The Best Ways To Remember The Alamo And Why It’s Important
One of the best ways to remember the battle of the Alamo is to visit the Alamo Chapel and partake in educational and/or living history events between February 23rd and March 6th.
The Alamo has graced the pages of history books since 1843. However, most Americans are more familiar with the myths and legends told in movie and television adaptations, like the 1950s Disney miniseries Davy Crockett and John Wayne’s 1960 film The Alamo. As such, it’s important to have a clear understanding of actual events to remember The Alamo correctly.
The Battle of The Alamo took place in 1836 between February 23rd and March 6th. It was a crucial fight in the Texas Revolution. American settlers who moved west, into what is now known as Texas, wanted a republic of their own instead of being ruled by Mexico. A few months before the encounter these settlers (called Texians at that time) drove out Mexican troops from Mexican Texas.
But the Mexicans would not go quietly. On February 23, 1836, 1,500 troops led by General Antonio López de Santa Anna attacked The Alamo Mission near San Antonio de Béxar (now known as San Antonio, Texas). But the Texians only had 300 troops to defend the mission under the command of James Bowie and William B. Travis, Wonderopolis states.
Despite the Mexican troops’ overwhelming advantage in numbers, the two armies fought off and on for the next 12 days with few casualties. On March 6, however, the Mexican troops advanced on The Alamo in three separate attacks. By the end of the day, nearly all of the Texian defenders had been killed. As the news spread, remaining Texian troops along with settlers fled.
But the Texians did not give up. Infuriated by Santa Anna’s perceived cruelty during the Battle of The Alamo, other settlers inspired by revenge joined the Texian Army. With a new resolve, they defeated the Mexican Army at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. This final defeat led to the end of the Texas Revolution.
According to Wonderopolis, the Texas Legislature bought the old Alamo Mission in the early 1900s and made the Alamo chapel an official Texas State Shrine. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist sites in Texas. To commemorate the 1836 battle, folks can visit the site from February 23rd through March 6th for a variety of educational events.
Celebrations begin with an opening ceremony that honors the start of the 12-day siege leading up to the Battle of the Alamo. The official ceremony begins at 10 am. But there will be living history demonstrations of the Mexican Army interpretation from 9 am to 4 pm, San Antonio Magazine reports. More information about the free event can be found at The Alamo’s official website.
The Alamo will also host a family day over the weekend with a lineup of interactive and educational activities. This includes a cannon crew simulation, games, and more. Other daily events include the Texas Independence Day celebration, a Salute to Texas, the Alamo Observance, and an Evening with Heroes.
The celebrations end with Dawn at the Alamo which honors those who died at the Alamo on the anniversary of the 1836 battle. The reverent ceremony is hosted in Alamo Plaza by the San Antonio Living History Association. It includes live music and readings, a wreath-laying ceremony, and a musket volley.
