Erected in grateful recognition of the supreme acct of heroism of the thirty two men from Gonzales who gave their lives in the Alamo in response to the appeal of Travis.
San Antonio and the Alamo played a critical role in the Texas Revolution. In December 1835, Texians and Tejano volunteers battled Mexican troops quartered in the city, forcing General Martin Perfecto de Cos to surrender. The victorious volunteers then occupied the Alamo and strengthened its defenses.
On February 23, 1836, the arrival of General Antonio Lopez Santa Anna nearly caught them by surprise. Undaunted, the Texians and Tejanos prepared to defend the Alamo. William B. Travis, the commander of the Alamo, sent out couriers carrying pleas for help.
On the eight day of the siege, a band of 32 volunteers from Gonzales arrived, bringing the number of defenders to nearly two hundred. Even though outnumbered ten-to-one, Travis’ men believed the Alamo was the key to the defense of Texas, and they were willing to defend the post to the last man. Among the Alamo’s garrison were James Bowie, renowned knife fighter, and David Crockett, famed frontiersman and former Tennessee congressman.
The final assault came before daybreak on the morning of March 6, 1836, the thirteenth day of the siege. Cannon and small arms fire from inside the Alamo beat back several Mexican attacks. Regrouping, Santa Ana’s soldiers scaled the walls and rushed into the compound. The desperate struggle continued until the defenders were overwhelmed. By sunrise, the battle had ended and the garrison slain.
While the facts surrounding the siege of the Alamo continue to be debated, there is no doubt what the battle has come to symbolize. People worldwide continue to remember the Alamo as a heroic struggle against overwhelming odds- a place where men made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. For this reason the Alamo remains hallowed ground and the shrine of Texas Liberty.
ht: THEALAMO.ORG
I’m linking up for Tuesday’s Treasures hosted by Tom The Backroads Traveler.
I was pleased that the Alamo was walking distance from our hotel during our short stay in San Antonio. No photos were allowed inside the Alamo and proper respect was required. I also visited the cathedral where some of the remains of the Alamo heroes are entombed. I’ll share more photos of the San Fernando Cathedral soon.
I’ll also be linking up to signs, signs with Lesley on Wednesday.
I was melting yesterday in the unseasonable heat we had here in the Seattle area. Our poor Spring plants don’t know what to make of it! I am thankful that we didn’t have the sauna like humidity that we experienced in San Antonio, though.
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
Certainly a humbling piece of American history. Bless them
MB
O, I am so thrilled that you got to see our beautiful Alamo…I am so so proud of it.
NOW…if you and Dear haven’t seen the olden movie, THE ALAMO, starring who else but JOHN WAYNE…I think you may really enjoy it while being at the Alamo is so fresh…rent the movie, pop some corn, have a Coke and snuggle down and enjoy it. xoxo
I went here in the 90’s and just loved it! Thank you for reminding me that I should take Sweet Guy here when we attend a wedding in the area in June.
Happy Tuesday my friend!
Ellen, I visited the Alamo in 1991, it was a wonderful visit. There are so many treasure around us. Thanks for joining and hurry back soon.
I can sense the respect and historical significance of this place in your post, Ellen. Wonderful photos and details. Thanks for sharing!
My hubby loves historical movies and we have watched several about this stunning event. I can’t even imagine. I love when you get to travel and all you share.
So interesting to see more of and read more about the Alamo. Thank you!
I so remember walking through that front door and it gave me a feeling of being in a sacred place. Loved San Antonio.
This is a beautiful historic building. It’s also from a time when “hero” meant something. The word is now overused, and has lost its meaning.
You weren’t too far from Del Rio, where my wife and I live. Blessings!
What a wonderful post….loved reading the story. These were TRUE heroes.
I visited the Alamo about 10 years ago when I accompanied my husband to a business conference in San Antonio. I loved the city, especially the River Walk, and the history of the Alamo.
A Texas Treasure indeed! Great photos of this famous historical site! Stay cool over there!
Thank you for this piece of history, which I didn’t know.
Wil, ABCW team
What a remarkable building, Ellen. Wonderful photos.
What?! They were on public display for a year? Now that is bizarre.
That is pretty creepy.
Wow, very nice tour. Thanks.
My SIGNS, SIGNS
There is some debate about whose remains are that sarcophagus in the San Fernando Cathedral. Fine post about the Alamo in San Antonio. I go there every time I am in San Antonio. John Wayne shot the movie The Alamo in Brackettville, TX about 90 miles west of San Antonio. Until about four years ago the movie set was open to the public, but the Happy Shahan ranch has been sold, and Alamo Village is no longer open to the public. My family was involved in the making of this movie.
That is so interesting. Thanks for sharing your families history with the movie.
What an interesting place!
The Texas heat is really something! Especially in the summer – and AUGUST is miserable!!
I have been a follower of Mennonite Girls Can Cook for Years as well as of Judy at My Front Porch! Thank you for the link to this blog! I signed up to follow by email!
I have always loved the Alamo…it’s importance in history, and its larger than life heroes. I have visited several times, and loved it each time. I’ve also been to the cathedral where the remains are housed, and found that also very moving. Great post. You got some great photos!