The Society for Women and the Civil War
Annual Conference

Women in the West

July 25 – 27, 2025

Tapatio Springs Resort Boerne, Texas

This conference is proudly co-sponsored by the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley
Community Historical Archaeology Project with Schools Program (CHAPS).

Conference Schedule

Join us for an exciting schedule of presentations, exhibits, and group activities!

Friday, July 25

Registration Check-in Opens at Noon

Exhibit: 19th Century Women’s Clothing and Accessories

Welcome and Annual Meeting

Finding Matilda Hicks: The Journey of the Jackson Family of Georgia, Alabama and Texas, Presented by Roseann Bacha Garza

Training the Period Eye, Presented by Sarah Gonzalez

Saturday, July 26

Women of the American Frontier West, Presented by Yvette Bachmeier

Disorderly Women on the Civil War Homefront and the New South Order That Followed, Presented by Victoria Bynum

“The Wisconsin Angel”: Cordelia Harvey’s Devoted Service to the State and Nation, Presented By Melissa Winn

Passing Through Smokey Row: An Examination of the Role of Prostitution in the Civil War, Presented by Allison Millward

Improving Californian Respectability: Women’s Participation in the Civil War from the Golden State, Presented by Louisa Brandt

Silent Auction and Civil War Women Trivia Contest

Sunday, July 27

“The Greatest Cruelty and Indignity”: Refugee Women and the Weaponization of Gender in the American Civil War, Presented by Noah Crawford

Field Hospital Memories of Anna Morris Holstein: Graven as with an Iron Pen, Presented by Scott Woodard

Conference Concludes at Noon

The Venue

Tapatio Springs A Texas Hill Country Resort

Tapatio Springs is a beautiful, rustic-chic retreat, nestled in a picturesque river valley on hundreds of acres of rugged hills, natural springs, and scenic vistas.

Amenities include an 18-hole golf course, driving range, multiple swimming pools (including one for adults only), hammocks, lawn games, and trails.

The resort offers farm-to-table casual and fine dining.

All guest rooms feature a private patio or balcony.

Described as a soul-refreshing hidden oasis, Tapatio Springs is the perfect setting for our conference — a beautiful space to learn, play, and reconnect with old friends while making new ones. The resort is located near the town of Boerne, and only 35 minutes from San Antonio and the airport.

Resort Reservations

To reserve your room, please use the Tapatio Springs special link for SWCW Conference Attendees:

Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort – Reservations – Room Availability

Double occupancy rooms are available July 23 – 30 at a special rate of $189.00 per night (plus taxes and fees).

(Please note that all reserved SWCW guest rooms are on the first floor. If you wish to have a second floor room, call 830-537-6226. Be sure to tell the representative that you are with SWCW. Please also note that the guest lodges do not have elevators.)

Room Reservation Deadline is June 21st, 2025!
(Discount rate may not be available after this date.)

Conference Registration

To register for the conference, please use our online registration form:

COMING SOON!

SWCW Members: $370
Non-Members: $470

(Non-members may join and former members may renew their memberships at the time of registration in order to take advantage of the member discount.) SWCW annual membership fee is $25.

Please note that conference registration does not include meals.

(There are many excellent and varied dining options at Tapatio Springs as well as the nearby town of Boerne.)

Registration Deadline is July 1st, 2025!