"Suddenly, I Could See...Beyond the Cliffs": March 6th, 1836....the Alamo "goes down"...

The Original Design of "The Alamo"

This is one of the best known American battles within our country itself. The Story of Alamo has been told through numerous generations and will always be regarded as the battle that freed Texas, for through it's tragic defeat by the Mexican Army, it's echo of courage and bravery brought an ultimate victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, which freed Texas from Mexican rule...ignited by the famous cry of Sam Houston, "Remember the Alamo!"

The Alamo was built by the Spanish Empire in 1744. The original Alamo was basically a sanctuary with surrounding buildings. It's original use was to educate Native Americans about Catholicism and Christianity.
The mission was originally named San Antonio de Valero, and in 1793, the mission was actually abandoned because the Christian outreach to the surrounding Native Americans had reached its completion. It was left empty for approximately 10 years, and in 1803 it became a fortress for the Mexican Army. It was at this time the mission was referred to as "The Alamo."

The Alamo went through a series of "ownerships ", even becoming a hospital and known for a time as the first hospital of San Antonio.
It was in 1835, the Alamo was soon to gain recognition that would echo throughout American history. In December 1835, General Martin Perfecto de Cos and his Mexican army surrendered at the Alamo, and General Sam Houston of the "Republic of Texas" sent Col. James Bowie to San Antonio to destroy the Alamo, because there was not enough American manpower to defend it. Bowie chose to ignore the orders, and with the help of Col. James Neill, did what they could to fortify the mission. He then requested back-up, because it had become a common belief at the time the war with Mexico was over, and all Mexican forces had retreated from Texas.

In ended up approximately 100 men were left to fortify the Alamo, and on February 3rd, 1836 Col. Travis arrived commissioned to the Alamo along with 18 men, and then Davy Crockett and his entourage arrived on February 8th. In all, there were 185 men were at the Alamo to defend against General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna of the Mexican Army.
Santa Anna was upset the Mexican Gen. Cos had given up the Alamo, and was equally upset the Mexican people living in the area did not rise up and fight the Americans. So, he swore vengeance to the Alamo, and approximately 5000 of the Mexican Army attacked 185 Americans defending the fortress on February 23rd, 1836.
Col. James Neil had sought for reinforcements earlier but did not receive any, had to leave the Alamo shortly before the siege began because of family illness, with intentions of returning in 20 days, then gave the command to Col.Travis.
The Mexican Army blocked the water supply to the Alamo, an irrigation ditch leading into the Alamo, and the siege lasted approximately 13 days. The siege came to an end on March 6th, 1836, with the final battle beginning around 5:30 am and lasting approximately 90 minutes, the battle being over by 7:00 am.
All of the men defending the Alamo were killed, and their bodies were piled up and burned. Although it was labeled a victory by the lopsided number of the Mexican Army, it turned out to be the inspiration for the freedom of the Republic of Texas, leading to the victory at San Jacinto that destroyed the Mexican Army of Santa Anna, led by Gen. Sam Houston, this battle lasting only 18 minutes with the battle cry that has been heard through time from the voice of Gen. Sam Houston himself, "Remember the Alamo!" One particular note to remember, there were 85 Mexicans in the Alamo that gave their lives as well in fighting for the freedom of the "Republic of Texas".

After the battle of the Alamo, it was fortified for a short while by the Mexican army. After Santa Anna's defeat at San Jacinto only a few months later, the Mexican troops agreed to leave the Alamo...and Texas! As they retreated, many parts of the Alamo were destroyed, even some of the rubble being sold as souvenirs to whoever would want it.
In 1843, the new Republic of Texas returned the Alamo to the Catholic church, and even when Texas was declared a state, the Alamo was in ruins and overgrown with weeds.

In 1892, the "Daughters of the Republic of Texas", began to try and preserve the Alamo. They actually became the permanent custodians of the property, but much disagreement arose as to how to restore the facility. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept. also made an attempt to restore the Alamo, but was unsuccessful.

Today, the Alamo has been repaired and made into a museum, with over 4 million people visiting the famous "old mission" each year. It has received great popularity but its original state has been severely altered since the days of the Revolution.....

The Alamo today.....

Note of interest: By the late 1800's, Davy Crockett, the great American frontiersman, who along with his men gave their lives at the Alamo, had been all but forgotten.
Then, in the 1950's, Walt Disney began a T.V. series entitled: "Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier", starring Fess Parker, and Crockett's fame was fueled throughout America. I think every child in America during the 60's and beyond have not gone through childhood with out receiving this gift somewhere along the way: