The Heroic History of the Battle of Alamo

The Battle of Alamo was a battle that took place on March 6, 1836, between rebelling Texans and the Mexican army. The Alamo was a fortified church in the middle of San Antonio. This church was defended by 200 Texans. The chief of these rebellious Texans was Lt. Colonel William Travis. This 200 man army protecting this old mission was being faced down by a massive Mexican army who was led by President and General Antonio Lopez de Sanata Anna.

One interesting historical note is worth mentioning. Although the Texas Revolution is usually anticipated to have been stirred up by Anglo immigrants who moved into Texas in the 1820's and 1830's, this is not entirely the case. There were many native Mexican Texans, known as Tejanos, who supported individuality. There were about a dozen or so Tejanos at the Alamo: they fought courageously and died with their friends.

On October 2, 1835 the first shots of this revolution were fired in the town of Gonzales. In December, rebellious Texans attacked and captured San Antonio. Many of the leaders of these Texans felt that San Antonio was not worth loosing men over defending. San Antonio was a good bit away from the Texas rebel’s base in eastern Texas. General Houston told a former resident by the name of Jim Bowie to destroy the Alamo and then retreat back to east Texas with the rest of the men. Jim thought that he can stay at the Alamo and fortify it instead. Even with a small number of Texans he still had faith in them. He felt that their accurate rifles and a small amount of cannons would hold the city against greater odds.

Around February, a guy by the name of Lt. Colonel William Travis arrived with about 40 men. James Neill, another head leader at the Alamo, had more power over Travis so t...

... middle of paper ...

...Mexicans made a statement at the Battle of Alamo. The Texans showed their commitment to being independent. The Texans were willing to lie down their life to be independent and for other people to be independent. Santa Anna and the Mexicans proved that they could accept the challenge to take on the rebellious Texans.

Today, the Battle of the Alamo has attained legendary status, particularly in Texas. The defenders are remembered as great heroes. Crockett, Bowie, Travis and Bonham all have many things named after them, including cities, counties, parks, schools and more. Even men like Bowie, who in life was a con man, brawler and slave trader, were redeemed by their heroic death at the Alamo.

Works Cited

1. "The Battle of the Alamo." About.com Latin American History. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Dec. 2013.

3. "The Battle of the Alamo." Welcome. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Dec. 2013.