Texas officials have announced the acquisition of two historic hotels adjacent to the Alamo, marking the first time these prominent San Antonio properties have been available for purchase in decades.
The Texas General Land Office, partnering with Alamo Trust, Inc. and Rockbridge, purchased the Menger and Crockett Hotels to enhance visitor experiences at the state’s most visited historic site.
The acquisition reunites the hotel properties with the Alamo grounds for the first time since the 19th century. Both hotels sit on land that once formed part of Mission San Antonio de Valero’s agricultural fields.
“By securing the footprint around the Alamo Complex for the State of Texas, we are protecting these hallowed grounds and enhancing one of our nation’s most sacred historical sites,” said Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D. “This investment ensures the Shrine of Texas Liberty, the Alamo, will become the most prominent battlefield site in the country – charting its own destiny for generations to come.”
Buckingham thanked state legislative leaders for their support of the historic transaction.
The Menger Hotel, the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi, has welcomed U.S. Presidents and cultural icons since 1859. Theodore Roosevelt famously recruited his Rough Riders from the hotel bar.
“These properties have been part of the Alamo’s legacy since 1859,” said Dr. Kate Rogers, executive director of Alamo Trust, Inc. “Their acquisition allows us to bring that rich history full circle.”
Rogers said the purchase creates opportunities for immersive guest experiences spanning 300 years of history. She credited state support and Rockbridge’s partnership for making the acquisition possible.
The properties will be integrated into the broader Alamo Plan, which aims to enhance preservation and visitor experiences at the historic site. State ownership ensures seamless connections between the hotels and the Alamo experience.
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed in the announcement.