5 things to Remember the Alamo
Categories: History, Remembrance
Anyone who has ever visited San Antonio immediately wants to go see the Alamo. When you arrive, you almost walk by it, as it is in the heart of downtown. To Texans, however, the Alamo bears a lot more significance than just a landmark.
Several important moments in history took place within its walls. Here are a few you may or may not know about:
- Mission, Military outpost, Landmark: Most people know the Alamo was originally one of several missions in the San Antonio area, then it became a Mexican military outpost. From there, as the Mexican military felt it was no longer worth fortifying, they left and Texans made it their own fort. Texans would overtake the Alamo, which made Santa Anna re-evaluate the strategic value in the fight to take Texas. Fast forward a few years and the Battle of the Alamo later, the Alamo was used by the US Army as an outpost. Eventually it was sold to a private citizen group, then bought back by the city to turn into a historic landmark.
- Tactically acquired cannons: “Texians” or local Texas Mexicans began to create militias against Mexico and Mexico wanted to disarm the cannons from them. This is where the “Come and Take it” flag originated as the Texians had a cannon Mexico was attempting to reacquire. Eventually the cannon and the flag were taken to San Antonio.
- Line in the Sand: If you go to the Alamo grounds, you will see a metallic line in the ground. This line symbolizes the gesture of Col. William Travis, who supposedly drew the line and asked who would join him in the battle or who would not and surrender. There is no hard proof this actually happened, however, it has been a local legend for decades.
- Nearly burned to the ground: When you go to the Alamo today, most of what you are looking at is a refurbished version of the compound in its heyday. The Battle of the Alamo left the former mission in utter ruin. The walls were barely waist high, most of the chapel missing and still Santa Anna ordered the mission to be completely torn down. Yet, what was left after the Battle remained. Then rebuilt into the landmark we know today.
- World Heritage Site: In 2015, over 150 years after the Battle, the Alamo and four other San Antonio missions became a World Heritage Site. Ultimately, this means the Alamo is now deemed as important as a location like Stonehenge and the Taj Mahal when it comes to world history. Certainly a big feat if you ask us.
There are many historical battlegrounds in the United States. Although the Alamo is merely one of them, the historical value it has continues to be added to. As parts of the location of the Alamo are currently being renovated, more and more pieces to history are located.
Have you been? Drop a comment!
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Yes, I have been twice to the Alamo! It’s amazing to see & experience the history that was held there!
Was just there in September 2019 while visiting our son
i have been to the ALAMO many many times. i was born in San Antonio in 1961. i also have several distant cousins, uncles and other relatives buried at the ALAMO, they fought along side Col. William Travis, Davy Crockett, James Bowie, Juan Seguin, along with 182 to 257 other courageous men. the number of people who died is not quite accurate, according to the records that are available. TEXAS eventually won their independence after a battle in Goliad, TEXAS and finally in San Jacinto TEXAS. GOD BLESS TEXAS and REMEMBER THE ALAMO.
Actually, Those that went into the Alamo were NOT initially fighting for Independence from Mexico. When the Texian Revolution of 1836 was about the return of the Mexican Government be turned back into the hands of the People and a return to the Mexican Constitution of 1824. That explains why the Alamo flew the Mexican Tri-Color Flag with the date of 1824 written in the center of the flag when they entered the Alamo on Feb 23. It was not until the March 2nd when Texas Declared its Independence, eight days after the Siege of the Alamo began.
Why is flag colors in top picture of Alamo upside down?
Perhaps the flag is in the “Distress” position. Flags are hung upside down to signal allies that help is needed. Present day flags upside down is usually a protest, but in the 1830’s it would have been recognized as trouble.