History of The Alamo

The great battle of the Alamo lasted 13 days from February 23 – March 6, 1836. Texas wanted independence from Mexico. On February 23, 1836,  General Antonio López de Santa Anna's army  arrived outside San Antonio nearly caught them by surprise. Fearlessly, the Texians and Tejanos prepared to defend the Alamo together. The defenders held out for 13 days against Santa Anna's army. Colonel Travis immediate sent a request to Gonzales for assistance. On the second day Travis assumes all command over the Alamo (considering Bowie becomes too ill to still serve as co-commander) and Santa Anna ordered an artillery battery constructed on the west side of the river On the third day a two hour engagement occurs when Santa Anna’s troops attempt to occupy picket and thatch huts located near the southwest corner of the compound. Members of the garrison venture out and burn the huts this night. Santa Anna’s soldiers construct artillery batteries south of the Alamo. The next 3 days the Alamo and its defenders endure cannonade, batteries and entrenchment from Santa Anna. The next four days are spent still under a siege bracing against a second cold front, Mexican troops position themselves on the eastern side of the Alamo and a relief column from Gonzales arrives, responding to Travis’ pleas for help. Throughout the 10th, 11th and 12th day of the siege Santa Anna orders his artillery batteries moved closer to the Alamo and gets an additional 1,100 troops. Santa Anna announces to his officials and troops the night before March 6th, 1836 that they attack in the morning.  On March 6th, 1836 Santa Anna gives the order to attack just before dawn. After a bloody 90-minute battle, the Alamo falls. Santa Anna orders the bodies of the slain defenders burned.

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