The Alamo is certainly at the top of any visitor's "must see" list for San Antonio. Located just minutes away from the River Walk, the Alamo is one of America's most treasured historical structures. Over 2.5 million people visit the Alamo every year. There are original structures dating back to the mission period, a gift museum, a library, beautiful gardens and the chance to see a narration on the history and eventual fall of the Alamo.
The story of the Alamo dates back to the Spanish conquistadors who came to Texas in the early 17th century in search of treasure, followed in l690 by the Franciscan friars, who came in search of souls for Christ. The Mission San Antonio de Valero, which later became known as the Alamo, was the earliest of the 38 missions established by these friars.
The Alamo consisted of church, granary, Indian quarters, textile shops, blacksmith, tannery, irrigated farmland and ranch. The Long Barrack across the front of the complex was approximately 12 ft. high. The interior of the church (the building known as Alamo), had not yet been completed. In 1793, after secularization by Spanish officials, the mission lands were distributed among the Indians who continued the farming tradition.
In early 1800s, the Spanish military stationed a Calvary unit at the former mission, calling it the Alamo ("cottonwood" in honor of hometown Alamo de Parras, Coahuila). The first recorded hospital in Texas was established in the Long Barrack. The Spanish, Rebel, and then Mexican armies occupied the Alamo until the Texas Revolution.
A surprise attack on February 23, 1836 caused the Alamo to be surrounded by the armies of Gen. Antonio López de Santa Anna . A famous 13-day siege took place when 189 soldiers under the command of William B. Travis including Jim Bowie and David Crockett refused to give up the fort. Their tenacious fight and eventual sacrifice have come to symbolize courage and sacrifice for the cause of Liberty.
Amazingly, most of the surrounding areas of the mission are open to the public. Today, the Alamo consists of shrine, museum, library and courtyard. One recent development at the Alamo was the discovery of frescos on the wall of the chapel (room inside church where it is believed women and children hid during the siege). It is currently under preservation efforts.
Greater
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