Kate Rogers, CEO and President of the Alamo Trust, has stepped down following strong criticism from Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. The Republican leader demanded her removal, claiming that her academic work conflicted with the historical narrative he supports. Rogers said she chose to resign after realizing that the controversy had made her position unsustainable.
What Sparked the Controversy
The dispute began after Patrick read Rogers’ 2023 doctoral paper. In her research, she suggested that the Alamo’s story should include the experiences of Indigenous people and enslaved Africans. However, Patrick disagreed, saying her ideas “undermined” the traditional account of the Texas Revolution. He then urged the Alamo Trust board to remove her immediately.
Reactions and Broader Implications
Many Texas officials quickly reacted to the controversy. Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai criticized Patrick’s comments and warned that political pressure should never shape how history is taught. Other historians also expressed concern, saying that Texas risks losing an honest view of its past if politics continues to dictate historical narratives.
Meanwhile, the Alamo remains one of Texas’s most visited sites, attracting over 1.6 million tourists each year. The landmark is also undergoing a $400 million renovation project scheduled for completion in 2027. The Alamo Trust manages the site through a contract with the Texas General Land Office.
What’s Next for the Alamo Trust
The board appointed Hope Andrade, a former Texas Secretary of State and current board member, as interim CEO. She will oversee the renovation while ensuring the project stays on track. However, she must also balance public trust with political expectations, which continues to challenge the institution’s leadership.
Conclusion
Kate Rogers’ resignation marks another clash between politics and historical interpretation in Texas. Her exit shows how deeply history and ideology remain intertwined at one of America’s most iconic landmarks. As the Alamo Trust moves forward, it must find a way to honor diverse perspectives while maintaining its historical credibility.
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