HistoricSiteMarkers
Progressive & Modern Era

The Woman's Club of San Antonio

San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Formed in 1898 by Philanthropist Eleanor Brackenridge (1837-1924) and journalist Marin B. Fenwick with eighteen charter members, the Woman's Club of San Antonio was the first departmental club in Texas. Miss Brackenridge served for seven years as the group's first president. The activities of this charitable organization have advanced voting and education for women, social reforms, and the arts. The group purchased its first clubhouse in 1908. This structure, built-in 1907-08 as the residence of business and civic leader David J. Woodward, was acquired by the Woman's Club in 1926. (1975)

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

In 1898 philanthropist Eleanor Brackenridge and journalist Marin B. Fenwick gathered eighteen women to form the Woman's Club of San Antonio—the first departmental club in Texas. Brackenridge led it for seven years as it pressed for women's suffrage and education, social reform, and the arts. In 1926 the club made its home in a handsome 1907–08 residence built for civic leader David J. Woodward.

Why it matters

Clubs like this were engines of the Progressive Era women's movement, giving women organized public voice in reform and the vote decades before full political equality.

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Related people

  • · Eleanor Brackenridge
  • · Marin B. Fenwick
  • · David J. Woodward

Themes & tags

Women's HistoryCivil RightsLandmark

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