HistoricSiteMarkers
Early Republic

Ursuline Convent and Academy

San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

Marker Inscription

At the urging of Bishop Jean-Marie Odin and with help from Father Claude Dubuis, seven French Ursuline nuns opened San Antonio's first school for girls here in 1851. The original academy building, designed by architect François Giraud, was later joined by other buildings as the academy expanded. Constructed between 1851 and 1883, the historic structures show a combination of French, Gothic Revival and vernacular influences. After Ursuline Academy moved from this site in 1965, the complex was rehabilitated for use as an art school and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1962

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

In 1851 seven French Ursuline nuns, brought over at the urging of Bishop Jean-Marie Odin, opened San Antonio's first school for girls on this site. Designed in part by architect François Giraud, the complex grew over three decades into a blend of French, Gothic Revival, and vernacular buildings. The academy served the city until 1965, after which the handsome compound was reborn as an art school and entered the National Register of Historic Places.

Why it matters

The Ursuline Academy brought formal education for young women to frontier San Antonio and stands as an early monument to Catholic women's role in shaping Texas learning.

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Related people

  • · Jean-Marie Odin
  • · François Giraud
  • · Claude Dubuis

Themes & tags

EducationWomen's HistorySchool

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