From Ruin To Memorial

During the Republic period, the Alamo was largely forgotten. The once proud stand for independence was no longer fresh in people’s minds. Much of the outer walls of the compound were torn down and the building fell into further disrepair.

The official transfer of power from “Nation” to “State” took place in Austin on February 16, 1846, when Anson Jones, the last President of the Republic of Texas, gave his farewell speech.

Border disputes eventually led to the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848, which inflicted heavy casualties on both sides. The Alamo and San Antonio would play a vital part in the war effort, functioning as a staging point for supplies and men to aide in the war effort.

Once the U.S. Quartermaster took control of the remaining Alamo grounds, much work was needed to restore the structures. The last major change was the construction of the parapet, which gives the Alamo Church its iconic silhouette that is today recognizable throughout the world.

The Alamo was cast into the national spotlight when Texas Confederates seized all Federal property in Texas, including the Alamo Quartermaster Depot. Little is known about the use of the Alamo during this period, other than an 1861 fire that ravaged the Church's interior.

When the Civil War ended in April 1865, Union soldiers once again occupied the Alamo. For nearly 10 years the Army used Alamo Plaza as a main hub to transfer goods throughout Texas and the western U.S.

In 1875, the U.S. Army left the Alamo grounds for the newly-established Fort Sam Houston. Subsequent new owners converted the grounds into a general store.

In 1883, the State of Texas purchased the Alamo Church. The Daughters of the Republic of Texas formed to preserve the historic grounds, and the gardens were established to create a place for visitors to come and reflect.

Over the decades, famous people from across the world visited the Alamo to pay their respects, ranging from royalty like Queen Elizabeth II, celebrities like Roy Rogers and Johnny Cash, and politicians including Presidents John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson and Ronald Reagan.

Conservation efforts continue today as the Alamo staff strives to preserve the Alamo for future generations. Work is ongoing on the historic structures through archaeology and conservation to better understand as well as protect the buildings’ unique features.