The Alamo - Historic Site and Travel Review

Originally a mission called Misión San Antonio de Valero and constructed in 1724, the Alamo served as a refuge for missionaries and Indians. In the early 1800's, Spain stationed a cavalry unit at the mission and it was nicknamed "The Alamo", based on the Spanish word for cottonwood, in honor of their hometown Alamo de Parras, Coahuila.

The Alamo remained under Spanish control until 1835 when Ben Milam, leading Texan and Tejano volunteers, took it away during a five day battle. In an effort to recapture the Alamo, Mexico's General Santa Ana invaded in 1836. Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie and Colonel William Travis were among the brave group of 189 men who stood firm after crossing "the line in the sand" drawn by Travis to defend the Alamo against the Mexican invasion. At the time, Texas was still a territory owned and largely occupied by Mexicans, along with traders and businessmen who mingled with those from South of the Rio Grande. The defense of the Alamo was seen as critical to the preservation of Texas.

All 189 men perished - but not until they succumbed after a 13 day siege by a force of 4,000 men. In 1846, the U.S. fought the Mexican-American War, defeating Santa Ana and opening a huge portion of the Southwest to U.S. annexation, adding a vast region to the United States.

Today, the Alamo has come to symbolize a heroic struggle against impossible odds. Texans revere the Alamo as sacred ground and a Shrine to Texas liberty, having made the shout "Remember the Alamo" famous. As stated in the official visitor center website- "Located on Alamo Plaza in downtown San Antonio, Texas, the Alamo represents nearly 300 years of history. Three buildings - the Shrine, Long Barrack Museum and Gift Museum - house exhibits on the Texas Revolution and Texas History. Visitors are welcome to stroll through the beautiful Alamo Gardens. Just a short distance from the River Walk, the Alamo is a "must see" for all who come to San Antonio." More about the Alamo...