Site of Old St. Mary's
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Marker Inscription
After the Texas War for Independence, numerous immigrants, notably from Ireland, German, and the Eastern United States, arrived in San Antonio. The need to minister to these non-Hispanic Catholics prompted the Rt. Rev. John M. Odin, First Bishop of Galveston, to establish a separate church for them. In 1852 land at this site was purchased fromt he heirs of Ambrocio Rodriguez, a veteran of the Battle of San Jacinto. In 1855 Bishop Odin autorized a building project, undertaken by the Rev. J.M. Dubuis, who became first pastor of St. Mary's Parish and later second Bishop of Galveston. A stately Gothic church building was constructed and opene for worship in mid-1857, serving both English and German-speaking congregations. (In 1869 St.Joseph's Church assumed the ministry for the German Catholics.) On July 1, 1884, the oblates of Mary Immaculate accepted responsiblity for St. Mary's, with the Rev. Richard J. Maloney as first oblate Pastor. The old church building was also the site of a seminary, an eary free Parochial School, the publication of a major Catholic newspaper, and the founding of the St. Vincent De Paul Society. The 1921 flood irreparable damaged the church building. This Neo-Romanesque structure was dedicated in 1924.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
As Irish, German, and other newcomers poured into San Antonio after Texas independence, the Catholic bishop of Galveston moved to serve these non-Hispanic worshippers with a church of their own. Land was purchased here in 1852, and by 1857 a Gothic building opened for both English- and German-speaking congregations. Over the decades the site nurtured a seminary, an early free parochial school, a major Catholic newspaper, and charitable societies, until the 1921 flood ruined the old church and a new Neo-Romanesque building rose in 1924.
Why it matters
Old St. Mary's traces how immigrant Catholics reshaped San Antonio, its parish spawning the schools, presses, and charities that anchored a growing community.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Buckhorn Saloon and Museum0.2 mi away
- Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks0.2 mi away
- Briscoe Western Art Museum0.2 mi away · 210 West Market Street
- Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium0.2 mi away
- Alamo Vistor Center and Museum (coming 2027)0.2 mi away
- Spanish Governor's Palace0.3 mi away
Attractions
- River boat boardingnearby
- River boat boarding0.3 mi away
- La Villita0.3 mi away
- Sea Life Aquarium0.3 mi away · 849 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX
- Casa Navarro State Historical Site0.4 mi away
- River boat boarding0.4 mi away
Food & drink
- Paesanos Riverwalk0.1 mi away · 111 Crockett Way, San Antonio, TX
- Landry's Seafood House0.1 mi away · 517 North Presa Street, San Antonio, TX
- Texas de Brazil0.1 mi away · 313 East Houston Street, San Antonio
- Mad Dogs British Pub0.2 mi away · 123 Losoya Street
- Saltgrass Steak House0.2 mi away
- The Local Bar0.2 mi away
Places to stay
- Holiday Inn Riverwalknearby · 217 North Saint Mary's Street, San Antonio, TX
- Omni La Mansión del Rionearby · 112 College Street, San Antonio
- Mokara Hotel and Spanearby · 212 West Crockett Street, San Antonio, TX
- Sheraton Gunter Hotel San Antonionearby · 205 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX
- Home2 Suites by Hilton San Antonio Downtown - Riverwalk, TX0.1 mi away · 603 Navarro Street, San Antonio, TX
- Wyndham Riverside Suites0.1 mi away · 218 College Street, TX
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · John M. Odin
- · J. M. Dubuis
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Old St. Mary's College
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