|
Explorers, Scientists &
Inventors
Musicians, Painters &
Artists
Poets, Writers &
Philosophers
Native Americans & The Wild
West
First Ladies
Popes
Troublemakers
Historians
Archaeologists
Royal Families
Tribes & Peoples
Assassinations in History
Who
got slain, almost slain, when, how,
why, and by whom?
Go to the
Assassination Archive
Online History Dictionary A - Z
All-Time Records in
History
What was the
bloodiest battle, the battle with the least
casualties, who was the greatest military leader?
Go to
Records in History
|
|
The Alamo in 1849
Siege of the Alamo — Feb 23-Mar 6,
1836
Alamo is Spanish and means
cottonwood.
|
|
The Alamo is a building in San Antonio, Texas. It was built around
1744 as a chapel for the Franciscan Mission San Antonio de Valero.
By the time of the
Texan War of Independence the
Franciscans had already moved out.
About the Image at the Top
From the Briscoe Center for American History:
"The 1849 daguerreotype is the earliest datable photograph taken in Texas. It shows the front of
the Alamo chapel. It is the only known photograph of the Alamo taken before the 1850 reconstruction
that added the distinctive curved gable to the top of the church facade."
Why Did the Mexican Army Attack the Alamo?
To regain control of Texas and suppress
the Texan rebellion.
The Alamo's importance stemmed from its role as an early-warning station and a barrier to enemy advances. It
was one of two forts (along with Presidio La Bahía at Goliad) that blocked major approaches into Texas.
Santa Anna's forces sought to eliminate this strategic obstacle and pave the way for
their campaign to reassert Mexican control over the rebellious Texas territory.
|
Who Fought the Battle of the Alamo?
The Mexicans, led by
General Antonio López de Santa Anna, fought around 180 Texan revolutionaries.
Among the Texians were Colonel William B. Travis, Colonel James
Bowie, and
Davy
Crockett.
And there was some tension between James Bowie and William B. Travis at the Alamo. The conflict arose shortly
after Travis's arrival:
When Lieutenant Colonel James Clinton Neill departed on furlough, he left Travis in charge as acting post commander.
This decision unintentionally slighted Bowie, who was older and more experienced.
Apart from that, the Alamo's volunteers, accustomed to electing their officers, resented having
Travis appointed as their commander. They insisted on an election, which resulted in a split vote along
party lines - regulars for Travis, volunteers for Bowie.
The night after the election, Bowie engaged in disorderly conduct, including a drunken
carousal through the town, confiscating private property, and releasing convicted felons from jail. This
behavior appalled Travis, who refused to take responsibility for Bowie's actions.
To resolve the tension, Bowie and Travis reached a compromise: Bowie would command the volunteers, while
Travis would lead the regulars. They agreed to co-sign all orders and correspondence until Neill's return.
This arrangement helped them overcome their initial conflicts and work together in the face of the impending
Mexican attack.
Was Everybody in the Alamo Killed?
Not everyone inside the Alamo was killed during the battle on March 6, 1836.
While it is commonly believed that no adult male Anglo-Texan defenders survived, there were
indeed several survivors among the non-combatants and a few soldiers. Reports indicate that
at least 14 to 19 individuals managed to escape death during the assault, including women,
children, and Travis' slave, Joe, who was shot but survived.
Among the notable survivors were Susanna Dickinson and her infant daughter Angelina, who hid
during the attack, as well as Juana Navarro Alsbury and her family members.
Other survivors included several Tejano women and children, such as Mrs. Gregorio Esparza
and her children.
Additionally, a man named Brigido Guerrero survived by convincing Mexican officers that he
had been held captive by the Texians.
These survivors later provided valuable eyewitness accounts of the events that transpired.
And here is the map
DEFENSE OF THE ALAMO
Click map to enlarge
More History
|
