The Texas General Land Office (GLO) has taken a decisive step in safeguarding Texas history by officially assuming ownership of the Alamo Cenotaph, a landmark monument dedicated to the fallen defenders of the Alamo. Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham announced that the Cenotaph would “never be moved,” a victory that resonates with Texans who see the monument as a symbol of independence, sacrifice, and defiance against oppression.

The decision to keep the Cenotaph in its current location is particularly significant for the Texas Nationalist Movement (TNM), which has been a vocal advocate for preserving the Alamo’s history and protecting Texas heritage from external influences. This ownership transfer comes after years of debates and grassroots efforts by TNM to resist proposed changes to the Cenotaph’s placement and to safeguard the Alamo from what they see as federal and international interference.

TNM’s Advocacy for Alamo Preservation

Since its founding in 2005, the TNM has been a strong proponent of preserving the Alamo in its original form, advocating for the restoration of the battleground to its historical footprint. Our vision included not just the Cenotaph, but also the original walls of the compound and the creation of a museum complex to house Alamo artifacts and tell the full story of the battle for Texas independence. This push gained momentum as concerns over the Alamo’s future grew​.

The TNM’s advocacy became particularly urgent in response to the controversial “Reimagine the Alamo” plan, which proposed significant changes to the site, including relocating the Cenotaph. For TNM, this plan threatened to diminish the Alamo’s role as the “Shrine of Texas Liberty.” They viewed the initiative as part of a broader effort to federalize and sanitize Texas history, transforming the Alamo into a politically correct lesson on imperialism rather than a celebration of Texan heroism​​.

Concerns Over UNESCO Involvement

The TNM has also expressed concerns about the Alamo’s inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Site program, seeing it as an external influence that could compromise Texas’ control over how the Alamo’s story is told. TNM argued that involvement with UNESCO could allow international bodies to dictate how the Alamo is managed, threatening Texas’ ability to preserve its unique history. For TNM, the battle for the Alamo’s legacy is part of a larger fight to maintain Texas’ sovereignty and prevent its heritage from being diluted by federal or global agendas​.

Defending the Alamo Cenotaph

The fight to protect the Alamo Cenotaph has been at the forefront of TNM’s recent efforts. The monument, which serves as a tribute to the defenders who perished during the Battle of the Alamo, has been described by TNM as akin to the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier”—a sacred site that must remain untouched. Proposals to move the Cenotaph as part of the “Reimagine the Alamo” plan were met with widespread opposition, with TNM participating in rallies, public meetings, and petitions against the move​​.

The TNM consistently called on its supporters to attend meetings of the Texas Historical Commission and voice their opposition to the relocation of the Cenotaph. Their grassroots efforts paid off as the GLO’s recent decision ensured that the Cenotaph will remain where it has stood for decades, preserving its symbolic significance as a reminder of Texan sacrifice and bravery​.

Legislative Efforts to Protect Texas Monuments

Beyond public protests, the TNM has also supported legislative efforts to protect Texas monuments. One such effort was Senate Bill 1663, the Monument Protection Act, which aimed to prevent the removal or alteration of historical monuments like the Cenotaph. Although the bill was killed in committee, the TNM continued to press Governor Greg Abbott to call a special legislative session to address monument protection. The movement viewed this legislative route as essential in the broader fight to ensure Texas retains control over its cultural landmarks​.

The Path Forward

The recent transfer of the Alamo Cenotaph into the hands of the Texas General Land Office is a clear victory for the TNM and all Texans who believe in preserving the state’s history. It represents a stand for independence and the right of Texans to control how their heritage is remembered. The Cenotaph, now secured under state stewardship, will continue to serve as a powerful symbol of Texas independence and resilience.

As the Texas Nationalist Movement continues to fight for independence and greater autonomy for Texas, the preservation of cultural landmarks like the Cenotaph remains central to our mission. These historical symbols are not just relics of the past—they are integral to the ongoing struggle for self-governance and the preservation of Texas’ unique identity. By ensuring that the Cenotaph will “never be moved,” Texas has taken a decisive step toward securing its history and its future.

In the words of TNM President Daniel Miller, “Protecting our monuments is about more than preserving history. It’s about defending who we are as a people and as a nation.” With the Cenotaph firmly in Texan hands, the fight for independence continues.