The Alamo To Unveil New Statues That Commemorate Texas's Historic Past

Today, the Alamo will unveil two new statues: Emily West Morgan and Hendrick Arnold. These legendary figures from the Texas Revolution will be added to the site's growing Alamo Briscoe Sculpture Trail -- a project intended to help convey to visitors the site's rich and diverse history. 

Two renowned artists—Eddie Dixon and Ed Dwight—created these latest additions to the Alamo's collection separately. Mr. Dixon will be present as he and the Alamo Trust Inc.'s Executive Director, Kate Rogers, unveil both pieces of artwork at 2:15 pm in Cavalry Courtyard, on the site's grounds north of the iconic Church.

Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Emily West was a free woman of mixed race who became one of Texas' best-known legends. On April 16, 1836, the Mexican Army captured West and other New Washington, TX residents. West was forced to travel with the forces of General Antonio López de Santa Anna as they prepared to face General Sam Houston and the Texian Army. She was in the Mexican camp at San Jacinto on April 21 when Houston's forces attacked. Legend would later credit West with sending word of Santa Anna's whereabouts to Houston and then entertaining the Mexican general, distracting him enough that Houston's troops swept in at San Jacinto and defeated the Mexican army.

Sculptor Eddie Dixon constructed the statue of Emily West Morgan, also known as "The Yellow Rose of Texas", which was generously donated by the Turner Family Foundation. Mr. Dixon's art is featured at several national sites, including the Pentagon, West Point, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. State Department, the Smithsonian, National Parks throughout the United States, and more than 50 countries abroad. He has received many awards for his artwork, including the NAACP George Woods award, "The Arts," for Outstanding Services in Art, and the National Military Artist of the Year (1994) awarded by the National Association of Military Museums.

Hendrick Arnold, a free man of mixed race, emigrated from Mississippi in 1826, settling in Stephen F.  Austin's Colony on the Brazos River. He played a key role in the Texas Revolution as a guide and spy for the Texian Army. On December 5, 1835, the Texians attacked San Antonio in what became known as the Battle of Béxar. Arnold guided Colonel Ben Milam's troops. After four days of intense fighting, the Mexican Army surrendered San Antonio to the Texians. Arnold continued his support of the Texas Revolution as a member of Deaf Smith's spy company in the Battle of San Jacinto.

Artist Ed Dwight created the statue of Hendrick Arnold, a guide and spy for the Texian Army, which the Mays Family Foundation graciously donated. Mr. Dwight is an American sculptor, author, former test pilot, and the first African American to enter the Air Force training program from which NASA selected astronauts. His artwork includes the "Black Frontier in the American West" exhibit in Colorado and his "Jazz: An American Art Form" series at the St. Louis Arch Museum. Mr. Dwight has been honored with the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artist Award and the University of Denver CAHSS Lifetime Achievement Award.

"We are honored to have such distinguished sculptors as Eddie Dixon and Ed Dwight help immerse our visitors in the Alamo's complete history through their breathtaking artwork," said Kate Rogers, Executive Director of the Alamo Trust, Inc. "These latest additions to the Alamo Briscoe Sculpture Trail are part of our effort to tell the Shrine of Texas Liberty's story through art. The site's collection of statues throughout the grounds will continue to grow as the implementation of the Alamo Plan progresses, providing several unique windows into our community's past."  

What:   The Alamo Statue Unveiling Ceremony

Who:    Public

When:  Thursday, September 8; 2:15 p.m.

Where: The Alamo - Cavalry Couryard
              300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205

About Alamo Trust, Inc. | Located in the heart of San Antonio, the Alamo serves as a sacred memorial to all those who lived, fought and died there. Visitors pay homage to the heroes of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, a defining moment in Texas History. Alamo Trust, Inc., or the Alamo, tells that story of Texas independence, as part of its 300-year history to over 1.6 million visitors every year. To visit the Alamo is to witness living history, experience authentic artifacts and admire an iconic landmark that shaped the country. Visit theAlamo.org.