The Alamo

A historic icon in San Antonio, The Alamo is a former fortress and a Roman Catholic mission station established in 1836. In that year, during the Texan War of Independence, a relatively small number of Texan soldiers fortified themselves in the Alamo against the Santa Ana’s army of 3,000. All defenders were defeated after a 13-day battle, including the legendary Davy Crockett, William Travis, and James Bowie. While the Alamo fell to the Mexican Army, the efforts of the defenders set the stage for eventual victory over Mexico shortly thereafter, but the Alamo walls were torn down and some of the buildings burnt

After the events of the 1830s, the Alamo’s semi-ruined buildings were used as a garrison and storehouse. In 1845, the Republic of Texas enjoyed a period of Independence as its own country until the United States of America finally annexed the region as the 28th State. Over the past century, the Alamo has been restored and now a National Monument that receives over 2.5 million visitors a year, all here to see the restored mission buildings and to commemorate the fallen Texans. 

The Alamo is located in the heart of San Antonio and is conveniently easy to reach from the Interstate freeway surrounding the city. Visitors can tour the chapel, as well as the Long Barracks, which contains a small museum with paintings, weapons, and other artifacts from the era of the Texas Revolution. A large mural, known as the Wall of History, depicts the history of the Alamo complex from its mission days to modern times. These hallowed grounds have a big story to tell. The Alamo is open daily from 9:00 am – 5:30 pm.  The Alamo is also in close proximity to the River Walk and Alamo Gardens.