SAN ANTONIO – After 110 years, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas is no longer the state-designated custodian of the Alamo.
"Bittersweet is the word that comes to mind," said Dr. Betty Edwards, the DRT president general.
She said although DRT members have cherished their long-held ties to the Shrine of Texas Liberty, the group "recognizes a greater role from the state is required to address the ever-increasing needs of the structure."
Edwards said, "Finally, that day has arrived."
As of 5 p.m. Friday, the Texas General Land Office has taken over the DRT's responsibilities.
However, the agency did not comment on the historic milestone.
A spokeswoman said, "This day belongs to the Daughters."
The transition began in March after concerns arose a few years ago about the Alamo's maintenance and management.
Edwards said the group has modified its by-laws and reviewed its business practices.
"We've learned and we've moved on. We're very positive about it," Edwards said.
However, she said in her opinion, the changeover in who would run the Alamo was "politically planned."
"The concern as we move forward with the state of Texas owning it, it becomes a political football," Edwards said.
She said the DRT will continue to operate the research center on the Alamo grounds.
But the DRT news release points out that it is suing the GLO in order to retain ownership of the DRT's library collection.
Edwards said otherwise, "We're leaving behind something we cherish and love. But we're going to move on to more history of the Republic of Texas."