Facts about the Battle of The Alamo
Long before The Alamo became renowned as a battle field, it was a mission founded by the Spanish in the 18th century – Mission San Antonio de Valero. In 1803, the mission was converted into a military barracks for the Second Flying Company of San Carlos de Parras. The site later became a Texan fort during the Texas Revolution.
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Battle and Siege of The Alamo. At the height of the Texas Revolution, Mexican troops occupied San Antonio and were plotting to move east to further Mexico’s objective of control. In the winter of 1835, a volunteer army, much like the volunteer military troops of today, of Texan and Tejano soldiers defeated the Mexican troops in San Antonio. The soldiers took control of The Alamo as their base of operations. The fierce fight for control of Texas continued throughout the region.
On February 23, 1836 Mexican President and General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and his army descended on San Antonio and The Alamo. The American soldiers, far outnumbered by the Mexican army, successfully defended the fort for nearly two weeks, yet were in dire need of more men and provisions. Colonel William Travis issued a plea for help from fellow Texans throughout the region to join his army of approximately 200 volunteers. An estimated 30 volunteers joined the campaign. [Top]
On February 23, 1836 Mexican President and General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and his army descended on San Antonio and The Alamo. The American soldiers, far outnumbered by the Mexican army, successfully defended the fort for nearly two weeks, yet were in dire need of more men and provisions. Colonel William Travis issued a plea for help from fellow Texans throughout the region to join his army of approximately 200 volunteers. An estimated 30 volunteers joined the campaign. [Top]
Quality Inn Seaworld. Quality Inn Seaworld is located just 10 miles from The Alamo. Maps and information are available at the Quality Inn Seaworld concierge desk. The Alamo is open daily, excluding December 24 – 25, from 9:00AM to 5:30PM, Monday – Saturday and from 10:00AM to 5:30PM on Sunday. Admission is free. [Top]
Visit The Alamo. The Alamo is open to the public and welcomes visitors throughout the year. Among the landmarks are the old church and a shrine that contain battle artifacts. Among those on display are a knife that belonged to knife fighter Jim Bowie and a buckskin vest worn by frontiersman David Crockett. Also open to the public are the Alamo Gardens, Wall of History and the Long Barrack Museum. Outside, a number of plaques mark significant battleground interests including the area defended by David Crockett and his group of Tennessee Volunteers, and the spot where Colonel Travis was killed. [Top]
