05/03/2026
THE GHOST OF MADAM CANDELARIA
This is “Madam Candelaria”, who claimed to be a survivor of the battle of the Alamo. Born in 1785, she often nursed the sick, aided the poor, & gave money to strangers who became stranded in San Antonio. Madam Candelaria claimed to have been in the Alamo during the battle in 1836 and to have nursed the ailing James Bowie. Historians are in disagreement over her claim, but most believe she was there. Since the evidence pertaining to the survivors is sparse, it is unlikely that the dispute will ever be settled. In spite of the controversy, the Texas legislature, on February 12, 1891, awarded her a pension of twelve dollars a month for being an Alamo survivor and for her work with the sick. Madam Candelaria died on February 10, 1899, in San Antonio at the age of 113 and was buried in San Fernando Cemetery but her ghostly image can still be seen frequenting the halls and rooms of the Alamo. Next time you’re visiting the Alamo you may feel a disembodied hand on your shoulder or a comforting feeling touch by the ghost of Madam Candelaria.
