AUSTIN — Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., is proud to announce that restoration work on the historic Alamo Cenotaph will begin in January 2025.  This vital project will ensure the “Spirit of Sacrifice” is preserved in place and will be standing tall for future generations to remember and reflect on the significant sacrifices made on this sacred ground.

The Alamo Cenotaph will not be moved during construction and all restoration work will remain on-site. The restoration work for the over eighty-year-old monument will be carried out in strict accordance with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. All construction work will be overseen by Architexas, the architect of record, along with the Alamo Trust, Inc., who will ensure that all necessary permits from the Texas Historical Commission (THC) are obtained for this significant preservation effort.

"As a Texas Senator, I threw down the legal challenge to keep the Cenotaph in its current location and as Texas Land Commissioner, I was proud to deliver a victory for all Texans by spearheading the General Land Office’s move to obtain ownership of this significant monument to ensure it will never be moved,” said Commissioner Buckingham.  "As we shift into the restoration work phase of this important project, rest assured— under my watch we will safeguard this symbol of sacrifice and valor and make sure that it is fortified and standing tall for generations to come."

Following the completion of a comprehensive structural investigation of the monument, several critical areas were identified as needing immediate attention. These include concrete and structural repairs, waterproofing, coating, stone cleaning and patching, raking of mortar joints, and the installation of a new functional drainage system. Repairs will require the removal of stones from the Cenotaph to access its internal structure for restoration. Any stones that are carefully removed from the Cenotaph will remain on the Alamo grounds, ensuring they stay on site throughout the duration of the project.

In a video released today, Commissioner Buckingham and The Alamo Trust, Inc. share the details of the next steps in the restoration work of the Alamo Cenotaph.

Click the image below to learn more about this exciting project:

Clark-Guido, an original contractor from the Cenotaph’s construction in 1940, will serve as the project’s main contractor. With this monument’s rich history in mind, this contractor will provide unparalleled expertise and dedication to this project, as they have a deep understanding of the importance of this cherished monument.

The restoration of the Alamo Cenotaph displays a commitment to preserving Texas history and heritage. It is not just about repairing a structure – it is about protecting this symbol of sacrifice and upholding the legacies of those who surrendered all. Since this process started, the General Land Office has been open and transparent with all Texans regarding the steps needed to protect this timeless tribute.

All Texans will still be able to view the restoration work of the Alamo's Cenotaph live via the button below: 

Alamo Cenotaph's Live Camera

The Alamo Cenotaph is a memorial located near the front of the Alamo (Mission San Antonio de Valero) and stands to commemorate the men and women who chose to defend the Alamo rather than surrender despite overwhelming odds. The Texas Centennial Commission, established to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Texas independence from Mexico in 1836, worked in association with the Works Progress Administration to commission the Alamo Cenotaph in 1936 under the theme the “Spirit of Sacrifice” (Troesser 2011). The cenotaph, or empty tomb, was designed by the San Antonio architecture firm of Adams and Adams, while renowned Italian-born sculptor Pompeo Coppini conceived and executed the sculptural parts of the monument (San Antonio Conservation Society 2011).