SAN ANTONIO — Two historic hotels in San Antonio that share land with the Alamo will now belong to the state of Texas in what officials say is an effort to strengthen visitor experience.
The hotels, The Menger and The Crockett, both have a storied past in the city. The Menger opened in 1859 and The Crockett, named after Alamo defender Davy Crockett, opened its doors in 1909.
The Texas General Land Office (GLO), led by Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, made the announcement on Tuesday in partnership with Rockbridge and the Alamo Trust.
“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,” said Dr. Kate Rogers, executive director of Alamo Trust, Inc.
The Menger in particular has welcomed U.S. presidents, national leaders and cultural figures. Famously, Theodore Roosevelt used the hotel’s bar to enlist volunteer soldiers known as the Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War. The Menger Bar was recently named one of the top historic bars in the U.S.
A press release from the GLO office states that the new ownership will “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.”