Battle For The Alamo

(Battle for the Alamo)

The Alamo is a well-known tourist attraction in the heart of Downtown San Antonio. It is also the most visible symbol for Texas' struggle for its independence. In a defense reminiscent of the last stand of Leonides and his 300 Spartans at Thermopylae, some 185 Texians defended what had originally been a Spanish mission against a Mexican army under the command of Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana and 2100 Mexican troops. In a battle that lasted from February 23rd to March 6th, 1836, when the final assault came and wiped out the Texian garrison. The Mexican Army did suffer about 500 of its own casualties during the battle and after a further Texian massacre at Goliad, Santa Ana and his army was trapped and all but destroyed the following April by Texian General Sam Houston in the Battle of San Jacinto, with the battle cry "Remember the Alamo !"


As was mentioned, the Alamo today is a tourist attraction in Downtown San Antonio. Alamo Plaza, as shops, the Menger and two Marriot Hotels, Rivercenter Mall, There is also a bar called the Moses Rose Hideout about a block north of the Mission. Anyhow, the City of San Antionio has been planning an upgrade to the Alamo complex, including a new museum and visitor center. As it happens, the Moses Rose lies within the confines of this "new" Alamo.


Now, the Moses Rose Hideout has perhaps not been on Alamo Plaza as long as the Mission itself but proprietor Vince Cantu has stated it is his preference that the "Rose," named for the so called "coward of the Alamo," Louis "Moses" Rose, and, if he has to move, he naturally wants fair compensation. So far, the City of San Antonio and its Alamo Trust lawyers have yet to compensate Cantu for what the property is worth, and what would make it worth the while of Vince Cantu and he has stated that $17 million might convince him to move the Rose.


Unfortunately, for Cantu at least, San Antonio might seize the property outright under the terms of "imminent domain." Cantu could lose the Rose without being compensated, the City just ordering the bar closed and Cantu would not see a dime. Or, he could fight it out in court and possibly have that scenario bankrupt the surly proprietor.


The story of Vince Cantu and the Moses Rose Hideout is a cautionary tale. Because the Alamo needs a new museum and a gift shop, the Moses Rose Hideout gets caught. If Cantu is forced from that location without being compensated to the fullest extent, who else would be safe when one finds themselves in the way of "progress ?"

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