A post office has been in operation at Alamo since 1905.[5] The community was named in commemoration of the Battle of the Alamo.[6] A large share of the first settlers were Mormons.[7]
Alamo banned alcohol sales due to the religious roots and principles of the settlers. Many of the residents are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and their faith "preaches abstinence from alcohol".[8] In 2022, the town board proposed allowing alcohol sales in gas stations and supermarkets but continue to restrict bars.[8]
Alamo attracts tourists and truckers traveling from Las Vegas to northern Nevada and Idaho. Attractions include the nearby warm springs, wildlife refuge, Extraterrestrial Highway and Area 51. Gas stations in Alamo cater to these tourists by offering alien memorabilia. There are two truck stops, the Alamo Sinclair, the Ash Springs Shell, that offer large diesel filling areas to attract passing truckers. There are also two open motels in Alamo, the Alamo Inn and Sunset View Inn.
Alamo has a police force, a volunteer fire department, phone and internet services, a medical clinic, and a public library. Pahranagat Valley Federal Credit Union offers financial services to residents. Alamo's first radio station, KQLN 91.3 FM, went on the air on November 17, 2010, but the station's license was cancelled at licensee's request, effective on July 2, 2013.
