Landmarks and History

The University of the Incarnate Word has a strong and unique Catholic heritage rooted within the congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. As a new Cardinal, you are a vital part of learning and preserving our history. Here are a few places you can seek out your new heritage.

The Generalate (Sisters) Properties: Lourdes Grotto, Brackenridge Villa, The Headwaters with the Blue Hole, The Generalate Offices and Chapel of the Incarnate Word, which is adjacent to our campus and owned by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, provides students with not only beautiful locations conveniently next to UIW but landmarks that are staples in UIW and San Antonio history. Be sure to visit these locations and be respectful of the Sisters’ grounds.

 

GrottoLourdes Grotto

Constructed in 1904, the Lourdes Grotto was built from stones quarried from limestone cliffs on the campus in honor of the Immaculate Conception and contains a statue of our Lady of Lourdes. The Lourdes Grotto honors our Lady of Lourdes, and the original grotto in Lourdes, France, which is well known for its healing powers. In pleasant weather, which is frequent during the fall and spring semesters, the Grotto’s intimate auditorium-style seating often serves as an outdoor classroom.

Brackenridge VillaBrackenridge Villa

Brackenridge Villa has been part of both San Antonio and UIW’s history for over a century. The original single-floor estate was first owned by Alderman J.R. Sweet in the early 1800s and was known as Sweet Homestead. Col. George W. Brackenridge purchased the estate in the late 1800s and renamed it in honor of his namesake. From then on, it has been known as Brackenridge Villa. Col. Brackenridge was one of San Antonio’s prominent citizens and owner of a large real estate empire. He owned areas such as Fort Sam Houston, Brackenridge Park, which was named after him, and Alamo Heights. Col. Brackenridge added to the single-story structure by building the three-story Victorian complex to provide a proper home for his mother. After the death of his mother later in the century, Col. Brackenridge sold the property to the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. The Brackenridge estate was a prime location for their motherhouse. The Sisters purchased 280-acres of the estate. The Brackenridge Villa has been successfully maintained and continuously occupied since then.

Blue HoleThe Headwaters

The Headwaters at Incarnate Word preserves, restores, and celebrates the rich natural, cultural, historical, spiritual, and educational values of the headwaters of the San Antonio River, especially within the 53-acre Headwaters Sanctuary. The Headwaters Sanctuary at Incarnate Word is widely revered as a beautiful, quiet, historic sanctuary at the headwaters of the San Antonio River with the Blue Hole spring as its centerpiece. The Blue Hole, while privately owned and managed by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, is free and open to the public. Walking trails invite exploration of the sanctuary and connect it to adjacent parks and natural areas.

Chapel of the Incarnate WordChapel of the Incarnate Word

Adjacent to our campus are the Generalate grounds, where the ornate styling of the Chapel of the Incarnate Word stands as a testament to the Mission of the University. Built in 1907 and completely renovated in 2006-2007, the chapel is the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word’s worship space. It is truly a unique symbol of faith for the San Antonio Community. The Sisters share their worship space with the University community for significant celebrations, including Heritage Day and Incarnate Word Day.

Every second Sunday of the month, there is liturgy, which is open to the public.

Administration BuildingUIW Property Landmarks

Administration Building

The Administration building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The building’s cornerstone was laid in 1921. The building was completed in 1922 and is one of the oldest buildings on campus. It combines classrooms, administrative offices and a dining facility.

DubuisDubuis Hall

Built in 1928, the Dubuis Residence Hall, located in the heart of the UIW Broadway Campus, has been home to thousands of students over the past near century. Dubuis Hall was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in March 2022 following a massive renovation.

Clock TowerMarjorie Jordan Carillon Plaza

Located in the middle of the campus’ pedestrian plaza, the Marjorie Jordan Carillon – also known as the clock tower – chimes every half hour, playing the Hymn of the Incarnate Word daily at 3 p.m. The steeple itself replicates the Chapel of the Incarnate Word, and stained glass on each side of the structure tells the history of the University and the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, founders of the University.

Heritage HallThe Heritage Wall

On the first floor of the Administration Building, you can find the history of our University, from its founding to present day, beautifully laid out in golden frames upon the walls. You can also find the history of leadership at UIW nearby on the Legacy of Leaders wall. As you walk by, take a moment to visit the Office of University Mission and Ministry and tour Our Lady’s Chapel.