The events that took place at the Alamo are some of the most famous in American history. With participants such as Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett, it is not difficult to see why; however, the history of the mission is even more fascinating than most realize. Today, the remnants of the mission sit amidst the bustling city of San Antonio, but still offers visitors an educational experience that is not to be missed.
History
Beginning around 1716, the Spanish government began to establish Catholic churches, or missions, in East Texas. The purpose was to use these missions as a central location to convert local natives to Christianity and to a degree, strengthen Spanish influence and control in the region. One such mission was Mission San Antonio de Valero, which would later become famous as the “Alamo” in 1836.
Mission San Antonio de Valero was established at its current location in 1724, after moving twice since it was first established in 1718. Although a stone convento (convent- a place for the priests to reside) was constructed immediately, it would take decades for other structures to be finished and in fact, construction of the mission church was never completed.
During its years as an active mission, priests stationed at San Antonio de Valero worked to convert indigenous natives to Catholicism. Spanish missions were never meant to be permanent (the goal was to eventually secularize them and establish communities around them) and accordingly, Mission San Antonio de Valero and four other nearby missions were secularized in 1793. That same year, the Catholic Church relinquished control of the mission, which became its own community then known as “Pueblo de Valero.”
By the turn of the 19th-century, the relative peace the region experienced quickly evaporated. French Louisiana and the new American republic acted as potential threats, as the Spanish Army began to establish a heavy presence in the region. In 1803, the former Mission San Antonio de Valero became a Spanish military fortress, occupied by a Spanish cavalry unit known as “La Segunda Compania Volante de San Carlos de Alamo de Parras,” or the “Alamo Company” (named for their hometown, Alamo de Parras). The former mission proved to be a useful place to fortify and the convent was even turned into barracks for the soldiers.
Even after Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821 after 11 years of fighting, the Alamo Company continued to occupy the former mission (they actually remained on site until 1835!). During the first decade of Mexican independence, the nation struggled to establish a lasting government. Due to the constant political turmoil and Texas’ distance from the Mexican capital, the region was easily flooded by Americans, who sought to settle and prosper on the open lands. For years, the people of Texas enjoyed freedom and autonomy from the Mexican government; however, the election of Antonio López de Santa Anna as president in 1833 changed everything.
Santa Anna cracked down on the stream of immigrants and the freedoms that Texans enjoyed over the years, which sparked an essential civil war and pushed Texas to pursue independence. In response to Santa Anna’s designs, Texas joined with the neighboring state of Coahuila and formed the state “Coahuila y Texas.” The Texas Revolution officially began on October 2, 1835, when Texans in the town of Gonzales engaged with members of the Mexican Army. Interestingly, the 100 Mexican dragoons sent to Gonzales intended to take back a cannon that was provided to the town for defense, which was somewhat similar to how the American Revolution began in Concord. In the wake of this unexpected fight, the Mexican forces retreated to San Antonio, closely followed by the emboldened Texans. By late October, the Texans had successfully laid siege and captured San Antonio.
On February 23, 1836, General Santa Anna and his Mexican army arrived at the Texan-held town of San Antonio de Bexár, with the goal of scattering the Texans and crushing the rebellion. In the face of this imposing force, the Texans retreated into the fortified Alamo and prepared for a fight. After a brief parlay, 26-year-old Alamo commander, William Travis, fired an 18-pounder (one of 18 cannon in the Alamo), which signaled the beginning of the siege.
When the siege began, the Alamo was manned by approximately 150 Texans and under the joint command of William Travis and James Bowie. After the siege began, Travis managed to release a letter, which called for reinforcements. In response to Travis’ letter, 32 men from the nearby town of Gonzales came to support the garrison at the Alamo on March 1st. The very next day, Texas officially declared its independence from Mexico.
On the 13th day of the siege, the Mexican Army prepared for a multi-pronged assault against the Texan defenders. Around 5:30am, nearly 2,000 soldiers from Santa Anna’s army carried out an assault on the Alamo. After the Texans thwarted two assaults, a third overwhelmed the defenders and Mexican soldiers scaled the walls. In response, the defenders fell back to the chapel and barracks, as previously planned.
After approximately 90 minutes of fighting, the greatly outnumbered Texans were finally defeated. When the smoke settled, every Texan defender was killed, to include Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie (who likely died in bed). In total, it is estimated that there were between 182-257 Texans killed; however, there were noncombatants (women and children) who were not killed and survived the ordeal. Although exact numbers are not known, it believed that the Mexican army suffered a few hundred casualties (perhaps between 400 – 600).
After the battle, the bodies of the Texan defenders were stacked and burned (the exact location is not precisely known). Just over one month later, Sam Houston and his army defeat Santa Anna’s forces in the Battle of San Jacinto shouting the battle cry: “Remember the Alamo!”
Interesting Facts
- Since 1915, there have been at least 8 movies made about the Alamo. This includes the 1955 hit “Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier” starring Fess Parker, the 1960 film “The Alamo” starring John Wayne, and the 2004 film “The Alamo,” starring Billy Bob Thornton
- While most of the defenders were killed during the siege and attack, there were nearly 20 women and children who survived and were spared (they were allowed to return home). Additionally, William Travis’ slave, Joe, survived
- The letter written by William Travis on February 24, 1836, which called for assistance and stated the defenders noble stand, was ended with the words “victory or death”
Our Visit & Recommendations
The Alamo (300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, Texas) is appropriately known as “the cradle of Texas liberty.” In 1836, what we know as the Alamo was a fairly large walled-off compound that included multiple buildings, the chapel, and over 5 acres of open ground; however, the only original structures that remain today are the Chapel and Long Barrack. To be honest, when we first approached the Alamo, it was quite remarkable to see such a small and historic site tucked amidst the bustle of a city (it was somewhat reminiscent of the first time we saw Independence Hall in Philadelphia or the Old State House in Boston). Thankfully, citizens have worked over the years to preserve the remaining structures, to include the iconic chapel.
If you wish to tour the Alamo Chapel, it is actually free to enter; however, a timed entry does need to be reserved. If you desire a guided tour or a self-guided audio tour, that can be booked for a fee. For hours and additional information, check out their website here. Because of the time we arrived, we weren’t able to explore inside the chapel, but to be honest, it was just as enjoyable walking about the former interior of the Alamo (now known as Alamo Plaza).
Even if you are unable to tour the inside of the chapel, there are numerous things around the building and Alamo Plaza that tell the story of the historic site. Right in front of the chapel is a reconstructed portion of a wooden wall/palisade, which shows how the defenders would’ve set up one of the cannons to fire upon the attacking Mexican forces.
Additionally, there are multiple tablets and interpretive signs in the area, which explain the history of the mission, town, and of course, the siege and attack on the Alamo in 1836. Be sure not to miss the three large tablets placed in the grass in front of the Alamo Chapel!
Throughout Alamo Plaza there are a few statues, monuments, and various miniature depictions of what the mission looked like over the years. Perhaps my favorite display is the sculpture of Davy Crockett (by George Lundeen), which stands across from the Alamo Church. This bronze life-size statue shows Davy Crockett casually holding a rifle over his shoulders and clad in his iconic buckskin shirt and coonskin hat.
Not far from this statue are two replica 4 pound cannons made of iron. These are actually made to represent two similar cannon that were discovered in 1852 near the northwest corner of the Alamo. Although they were found on the site, research shows that they were likely not used in the battle, most likely due to the lack of proper gun carriages.
The most prominent feature within Alamo Plaza is the Alamo Cenotaph Monument, which looms over the historic site. This powerful monument is also appropriately known as “The Spirit of Sacrifice,” in honor of the defenders who died at the Alamo. In 1936 on the 100th anniversary of the battle of the Alamo, the state of Texas put up $100,000 to construct a monument to commemorate the event and those who perished. On November 11, 1940, this monument was officially dedicated.
The 60-foot-tall monument is made of grey Georgia marble and pink Texas granite, which stands atop a 40 foot by 12 foot base. Along the side you will notice 187 names inscribed, which are the names of the known defenders of the Alamo. Interestingly, further research has shown that some of the names inscribed were not actually at the Alamo and conversely, there are undoubtedly defenders whose names do not appear on the monument. Nevertheless, it is a remarkable tribute to such a gallant group of individuals.
For the evening, we decided to head down to San Antonio’s famous River Walk, which offers beautiful views and outstanding restaurants. As we walked in that direction, we passed a tablet that was imbedded into the side of a stone wall, which caught our eye. By complete accident, we found the approximate location where the bodies of the Alamo defenders were burned on a funeral pyre! Of course, the exact burial location (if any) of the defenders remains is unknown.
We spent the rest of the evening meandering up and down the unique River Walk while admiring the passing boats and listening to the eclectic live music coming from each restaurant. Many visitors may not realize the interesting history of the River Walk, so here is a brief history:
In 1921, San Antonio experienced a devastating flood, which took the lives of 51 people. In response, the city planned on creating a dam and paving over the portion of river within the city (creating a storm drain) to avoid future disasters. Thankfully, local architect Robert Hugman presented a design in 1926 to capitalize on the river, while making it safe for the city as well. Although it took many years to find traction and funding, the project gained steam in the 1940s. By 1946, the restaurant Casa Rio (which we had a wonderful dinner at) opened as the first restaurant on the riverfront. Multiple updates and expansions happened in the 1960s and 1980s and today, the river walk is 15 miles in length land has numerous businesses, restaurants, and hotels.
