Discover the Story. Honor the Legacy. Join the Family.
The story of Gregorio Esparza is more than a chapter in Texas history—it is a story of courage, family, sacrifice, and a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Gregorio Esparza stood among those who defended the Alamo in 1836, leaving behind a legacy that has been carried forward by his descendants and honored by family and friends across the country.
The Gregorio Esparza Alamo Descendants organization was created to preserve his story, connect generations, celebrate our family heritage, and ensure that Gregorio’s legacy continues to be remembered for generations to come.
Whether you are a direct descendant, a family member, a friend, or simply someone inspired by Gregorio’s story, there is a place for you here.
Explore our history, discover your connection, meet the family, and become part of an organization dedicated to keeping Gregorio Esparza’s legacy alive.
Come discover the story. Come celebrate the legacy. Come be part of the family.
Tejanos At the Alamo
Join us at the Alamo. Our Family hosts a table there to represent our ancestor and educate people of his legacy. October 3, 2026
Tejano 250
Hosted by Los Bexarenos. A Genealogical and Historical Conference This fall in San Antonio. Network with Families, historians, and organizations. October 22-24, 2026
Dawn at the Alamo
The Annual Commemoration Ceremony held every year on March 6, 6 AM to 7 am at Alamo Plaza. Live historical readings and wreath laying to honor the defenders.
LATEST NEWS
Reunion 2026 Under Wraps
Maria Isabel Esparza Huizar Shawl
Reunion 2026 Under Wraps
Our 2026 Reunion is under wrap. Click on the link to view the write up in the Pleasanton Express. Thanks to all family that joined this event and all the volunteers that made it a huge success.
Dawn at the Alamo 2025
Maria Isabel Esparza Huizar Shawl
Reunion 2026 Under Wraps
March 6, 2025, Dawn At The Alamo marked the 189th anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo – that’s one year for each known Alamo Defender. We appreciate the attendance of our family members at this significant event to Remember the Alamo and our ancestor Gregorio Esparza, Alamo defender.
Maria Isabel Esparza Huizar Shawl
Maria Isabel Esparza Huizar Shawl
The Huizar and Esparza families are excited to share their story about their Great Grandmother Isabel Esparza Huizar.
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History of the American Latino in Washington D.C. asked to display Isabel’s shawl that has been in the family for years.
Brothers on Opposing sides
The Alamo - The Esparza Brothers
Francisco Esparza, a member of the Mexican army, asked Santa Anna to bury one of the Tejanos. It was his brother, Gregorio, who died defending the Alamo.
Hispanic Heritage GMA
The Alamo - The Esparza Brothers
The Alamo - The Esparza Brothers
ABC News’ Mireya Villarreal goes behind the scenes at one of the most historic battlefields in the country – The Alamo.
The Alamo - The Esparza Brothers
The Alamo - The Esparza Brothers
The Alamo - The Esparza Brothers
As we continue to honor and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we remember the Esparza brothers who both played a significant role in the Alamo's history. Senior Curator, Historian, and Lecturer of Alamo History Ernesto Rodriguez tells the compelling story of the Esparza brothers, Gregorio and Fransisco Esparza.
Alamo Defender Descendant
Alamo Defender Descendant
Alamo Defender Descendant
or one Mexican-American studying Texas History in school back in the 1960s and 70s, he learned something that wasn’t in the history books.
ABOUT GREGORIO ESPARZA
Jose Gregorio Esparza (1802–1836)
Jose Maria (Gregorio) Esparza was born in San Antonio on February 25, 1802, Gregorio was a native Texan and a citizen of San Antonio de Béxar. He fought during the Siege of Bexar from December 5–9, 1835, an early campaign of the Texas Revolution.
Gregorio and his family sought refuge at the Alamo Mission, where they prepared for the Battle of the Alamo from February 23 to March 6, 1836 against the Mexican Army. During the battle, he manned a cannon positioned at the southeast corner of the Alamo and eventually was killed after being shot in the chest and stabbed in the side with a sword.
His wife, Ana, his sons Enrique, Manuel, and Francisco, and his stepdaughter María de Jesús survived the battle. His brother, Francisco Esparza—a Mexican soldier who was not present during the fighting—received permission from Antonio López de Santa Anna to retrieve Gregorio’s body.
Gregorio Esparza is recognized as the only known Alamo Defender to have received a Christian burial. After the battle, Santa Anna gave Ana two silver coins and a blanket, allowing the family to return to their home in San Antonio.
The family later relocated to Atascosa County, where they established San Augustine Church, the first Catholic church in the county. Today, Gregorio’s family is officially recognized as non-combatant survivors of the Battle of the Alamo.
Visit to Alamo for more
Gary Zaboly commissioned portrait