The Daughters of the Republic of Texas

The Daughters of the Republic of Texas Founded in 1891, The Daughters of The Republic of Texas is the oldest patriotic women’s organization in Texas and one of the oldest in the nation.
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During the summer of 1891, in her father’s law library, a site in Galveston, Texas, that is now known as the “Cradle,” Miss Betty Ballinger and her cousin, Miss Hally Bryan, conceived the idea of perpetuating forever the memory of the Texas pioneer families and soldiers of the Republic of Texas by forming an association of their descendants. The two cousins then traveled to Houston, where they sha

red their thoughts with fourteen other ladies at the home of Mrs. Andrew Briscoe on the afternoon of November 6, 1891. At that meeting, they formed the organization that is known today as The Daughters of the Republic of Texas. The Charter of The Daughters of the Republic of Texas was filed in the Department of State on March 9, 1895. The Daughters of the Republic of Texas is a genealogical organization with one hundred and six chapters divided into ten districts. Each chapter is a part of the larger organization and must operate within the framework of Bylaws established by the Association.

08/29/2026

We had a great time telling the fascinating story of Margaret Heffernan Borland, an Irish immigrant from Tipperary who left her mark on the South Texas Cattle industry. Partnering with the Irish Consulate General in Austin, we traveled around the Goliad and Victoria regions to piece together this amazing woman's story. Take a look! Link in the comments!

Visited Fort Sam Houston today; many thanks to all who train & work here! ❤️
08/28/2026

Visited Fort Sam Houston today; many thanks to all who train & work here! ❤️

08/27/2026

The Baron de Bastrop board met last week to plan an interesting and exciting year with a great line-up of speakers, a monument dedication, our Christmas Brunch, and a fun field trip!
Our first fall meeting is Friday, September 11 at 11 am at the First National Bank Bastrop, second floor.
Can't wait to see you there!
L-R Sandy Chipley, Gayla Hoffman, Judy Sein, Judy Grundy, Vicky Rose, Beth Pickens, Faye Cobb (unable to attend: Judy Ellis).

Palestine, Texas District meetings will continue through October; the DRT Ft. Houston Chapter Daughters . of Palestin...
08/26/2026

Palestine, Texas
District meetings will continue through October; the DRT Ft. Houston Chapter Daughters . of Palestine were hostesses for District IV. The evening before the meeting, one of the hostesses, Jana Burch, opened her lovely home, serving appetizers & desserts to all who had driven in from Texas homes far away. The following morning, Officers General from the DRT Board of Management gave reports to all in attendance. A local pastor, Pastor Dan Manuel,came to the meeting and entertained the crowd with songs from country music greats. The meeting was a great success: thank you the Daughters of District IV, Representative IV Cheryl Giordano, and the members of Ft. Houston DRT chapter.

Many thanks for the photographs from Sue Cravy, Marilyn Wade, Carla Miller & Carolyn Raney.❤️

August 26, 1875, an important figure of early Texas, known only as Joe, apparently made good his escape from slavery. He...
08/26/2026

August 26, 1875, an important figure of early Texas, known only as Joe, apparently made good his escape from slavery. He was a slave of William B. Travis and one of the few survivors of the battle of the Alamo. Joe was born about 1813. He claimed that as the famous battle began he armed himself and followed Travis into the fray. After the battle the Mexican troops searched the buildings and called for any blacks to reveal themselves. Joe responded and was struck by a pistol shot and bayonet thrust before a Mexican captain intervened. Joe was taken to Bexar, where he was detained and interrogated by Santa Anna about Texas and its army. He somehow made his way to Sam Houston's camp at Gonzales. He was questioned at Groce's Retreat about the events at the Alamo. He was then returned to Travis's estate, and on the anniversary of the battle of San Jacinto he and an unidentified Mexican man escaped. A notice offering a fifty-dollar reward for his return was published in the Telegraph and Texas Register for three months and discontinued on August 26, 1837. Joe was last reported in Austin in August, 1875.
From TSHA online
Drawing of Joe & Travis: internet

08/25/2026

Come check out our Research Library & visit this beautiful exhibit in the Presidio Gallery.

08/25/2026

Happy Birthday, David Crockett! Today we celebrate the legacy of the legendary frontiersman, soldier, and statesman born on August 17, 1786. From the rugged frontier to the halls of Congress and the Battle at the Alamo, Crockett became one of America’s most iconic historical figures.

08/25/2026

Address

810 San Marcos Street
Austin, TX
78762

Telephone

+15123391997

Website

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