Browsing by Subject "Alamo"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4

Biological growth on the Alamo
(2009-05) Gallagher, Casey Amber; Gale, Frances R.
The limestone façade of the Alamo shows several areas of biological growth with black and gray streaks and blotches discoloring the stone. This thesis investigates the identity of the microorganisms on the stone, using two: DNA identification, and lab cultures grown from samples of the biofilm. By using both approaches, a better understanding was gained of the range of organisms present. Through these tests, it was found that the dominant organism on the limestone is cyanobacteria, of the genus Chrooccocus. Lab cultures revealed other organisms, including possibly fungi photobionts and algae. Through analysis and comparison of historic and contemporary photographs, patterns of recolonization are investigated. To further understand the effects of the biocide treatments, cultured samples were treated, and their reactions monitored. To better understand the possible relationship between the Alamo stone and its colonizing organisms, physical properties of the stone were investigated. SEM images, Edax minerology and water absorption were used to characterize the stone. This study is the first of its kind to investigate Native Texas quarried architectural limestone. Although studies have been conducted on historic monuments around the world to identify biological growth, none have focused on Texas limestone. By using both DNA and lab culture identification, this study adds to a wealth of investigations of other conservation professionals, applying it to a subject that has not been studied in this way before. By understanding the colonizing organisms, a sustainable conservation regimen can be determined.
A critical study of the siege of the Alamo and of the personnel of its defenders
(1931) Williams, Amelia Worthington, 1876-1958; Barker, Eugene C. (Eugene Campbell), 1874-1956
The LIBERATOR Archive, November 2016
(University of Texas at Austin, 2016-11) University of Texas at Austin
Preserving Texas : historic preservation, nationalism, and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas
(2011-05) Meyer, Hannah Nebb; Holleran, Michael; Long, Christopher; Penick, Monica
How did the Daughters of the Republic of Texas use historic preservation to help create and perpetuate Texas nationalism? Historic sites are an important part of creating and maintaining a nation-state’s national identity, but even more so when the nation no longer exists. The DRT preserved and created a common Texas national history with the preservation and interpretation of the Alamo and the French Legation Museum. The Alamo is the principal symbol of the Texas identity. Before the Alamo was a place of state and national reverence, before it was a battle site, before it was the Alamo, it was a Spanish mission, San Antonio de Valero. Yet, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas reconstructed the history of the mission so as to include only the thirteen days (February 23- March 6, 1836) when it was the site of one of the most important and well-known battles in the War for Texas Independence. This interpretation decision has shaped the way the Alamo is viewed through our collective memory. The French Legation Museum in Austin is important to the story of nationalism in Texas. Although it is not as recognized as the Alamo, the French Legation Museum is a crucial component in the story of Texas as an independent republic. The French Legation gives Texans a physical history of the Republic of Texas, thus strengthening and perpetuating the Texas national identity. The DRT’s preservation decisions at Alamo and the French Legation perpetuate the memory of Texas as an independent republic, and thus preserve the Texas national identity.