More than 100 slated to protest World Heritage site designation at Alamo, led by GOP candidate

The 1849 daguerreotype is the earliest datable photograph taken in Texas. It shows the front of the Alamo chapel. It is the only known photograph of the Alamo taken before the 1850 reconstruction that added the distinctive curved gable to the top of the church facade. less The 1849 daguerreotype is the earliest datable photograph taken in Texas. It shows the front of the Alamo chapel. It is the only known photograph of the Alamo taken before the 1850 reconstruction that added the ... more Photo: Briscoe Center For American History Photo: Briscoe Center For American History Image 1 of / 81 Caption Close More than 100 slated to protest World Heritage site designation at Alamo, led by GOP candidate 1 / 81 Back to Gallery

More than 100 people are expected to attend a rally at Alamo Plaza on Saturday protesting the U.N. cultural body's decision to designate the Alamo a world heritage site.

The move by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, has stoked fears of some who claim the designation will result in a U.N. takeover of the monument: as of Friday morning, about 124 people have said on Facebook that they will attend a protest decrying what they see as U.N. involvement in the shrine.

"Our position is simple: This opens the door for U.N. influence in the management and preservation of the Alamo," organizer David Watts writes on the event's Facebook page. "The Alamo is the symbol of Texas liberty and independence. There is no problem at the Alamo that requires the U.N.'s assistance."

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Watts ran in the 2014 Republican primary election for Texas land commissioner — leader of the Texas General Land Office, which oversees the Alamo — but lost to George P. Bush, who went on to win the November general election.

Watts — currently running to unseat state Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview — had some choice words for his former primary opponent over the Land Office's decision in March to terminate its contract with the Daughters of the Republic of Texas to run the Alamo.

"Adding insult to injury, under the leadership of Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush, we've kicked the Daughters of the Republic of Texas out, and cozied up to the U.N.," Watts said. "That's exactly the wrong direction."

Watts continues, "Texans across the state are incensed. The politicians did this. Now it's time for the politicians to hear from us, the people. Let's flood every square inch of the Alamo Plaza and make sure the politicians understand: The Alamo belongs to Texans, and we don't need or want the UN's help."

RELATED: Alamo City revels in World Heritage Site status

Alarm at the U.N.'s perceived takeover of the Alamo began as the cultural body mulled the designation for the shrine and four other San Antonio missions: state Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, introduced a bill earlier this year that would've banned foreign entities from owning, operating or managing the site.

"The Alamo is the story of Texas, and it should be owned, operated, maintained and controlled by Texans," Campbell said during a February committee hearing. "That commitment on the part of the Texas Legislature should be unwavering, unending and nonpartisan."

Members of the Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee shot down the bill in that same hearing.

UNESCO's website reads: "The site is the property of the country on whose territory it is located, but it is considered in the interest of the international community to protect the site for future generations."

jfechter@mySA.com

Twitter: @JFreports