The Battle Of The Alamo & Texas Revolution

On October 28, 1835, as the Texan Army lay siege to San Antonio, a group of Texans and the Mexican Army clashed at Mission Concepción. Once again the Mexican Army was defeated, with over 50 casualties and loss of a cannon.

On November 26, 1835, the Texan Army once again defeated the Mexican Army in the Grass Fight, a battle that involved the Texans thinking the Mexican Army was bringing the army payroll to San Antonio. Instead, the arriving troops were bringing grass/hay for the cavalry.

In expectation of a counter-attack, the Texans began to fortify both the Alamo and the town. Because San Antonio de Bexár was located on the main roads leading into Texas, it was of strategic importance in maintaining supply lines as well as communications.

The Alamo had 18 serviceable cannons and approximately 150 men at the start of the 13-day siege. On February 24, 1836, the garrison was surrounded and the Texan Army at the Alamo was outnumbered. On March 2, 1836, Texas declared its independence from Mexico.

On February 24, 1836, with the Texan Army at the Alamo outnumbered, William B. Travis wrote a passionate plea for aid for the Alamo garrison. He ended the letter “Victory or Death” – the only outcome this battle could have.

At dawn on March 6, 1836, the 13th day of the siege, the Battle of the Alamo commenced. Fighting lasted roughly 90 minutes, and by daybreak all the Defenders had perished, including a former congressman from Tennessee, David Crockett.

The defeat of the Alamo garrison was not the last significant loss of the Texas Revolution. The Battle of Coleto Creek took place March 19-20, 1836. The Texan Army surrendered and on March 27, more than 300 soldiers were executed.

On April 21, 1836, the Texan Army under Sam Houston attacked Santa Anna’s army on the banks of the San Jacinto River with cries of “Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad! God and Texas!” The battle lasted only 18 minutes and was a resounding victory for the Texans.

The following day, Santa Anna was captured and brought to Sam Houston. An agreement was made and the Republic of Texas was born. The Texas Revolution, while short, would change the course of U.S. and world history.

Explore digital battlefield visualizations to see the Alamo Battlefield as it appeared in 1836, juxtaposed with how the same space looks today, at TheAlamo.org.