Alamo CEO Resigns Amid Controversy Over Historical Narrative
The CEO of the nonprofit managing the Alamo, Kate Rogers, has resigned after facing criticism from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a powerful Republican state official. The controversy centers on Rogers’ academic paper, which questioned the GOP-controlled Legislature’s education policies and suggested a broader focus for the historic site. In her paper, Rogers noted the Texas Legislature’s “conservative agenda” in 2023, including bills to limit what could be taught about race and slavery in history courses.
Rogers’ resignation was announced on Friday, with the former CEO stating that “it became evident through recent events that it was time for me to move on.” The Alamo Trust’s Board of Directors has not commented on the matter, but Lt. Gov. Patrick had called for Rogers’ ouster, citing her “shocking” views on the historical narrative of the Alamo. Patrick posted a portion of Rogers’ paper online, which mentioned a 2021 book, “Forget the Alamo,” that challenges traditional historical narratives surrounding the 13-day siege of the Alamo during Texas’ fight for independence from Mexico in 1836.
A Dispute Over Historical Narrative
The dispute highlights the ongoing conflict over how the U.S. tells its history, with some arguing that traditional narratives obscure the role of slavery in Texas’ drive for independence. Rogers had suggested that the Alamo’s history should be presented in a more nuanced manner, including its history as a home to Indigenous people. However, this approach is opposed by the state’s Republican leaders, who prefer a more traditional narrative. As Rogers noted in her paper, “Philosophically, I do not believe it is the role of politicians to determine what professional educators can or should teach in the classroom.”
The Alamo, known as “the Shrine of Texas Liberty,” draws over 1.6 million visitors annually, and the state plans to spend $400 million on a renovation, including a new museum and visitor center set to open in 2027. The controversy has sparked debate, with Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai decrying Patrick’s “gross political interference” and arguing that “we need to get politics out of our teaching of history. Period.”
FILE – The Texas flag waves in front of the Alamo during a reenactment of the delivery of William B. Travis’ “Victory or Death” letter, Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
Historical Context and Significance
The Alamo’s history is complex and multifaceted, with different perspectives on the events leading up to the 13-day siege. Traditional narratives portray the Alamo’s defenders as freedom fighters, while others argue that the role of slavery in Texas’ drive for independence is often obscured. Rogers’ paper noted that the book “Forget the Alamo” argues that a central cause of the war was Anglo settlers’ determination to keep slaves in bondage after Mexico largely abolished it. Texas won the war and was an independent republic until the U.S. annexed it in 1845.
FILE – In this Feb. 24, 2016, file photo, a member of the San Antonio Living History Association stands on the grounds on the Alamo as he waits to take part in a reenactment to deliver William B. Travis’ “Victory or Death” letter, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
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