The Cradle
Galveston, Galveston County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Building in which in 1891 Misses Betty Ballinger and Hally Bryan founded the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, a society for historical preservation. This Victorian structure was then library of "The Oaks," family home of the founders, who were descendants of William H. Jack, a soldier in 1836 Texas victory at San Jacinto and an official of the Republic. First president (1891-1908) of D. R. T. was widow of last Texas president, Anson Jones.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1891, in this Victorian building that served as the library of "The Oaks" family home, Betty Ballinger and Hally Bryan founded the Daughters of the Republic of Texas to preserve the state's history. The two women were descendants of William H. Jack, a soldier at the 1836 victory at San Jacinto and an official of the Republic. The society's first president was the widow of Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas.
Why it matters
The birthplace of a pioneering women-led historical-preservation society, "The Cradle" shows women taking the lead in guarding public memory and heritage in the late nineteenth century.
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Related people
- · Betty Ballinger
- · Hally Bryan
- · Anson Jones
Themes & tags
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