The Alamo Bruno Holmann Period 8

History of the Alamo  It was first established in 1718  It was originally named Mission San Antonio de Valero.  The first of five Spanish missions founded in San Antonio to Christianize and educate resident Indians.

History (cont.)  The Spanish began to secularize the missions in  In the early 1800s, the Spanish military stayed at the former mission. The soldiers referred to the old mission as the Alamo, which is the Spanish word for "cottonwood" in honor of their hometown Alamo de Parras, Coahuila.

Texas War for Independence  In 1833, General Santa Anna took power and became dictator of Mexico.  American and Mexican settlers wanted self-government.  In October 1835, the clash between the Texan settlers and the Mexican troops started the war.

The Battle of the Alamo  In the end of February 1836, was the arrival of General Santa Anna’s overwhelming, large army.  A band of 189 Texas volunteers went against the Mexican army of thousands for 13 days (from Feb. 23 to Mar. 6).

Battle of the Alamo (cont.)  Important leaders included William B. Travis, Davy Crockett, and Jim Bowie.  The final assault came before daybreak on the morning of March 6,  Although General Santa Anna was victorious, the Alamo is remembered as a heroic struggle against impossible odds. A place where men made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

Afterwards  Even though General Santa Anna was victorious, he lost a numerous number of his men.  The end of it came April 21, when Sam Houston's Texans routed the Mexican army at the Battle of San Jacinto.

Where?  300 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX

Bibliography     content/blogs.dir/2/files/2008/May/Thursday/alamo.jpg content/blogs.dir/2/files/2008/May/Thursday/alamo.jpg  ockett-alamo.jpg ockett-alamo.jpg    The “fluffy” book