Protection of Texas’ Foremost Monument: The Alamo

The narrative at the Alamo grounds must tell the truth about her defenders and the 1836 Battle of the Alamo. 

The Battle of the Alamo was a defining moment in the history of Texas and illustrates the passion the early settlers had for freedom and independence. The battle cry “Remember the Alamo!” still stirs the hearts of patriots who cherish the sacrifice paid for our proud and independent state.

The importance of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo and its impact on Texas history is under assault by revisionist historians. Several bills have been filed in the 86th Legislature to protect the truth about the Alamo’s history. It’s encouraging to see the fervor with which lawmakers have stood up to defend her once again.

My staff recently visited with a professor in Austin about our bill, SJR 2, that would allow the Legislature to review the exhibits displayed on the Alamo compound grounds. The professor was concerned about legislators who are “untrained in history” being able to determine the narrative at the Alamo instead of credentialed historians.

About halfway through the conversation with my staff, he referred to the Cenotaph as “a pile of rocks.” He’s fortunate that no descendant of the Alamo defenders was present to overhear this extremely disrespectful remark. I would have feared for the professor’s safety!

This conversation with the professor illustrates the attitude of elitism and total disregard that revisionists of history entertain toward the Alamo. Historians and the powers that be have made it clear that they want to decrease the emphasis on the 1836 Battle and take a holistic approach to the 300 years of the mission’s existence.

The San Antonio Express News stated last year that there are plans to “create a world-class museum that tells not just the full story of the 1836 battle, but the layers and layers of history at the site. This is a rare chance to redefine how Texas and the world view the Alamo.”

The beauty of SJR 2 is that it would, if approved by Texas voters, apply to any museum in the State of Texas that contains exhibits featuring the Alamo. The Legislature would