Renovated Long Barracks Open Again

A major section of the Alamo compound re-opened today after a month long intense renovation project to restore the shrine's Long Barracks area.

It was the third time that the Long Barracks have been renovated, with the first phase done in the late 1960s. Before then, the building was without a ceiling and in a state of ruin. The exhibit was last overhauled nearly 20 years ago.

Uniforms and more are available for viewing at the Long Barracks Museum.
Copyright: San Antonio Express

The Long Barracks sat on a wide swatch of land in front of the Alamo chapel and is where perhaps the majority of the infamous Battle of the Alamo took place in 1836.

"This is the area of last stand. When the walls gave way, many members of the garrison fell back here and died," Winders said. "This is the oldest standing building in San Antonio and it really mirrors the history of San Antonio as a mission, as a military town, as the commercial center that it became."

Due to the area's importance, Alamo officials wanted more of it showcased.

Now, with a $300,000 donation by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, park officials were able to create an incredible exhibit and mini-museum showcasing additional history of the Alamo: the mission period, Spanish period, colonization of Texas, Revolution of 1836 and Alamo and beyond.

The final segment is designed to reinforce reverence by reminding visitors the property is a memorial to the men who died there. In perhaps the most dramatic display, the names of the 189 known Texian defenders are etched on glass mounted on black granite.

More info: San Antonio Express Story

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