AUSTIN, TEXAS – Today, the Texas General Land Office (GLO), in partnership with Rockbridge and the Alamo Trust, Inc., announced the acquisition of the Menger and Crockett Hotels in San Antonio— two prominent properties that have not been available for purchase in decades and sit directly adjacent to the Alamo grounds. This transformative opportunity will strengthen the visitor experience at the Lone Star State’s most visited historic site.
“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. 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. I want to thank the Texas legislature, Lt. Governor Patrick and Speaker Burrows for their steadfast commitment in ensuring this historic transaction was possible,” said Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D.
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., signs paperwork for hotel acquisition
These hotels stand on land that once formed part of the agricultural fields of Mission San Antonio de Valero, the 18th-century Spanish mission that would later become known as the Alamo. Their inclusion reconnects them with the earliest chapter of the site’s history, and the acquisition comes at an ideal moment as the Alamo Plan advances, bringing generational preservation and visitor enhancements to life.
“These properties have been part of the Alamo’s legacy since 1859. Their acquisition allows us to bring that rich history full circle. As we continue moving forward with the Alamo Plan, these additions represent a powerful opportunity to create a more immersive and seamless guest experience—one where visitors can explore 300 years of history like never before. We are grateful to the State of Texas for their generous support and Rockbridge for their partnership. The sale of these two iconic hotels came at just the right time, and it took all of us working together to make it come to fruition,” said Dr. Kate Rogers, Executive Director of Alamo Trust, Inc.
In particular, the Menger Hotel holds a distinguished place in San Antonio’s story. Since opening its doors, it has welcomed a long line of U.S. presidents, national leaders, and cultural icons. For more than half the time that the Alamo has stood at its present location, the Menger has been its next-door neighbor, serving as a gathering place for travelers, dignitaries, and military personnel alike. Its story is deeply connected to the Alamo’s, perhaps most famously when future president Theodore Roosevelt recruited his Rough Riders from inside the hotel bar.
With the State acquiring ownership of both hotels, the GLO and Alamo Trust will partner with Rockbridge to ensure the hotels are thoughtfully integrated into the broader Alamo experience, supporting the visitor and providing a seamless connection between the hotels and the overall Alamo visit. Together, these efforts ensure that the Menger and Crockett Hotels continue to welcome Alamo visitors in a way that reflects the significance of the site they neighbor, where history lives on in the heart of Texas.
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Dr. Dawn Buckingham made history in 2022, winning a statewide election to become Texas' first female Land Commissioner. As Land Commissioner, Dr. Dawn Buckingham is committed to helping Texans after a disaster, supporting Texas energy, ensuring that every child in Texas receives a high-quality public education, serving Texas Veterans, and securing the border to keep our communities safe.