Like a company of battle-hardened veterans marching forth with unshakable resolve, the Alamo City Guards Camp #1325 was established in 1975 as a chartered unit of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV). Originally known as Alamo Camp #1325, this camp was formed with one mission: to preserve the memory and legacy of Confederate soldiers, with a particular emphasis on San Antonio’s unique role in the Civil War.

From its earliest days, Camp #1325 distinguished itself as a leader in historical preservation, public education, and community engagement. At its helm stood the formidable Alexander Herbemont Fraser, a man whose dedication to Texas history was rivaled only by his keen legal mind and military service. Born into a lineage of influential Texas attorneys and historical scholars, Fraser was instrumental in shaping the camp’s mission. His efforts extended beyond SCV; he served as chairman of the Bexar County Historical Survey Committee, president of the San Antonio Historical Association, and even as a guide for British royalty—San Antonio Mayor Lila Cockrell selected him to personally give Prince Charles of England a private tour of the Alamo in 1977.

The camp’s early years were spent gathering invaluable historical documentation, restoring Confederate gravesites, and organizing reenactments, memorial services, and educational programs. Membership steadily grew, drawing in men and women passionate about Southern heritage, genealogy, and Texas history. The camp’s reputation as a pillar of historical integrity was cemented through its tireless efforts to preserve San Antonio’s Confederate legacy.

The 1990s saw an expansion in the camp’s outreach, as public interest in historical preservation surged. Members undertook a variety of cemetery restoration projects, ensuring the continued dignity of Confederate soldiers’ resting places throughout San Antonio.

One of the most significant preservation efforts began in March 2005, when Camp #1325 launched the ambitious restoration of Cemetery #6. Partnering with John A. Stovall of the Military Order of Stars and Bars, the camp ensured that Confederate graves at the site were maintained, recorded, and given the honor they deserved. This remarkable endeavor was highlighted in a fellow heritage organization’s newsletter, further showcasing the camp’s dedication to historical preservation.

Additionally, before 2010, Camp #1325 played a vital role in the restoration of the historic Alamo City Guards flag, a relic of San Antonio’s Civil War past. Now displayed in the Alamo museum, this flag serves as a lasting testament to the camp’s commitment to preserving history.

During this period, the camp also became a key player in historical marker dedications, ensuring that Confederate and Southern heritage sites received the recognition they merited. Members proudly took part in local parades, heritage events, and school presentations, where they provided accurate historical context and engaged with the community.

By the early 2000s, Camp #1325 had expanded into heritage tourism, offering guided tours of San Antonio’s Confederate historical sites and hosting educational symposiums featuring distinguished historians and guest speakers. The camp also collaborated with other SCV camps across Texas to support larger historical preservation projects.

A landmark achievement in the camp’s history occurred in 2024 with the Tejano Confederate Memorial Statue Dedication. Recognizing the contributions of Tejanos who fought for the Confederacy, this project symbolized the camp’s dedication to telling a comprehensive and inclusive story of Texas’ Civil War history.

To further immortalize this moment, the camp commissioned a painting of the statue by artist Elexis Hernandez, ensuring that this historic tribute would be preserved in both physical and artistic form.

Education remains at the heart of Camp #1325’s mission, and its members have been involved in numerous historical reenactments, bringing the past to life through immersive storytelling. Notable events include:

• Twiggs’ Surrender Reenactment (2014): Camp #1325 proudly supported the reenactment of General David E. Twiggs’ surrender of all Federal installations in Texas to Confederate forces in 1861—a pivotal moment in Texas’ Civil War history.
• Civil War Jamboree at Arlon Seay Elementary School: A hands-on educational experience designed to engage young students with living history.
• Tejeda Middle School History Faire: A major educational event featuring camp members showcasing historical materials and artifacts.

Camp #1325 has embraced film as a means of historical education, producing and contributing to multiple projects, including:

• The Costume Curse – A film created during the 48-Hour Film Project, blending Confederate heritage with engaging storytelling.
• In Hot Pursuit – A silent film made in collaboration with the United Daughters of the Confederacy.
• Rebel Journey – An upcoming cinematic adaptation of Richard Brewer’s historical fiction novel.
• Historical Documentaries – Several projects that explore Texas’ role in the Civil War, ensuring accessibility to a broad audience.

Camp #1325 has received several prestigious awards, including:

• Samuel Cooper Award – The highest website award in the SCV.
• SCV Stonewall Jackson Award – Recognizing major contributions to the National Confederate Museum at Elm Springs.
• Texas Division SCV Outstanding Camp Award – Honoring excellence in preservation and outreach.

• Participation in the Battle of Flowers Parade and Fiesta Flambeau.
• Support for Casa Navarro Historical Site.
• Sponsorship of JROTC awards in San Antonio high schools.
• Hosting the Annual Confederate Heroes Day Dinner, featuring guest speakers such as H.K. Edgerton, Donald S. Frazier, and Al Arnold.
• Maintaining a strong social media presence and expanding into digital history podcasts.
• Providing living history presentations at libraries and educational institutions.

Camp #1325 has faced its fair share of opposition, including:

• Fundraising for the Tejano Confederate Memorial Statue: Despite facing backlash, the camp successfully raised funds using innovative methods, such as livestreaming classic films.
• Media and Cyber Harassment: The camp remains committed to truth and historical integrity, countering misrepresentation through education and public engagement.
• Loss of Monuments & Markers: The removal of the Travis Park Confederate Monument and missing Texas State Historical Markers are ongoing concerns the camp continues to address through advocacy.

As the camp celebrates its 50th anniversary, it sets its sights on an ambitious future:

• Expanding historical reenactments to cover more Texas Civil War events.
• Establishing a dedicated heritage center for Confederate artifacts and public programming.
• Creating an online archive for rare Confederate-related materials.
• Advocating for additional historical markers and commemorative sites.

Through perseverance, education, and dedication, Camp #1325 stands as a testament to the power of historical preservation. Its journey is far from over—the mission continues!