HistoricSiteMarkers
Progressive & Modern Era

Pan American Round Table

San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Mrs. Florence Terry Griswold (1875-1941), a native Texan reared along the Mexican border, provided aid to refugees of Mexico's 1910 revolution. On October 16, 1916, she and 21 friends met at the historic Menger Hotel to found the Pan American Round Table, a union of women dedicated to mutual knowledge, understanding and friendship among women of the Western Hemisphere. Growing to include 166 tables in 16 countries by 1989, the movement has promoted its goals with such projects as contributions to libraries and awarding of scholarships. (1991)

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Florence Terry Griswold, a Texan raised along the Mexican border who aided refugees of Mexico's 1910 revolution, gathered 21 friends at San Antonio's historic Menger Hotel on October 16, 1916, to found the Pan American Round Table. The organization united women across the Western Hemisphere in a shared pursuit of understanding and friendship. By 1989 it had grown to 166 tables in sixteen countries, funding libraries and scholarships.

Why it matters

Founded and led by women, the movement is an early example of grassroots hemispheric diplomacy and the expanding public role of women in the Progressive Era.

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