“But its previous history has nothing at all to do with what it is now”
The history of how and why the structure came to be isn’t part of the Alamo’s history? Why it’s there shouldn’t be covered? Shouldn’t complete history be covered what with it being classified as a historical monument?
I like to know my state history beyond the blood and glory bits. That means learning about Spanish mission systems like the Alamo. That means finding out why the good priests selected that location to build it and which peoples were around. Etc.
By all means, visit the Alamo as a battle shrine for the hallowed dead but please don’t ask that the history lesson stop there.
“By all means, visit the Alamo as a battle shrine for the hallowed dead but please don’t ask that the history lesson stop there.”
The Catholic missionaries probably threw up countless structures of that type. You can spend countless hours learning the history of each one if you choose. Why exalt one over another, if that is what you are interested in that aspect? And I can assure you, you will be the only person interested in them.
There are few people who will not recognize, from the video, that the battle is being de-emphasized. The Battle of the Alamo is American heritage, not the previous history of the structure.