San Antonio is one of the diverse, intriguing and dynamic cities of Texas. It is particularly attractive to tourists because it is rich in great cultural tradition as well as a progressive contemporary entertainment scene. Tourists can spend the afternoon at a major historic landmark like the Alamo and then spend their evenings at a great play or dancing in a great nightclub, along with a number of other options.
The Alamo is one of the nation's great symbolic landmark treasures and numerous people visit San Antonio every year to spend sometime exploring this historic battleground. The Alamo's history dates back to long before the infamous battle for which it will now always be remembered. Construction of the post on the present site began in 1724 after it was established as a mission and home for converted Indians. It was originally named the Mission San Antonio de Valero, which it was known as for many years. After 1793 when the Spanish officials secularized the five known missions in the San Antonio region, the men and women that lived there remained and continued to work and farm the area. Then in the early 1800s the Spanish army established an outpost where the former mission had been. The newly established outpost was destined to play a critical role in the Texas Revolution.
MISSION VALLEY
The events of the fateful battle began to develop and then escalate after the 1835 conflict with the Mexican troops in the city. Ben Milam led a group of volunteers to fight the Mexicans in a five day battle which led to the Mexican's surrender. However, in February of 1836 General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's army arrived with more troops and surprised the volunteers. However, they fought and the battle continued for 13 days. William B. Travis sent out a request for help and by the 8th day 32 more volunteers arrived. This increased the total number of volunteers to around 200. Men were willing to come and fight because the Alamo was viewed as the key to Texas' defense. David Crockett and Jim Bowie were among those who were fighting there.
The end of the battle came in March of that year when a new supply of Mexican soldiers arrived and attempted to scale the walls of the post. The volunteers fought back and were able to hold them off for a while, until they were overwhelmed by the larger force. The Mexican soldiers were successful in getting into the post and turned a cannon on the Long Barrack and the church. By the morning of March 7, 1836 the battle was over and General Santa Anna entered the Alamo to survey the scene.
The Alamo and the famous battle that occurred there are known throughout the world and symbolize the struggle for independence and freedom. This is a particularly important landmark to Texans who recognize it as their will to make the ultimate sacrifice for their freedom.
Alamo Monument in San Antonio MISSION VALLEY
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