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Written by Shirley T
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Thursday, 19 November 2009 08:32 |
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The Alamo is remembered as a heroic struggle against impossible odds. It was the battle ground where men made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. The Alamo and San Antonio played a critical role in the Texas Revolution. This is the message sent across to my mind after exploring the vicinity of The Alamo complex in the downtown of San Antonio city.
The buildings of the Alamo built by Spanish Empire in 18th century. Initially, the complex served as a chapel and missionary sanctuary to educate the local native Americans after their conversion to Christianity under the Mission San Antonio de Valero. However, after the mission was secularized in 1793, it was abandoned. Ten years later, The Alamo became a fortress housing the Spanish military and the soldiers referred this venue as 'The Alamo' in honor of their hometown Alamo de Parras in Coahuila. They also established the first recorded hospital in Texas at the Long Barrack - the one story building parallel to Alamo Street.
As time passed, The Alamo was home to both the Revolutionaries and Royalists during Mexico's 10-year struggle for independence. It was also occupied by Spanish military, Rebel and Mexican before Texas Revolution.
In December 1835, Texian and Tejano volunteers led by Ben Milam fought against Mexican troops and managed to
force General Marín Perfecto de Cós and his soldiers to surrender. These victorious volunteers then occupied the Alamo as their fort. Their victory however did not last long when Santa Anna's army arrived on February 23, 1836. The defenders held out for 13 days after Santa Anna's army laid siege to the Alamo. The final assault came at dawn of March 6, 1836. All or almost all (according to historian, one survived - Henry Warnell) the defenders were killed in The Battle of Alamo and most part of these buildings were severely damaged.
After taken over by Mexican troop, the Alamo was repaired and fortified. Following the defeat of the Mexican army's and the capture of Santa Anna in The Battle of San Jacinto, it effectively ended Texas Revolution. During their retreat, the army spiked cannons, tore down the Alamo wall and set fire throughout the complex which resulted only a few buildings survived. One of them was Long Barrack which still stands today. Chapel was left in ruins.
If you plan to visit The Alamo Complex, spare at least 4-6 hours for this historic ground. Admission is free but donation is encouraged to maintain the Alamo complex. There are a few educational sessions conducted as well to catch up with a few centuries old history. Do not miss The Shrine which serves as a museum. Covento Courtyard offers some view of the old oak, little squirrels and an ancient well.
Whilst there is on-going debate about the facts and siege of the Alamo, it remains as the hallowed ground and the Shrine of Texas Liberty.
Getting there?
300 Alamo Plaza
San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: (210) 225 1391
Opening hours:
Mon - Sat from 9am - 5:30pm and Sunday from 10am - 5:30pm (Closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
If you are looking to stay at this place you can try to do a Hotel Search
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My favourite...
San Antonio Top Attraction | The Alamo - Shrine of Texas Liberty
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