The Battle of the Alamo

The Battle of the Alamo was fought between February 23 and March 6, 1836. It was one of the most decisive battles fought during the Texas Revolution. The Battle of the Alamo can also be referred to as the Battle of San Jacinto. Americans call it the former, and the Mexicans call it the latter. The battle began as part of a 13 day siege at the mission in San Antonio, Texas. The siege was controlled by Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. This siege caught the attention of the United States government. Sam Houston (from Tennessee) decided to send some men down to the Texas territory to put down this rebellion. These men were led by James Bowie. Houston told Bowie to destroy the Alamo when he got there. He could not however, because the Mexicans had laid siege to it. Bowie called for reinforcements, so Houston sent William B. Travis and Davy Crockett. The plan for both sides was to launch an all out assault on the Alamo. The Mexican army was the first to lay siege to the Alamo. Santa Anna stationed his troops around the outer perimeter of the Alamo. Travis knew he needed reinforcements, so he broke up his army into different regiments. One regiment was driven back to the prairie by the Mexicans, but on March 4th one regiment (led by Davy Crockett) was able to penetrate the Alamo. Both sides now realized that a battle was eminent. Fighting began on the morning of March 5th. Fighting occurred both inside and outside the Alamo. The Mexicans were the first to attack. They killed the American guards in their sleep, and ran into the Alamo yelling "Viva Santa Anna." The Americans were at a disadvantage because they were essentially cornered, with no where to go. Many soldiers, including William Travis, died while leaning over the Alamo wall trying to get an accurate shot directed toward the Mexicans. The Mexicans attacked a total of three times on the first day of fighting. The second and final day of fighting took place primarily inside the Alamo. Like the first day, the U.S. troops were cornered. Many retreated to the barracks and chapel, and fired through holes in the walls. Others escaped over the wall, and headed for the prairie. All of these men were most likely killed, or captured and then killed. The last U.S. regiment that was left standing was led by Davy Crockett. As was mentioned above Travis had been killed, and Bowie had died while lying sick in bed, he saw no action during the battle. Crockett however decided to take control of the battle as best he could. He and his group of men had run out of ammunition sometime during the battle, and were forced to use their guns as clubs. The Mexicans however were able to drive Crockett and his men back into the Alamo, where they most likely were killed. The Mexicans then raised their nation's flag signaling victory. The Mexican army had killed every U.S. soldier. The Battle of the Alamo was a complete catastrophe for the United States.

Above is a picture of Sam Houston.

Above is a picture of William B. Travis.

Above is a picture of Jim Bowie.

Above is a picture of Davy Crockett.

Above is a picture of Mexican General Santa Anna.

The Battle of the Alamo was made into a movie in 1960. Starring John Wayne as Davy Crockett, the movie does a good job of depicting the events leading up to the battle, as well as the battle itself.

Above is the Alamo as it looks today.

Stay tuned for more blog posts about tales from Tennessee and beyond.