San Antonio's Petty House, Home to Oldest VFW Post in Texas, Marks 250 Years of America

The historic Petty House, built in 1895, has served as the headquarters for VFW Post 76 for over a century.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, the Petty House in San Antonio, Texas, home to the oldest and largest VFW post in the state, is being recognized for its rich history and continued service to veterans and the community. The Petty House, built in 1895, originally served as a family home before becoming the headquarters for VFW Post 76, which was founded by veterans of the Spanish-American War in 1917.

Why it matters

The Petty House and VFW Post 76 represent the enduring legacy of veterans' organizations in the United States, providing support, community, and a sense of history for those who have served. As the country marks a major milestone, the Petty House stands as a testament to the sacrifices and contributions of American veterans over the past 250 years.

The details

The Petty House was originally the home of the Petty family, including Olive Scott Petty, an Army lieutenant who fought in World War I. After returning from the war, Petty and other veterans in San Antonio worked to establish the VFW post, which has been headquartered in the Petty House for decades. The post has been led by generations of veterans, and for the first time, it is now commanded by a female veteran, retired Army First Sergeant Monica Morris, who is also a survivor of the 9/11 attacks.

  • The Petty House was built in 1895.
  • VFW Post 76 was founded by Spanish-American War veterans in 1917.
  • The post has been headquartered in the Petty House for over a century.
  • Monica Morris became the first female commander of VFW Post 76 in 2026.

The players

Petty House

A historic home in San Antonio, Texas, that has served as the headquarters for VFW Post 76 for over a century.

VFW Post 76

The oldest and largest VFW post in the state of Texas, founded by Spanish-American War veterans in 1917.

Olive Scott Petty

An Army lieutenant who fought in World War I and was a member of the Petty family, who originally owned the Petty House.

Monica Morris

A retired Army First Sergeant and the first female commander of VFW Post 76, who is also a survivor of the 9/11 attacks.

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What they’re saying

“It is a city and state historic landmark.”

— Monica Morris, Commander of VFW Post 76 (foxsanantonio.com)

“Olive Scott Petty was an Army lieutenant and fought in World War I in France.”

— Monica Morris, Commander of VFW Post 76 (foxsanantonio.com)

“He met with other veterans and the veterans in San Antonio, the Spanish-American War, are the ones that started this VFW.”

— Monica Morris, Commander of VFW Post 76 (foxsanantonio.com)

“I am a retired Army first sergeant- over 26 years of service. It means a lot to me. It's like my second home.”

— Monica Morris, Commander of VFW Post 76 (foxsanantonio.com)

“We try to focus on making sure all of the veterans are taken care of, not just physically but mentally as well.”

— Monica Morris, Commander of VFW Post 76 (foxsanantonio.com)

What’s next

VFW Post 76 is planning a special event to commemorate America's 250th birthday at the historic Petty House in the coming months.

The takeaway

The Petty House and VFW Post 76 stand as enduring symbols of the sacrifices and contributions of American veterans over the past 250 years, providing a space for community, support, and the preservation of military history.