Walking the rooms of the Alamo, one is possessed with a solemn understanding of what occurred there. The presence of Texan heroes is almost felt on the grounds of the sacred monument. While the phrase, “Remember the Alamo!” is common knowledge for Texans, many may not understand what actually occurred there in the fight for Texan independence.
The Alamo, originally named Misión San Antonio de Valero, housed Catholic missionaries and their Indian converts for almost seventy years before the Spanish government turned all of the mission lands over to the native population in 1793.
The First Military Presence at the Alamo
The first military presence at the mission historians know of was the Spanish cavalry which stationed units there in the early 1800s. The soldiers there are those responsible for the mission’s modern name. “Alamo” is Spanish for cottonwood and it was named for the hometown of many of the soldiers: Alamo de Parras, Coahuila.
The site was alternatively occupied by the Spanish, rebel and Mexican armies while Mexico fought for its own independence from Spain.
The Siege of the Alamo
On February 23, 1836, General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and his troops arrived outside of San Antonio where they caught the Texian and Tejano volunteers who were quartered there by surprise.
The mission-fort was held for a total of thirteen days. On the eighth day of the siege, thirty-two volunteers from Gonzales arrived to aid those in the Alamo. After these reinforcements had arrived, it was apparent that they would not be receiving more.
According to legend, William B. Travis, the commander of the Alamo drew a line in the sand stating that those who were willing to fight should step over the line. Reportedly, every man but one crossed it. They were willing to defend the Alamo to the death as it was important to the defense of Texas.
The final attack on the Alamo began before dawn on March 6, 1836 and was over before the sun rose that day. The Mexican army was victorious and the Texans were slaughtered. Of those brave men, Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie were present.
Today, only portions of the mission exist. The Long Barrack, constructed from 1724 to 1744 is the only portion of the mission left today which reveals the time when the mission was used solely for military purposes. The most recognizable building of the mission is the church, known as the Alamo. Construction on the original building began in 1744, but after walls collapsed in 1756, repairs were no longer made after 1762. In 1850, the U. S. Army began rebuilding the ruins and for the first time, the Alamo enjoyed the luxury of a complete roof.
The call “Remember the Alamo!” was heard at conflicts such as the Battle of San Jacinto and became the rally cry for all Texans as they fought for their independence from Mexico. May the Alamo always be remembered.
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