, holds a significant place in the history of the Lone Star State. Native American tribes thrived in the region for centuries before the arrival of European explorers. In 1718, the Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known as the Alamo, which became a symbol of Texas' fight for independence. The area came under Mexican control after Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821.

During the Texas Revolution in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo took place, where a small group of Texan defenders valiantly fought against Mexican forces. Although the defenders ultimately lost, their bravery and sacrifice galvanized the Texan cause. Soon after, the Republic of Texas was established, and Bexar County was officially created in 1837, named after San Antonio de Béxar.

Bexar County played a vital role in the westward expansion of the United States. It became part of the United States when Texas joined as the 28th state in 1845. The county saw significant growth with the construction of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the influx of European immigrants. In 1968, HemisFair '68 brought international attention to the county, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and attracting visitors from around the world. Today, Bexar County is known for its vibrant tourism industry, robust military presence, renowned healthcare institutions, and prestigious educational establishments.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Bexar County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The region that would become Bexar County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan and Lipan Apache.

  • 1718: The Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known today as the Alamo, in what is now downtown San Antonio. This marked the beginning of Spanish colonization in the area.

  • 1821: Mexico gained independence from Spain, and the region came under Mexican control.

  • 1836: The Battle of the Alamo took place during the Texas Revolution, where a small group of Texan defenders fought against Mexican forces. Though the defenders were ultimately defeated, their resistance became a symbol of Texas independence.

  • 1837: The Republic of Texas officially established Bexar County, naming it after San Antonio de Béxar, the former Spanish name for the area.

  • 1845: Texas joined the United States as the 28th state.

  • 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Bexar County remained part of the Confederacy.

  • Late 19th-early 20th century: The county saw growth and development with the expansion of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the arrival of European immigrants.

  • 1968: HemisFair '68, a world's fair, was held in San Antonio, bringing national and international attention to the city and the county.