One hundred and eighty-nine men died fighting to protect the Alamo from the Mexican army in 1836, according to the official list of Texan defenders.
Today, a monument stands in the name of the sacrifice made by the brave men at the Alamo, the Cenotaph. The beloved icon has symbolized the defenders’ sacrifice and valor for over 80 years.
Over the decades, the structure’s integrity has faltered, warranting a restoration to keep it standing for generations. Unfortunately, this led some to misguidedly speak of moving the Cenotaph, which, for me, was an immediate non-starter.
At the time of this chatter, I was serving in the State Senate. As a native Texan from a long line of rowdy Texans, I knew then (just as I know now) that the Alamo Cenotaph should remain in the same spot it has stood since it was first erected. I threw down the legal challenge to its proposed relocation and secured an important initial victory to protect the history of the Alamo.
Earlier this year, as your Texas Land Commissioner, the state agency I oversee took ownership of this precious monument with a clear mission: restore it where it stands and do justice for those who fought for our Texas future.
One of those defenders we honor was William Sutherland, just 17 when he arrived in San Antonio with his uncle. Though young, he had seen the oppressive rule of Santa Anna push Texas to the brink, and like many others, William could not stand idly by. He came to the Alamo not just to defend a fort but to defend the spirit of freedom.
Before long, Colonel Travis drew a line in the sand, asking those willing to fight to step over. William Sutherland made his choice. He crossed the line, knowing this decision would likely cost him his life.
As the days passed, the Mexican forces grew stronger, their numbers overwhelming. Yet, the defenders believed unwaveringly in their cause in Texas. They fought valiantly, but on the morning of March 6th, the walls of the Alamo were finally breached. The battle raged until the last man fell, William Sutherland among them.
When word of his death reached his mother, Frances Sutherland, her heart broke. She wrote in grief, “My poor boy is gone… They scaled the walls and killed every man in the fort.” But William Sutherland was more than just her son—he had become a son of the whole of Texas.
His sacrifice, and the sacrifice made by his 188 fellow defenders, is memorialized by the Alamo Cenotaph.
Now that the Cenotaph is in the care of my office, we have a responsibility to safeguard this symbol of Texas freedom for future generations. I am steadfast in my promise that this landmark remains a testament to the Alamo defenders’ valor and will remain standing tall in its place.
In keeping with that promise, I am excited that restoration of the Cenotaph will commence in January of next year. This restoration work will preserve the monument’s original location and ensure its longevity.
To ensure the Cenotaph continues to stand as a tribute to those who fought for Texas’s independence, the restoration will reinforce the monument’s structural integrity while maintaining its original appearance. Though vital concrete and structural repairs will be made to strengthen its construction, great care will be taken to preserve the monument’s historical authenticity. Our priority is preserving this monument for generations to come.
The Alamo is not just a place in history—it is a symbol of Texas’s undying spirit. Let us never forget the Alamo’s defenders and their unvarying belief in their cause. Let the bravery and sacrifice of these fallen heroes continue to inspire Texans and visitors alike. And let the Cenotaph be the heart of our collective memory of the enduring struggle for freedom and liberty.
May the legacy of William Sutherland and his fellow defenders stand the test of time. We shall see it so.