Not really on the subject, but yesterday I received an email with link to a test to see if I could ID 16 famous locations, snapshots taken from the sky. I only got 60% correct. One I got wrong was the Alamo. Why? Well, first I’ve never been there but the aerial shot showed the Alamo surrouned by lots of buildings. I always had the impression that it stood off by itself.
The Alamo today is a tourist attraction in metropolitan San Antonio. Only a small part of its structure remains. And the facade has been rebuilt and the arch as shown in photos wasn’t there at the time.
You may be thinking of Alamo Village that stands near Bracketville, TX. That’s where John Wayne’s “The Alamo” was filmed, as well as other such movies. It’s a rebuilt version of the Alamo as it was perceived during the war for Texas independence.
I've been twice and even though it is surrounded by a town & hotels and gift shops, once you enter the hallowed grounds of the Alamo (which is surrounded by a wall) you leave the noise and bustle of life behind....
There is a reverence there, even with hundreds of tourist, there is a respect & silence which is appropriate.
As you enter the main old chapel, there's a sign that states simply
Please show respect, men died here....
The city proper does not take away from the sanctity of this beacon of liberty....
...The Alamo stands on its own merit......nothing can detract.