Texan Edge

Adina DeZavala: Saving the Alamo's Soul

Tweed Scott Season 1 Episode 68

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Description 

In this episode of The Texan Edge, Tweed Scott shares the powerful story of Adina De Zavala, the woman whose courage and conviction preserved one of Texas’s most sacred landmarks—the Alamo. When developers threatened to demolish the Long Barracks in the early 1900s, Adina didn’t just protest—she locked herself inside for three days, refusing to leave until the building was saved. Her determination ensured that future generations could walk those hallowed halls and feel the heartbeat of Texas history. This is the story of grit, legacy, and one woman’s quiet defiance that saved the soul of Texas.  

Show Notes 

  • Featured Texan: Adina De Zavala — teacher, preservationist, and granddaughter of Lorenzo de Zavala, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
  • Historical Moment: The early 1900s preservation battle over the Alamo’s Long Barracks in San Antonio.
  • Key Takeaway: True Texas grit doesn’t always shout—it stands its ground when history’s on the line.
  • Tweed’s Reflection: “Adina didn’t just save a building; she saved the soul of Texas.”
  • Call to Action: When you visit the Alamo, take a moment to thank Adina De Zavala—her courage still echoes through those walls.

 

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SPEAKER_00:

Well, hi there. This is Queen Scott again, and today we're tipping our hats to a woman whose grit preserved one of the most sacred places in Texas history, the Alamo. Her name was Aden Dezarala, and let me tell you, she was tougher than boot leather. In August, back in the early 1900s, the Alamo wasn't the shrine that we know today. It was crumbling, surrounded by saloons and pawn shops, and the city of San Antonio didn't quite know what to do with it. Well, that didn't sit right with Adina. Her grandfather had signed the Texas Declaration of Independence, and she carried that legacy like a flame in her heart. When she learned that the developers wanted to tear down the old long barracks, that spot where many Alamo defenders made their last stand, Adina said, Not on my watch. She literally locked herself inside the building for three days without food or water. She just flat refused to come out until the city promised to save it. And that's not a protest, that's Texas sized conviction. And she won. Because of her, the Long Berck still stands today. Well, at least the bottom floor. Now, a tangible piece of the fight for freedom and the courage of those who refused to back down. That was Adina. Now you understand, she wasn't loud. She wasn't flashy. She just did what Texans do and the world tries to forget where we came from. She stood her ground. And because of that, millions of people every year can still walk through those walls and feel that sacred hush of history. So next time you find yourself at the Alamov, take a quiet moment and thank Adina Dezavala. She didn't just save a building, she saved the soul of Texas. This is the Texan Edge where grit beats grace, and the history still has a heartbeat. We'll be back tomorrow. By the way, if you enjoyed today's episode, tell a friend. Better still share it or tell him how to find us. We'll see you tomorrow.