The Alamo

Students should be able to understand the following: Objectives Students should be able to understand the following: Where the Alamo is located? What happened at the Alamo? Identify famous participants at the Alamo. What was the importance of the Alamo in American History?

What is the Alamo? Mission San Antonio de Valero; established in 1718, the first of five Spanish missions founded in San Antonio to Christianize and educate resident Indians. Its mission role completed, the old buildings were abandoned by 1836 when the site, by then known as the Alamo, became the "cradle of Texas Liberty."

Texas Flag The official state flag of Texas, called the Lone Star Flag, was adopted in 1845 when Texas became the 28th state of the United States. The colors represent bravery (red), purity (white), and loyalty (blue). The large white star was first used on Texas flags in the 1830's during the battles between Texas and Mexico.

What happened….. William Barret Travis and almost two hundred other defenders found themselves surrounded at the Alamo Mission in San Antonio in late February of 1836. Refusing to surrender, they held off the invading armies of Mexican Dictator Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna for almost two weeks. On March 6, 180 courageous Texans were overrun and slaughtered by well over 2000 Mexicans led by General Santa Anna.

Events of March 3, 1836 Day 13 of the siege: At 1:00 am Mexican troops (1,400 men) move towards positions. At 5:00 am Santa Anna gives signal : Mexican bugler sounds Deguello, four columns of the Mexican army advance on Alamo. Texans repulse twice the invaders with desperate, intense fighting. Heavy Mexican casualties (nearly 600 killed or wounded). Battle rages through The Alamo. 6:30 am : Last firing over. The Alamo has fallen... In the words of General Vincente Filisola, "... by grapeshot, musketshot and the bayonet, they were all killed at last."

Colonel William Travis Texas commander of the Alamo (age 26). His Appeal from the Alamo for reinforcements has become an American symbol of unyielding courage and heroism. Gave his life defending the Alamo.

Davy Crockett A genuine frontiersman and Indian fighter who had no formal schooling, he served in the Tennessee legislature and killed 105 bears between the 1822 and 1823 legislative sessions. "You can go to hell -- I'm going to Texas." Pro-Jackson forces cost him his re-election bid in 1835, and he lit out for Texas with a group of fellow adventurers. Died defending the Alamo

James Bowie Commanded volunteer force at Alamo. Pneumonia disabled Bowie, and he was confined to his cot at the time of his death. Known for his famous "Bowie knife" and a sometimes reckless adventurer.

Santa Anna Led Mexican rebellion against Texas After taking the Alamo, he moved against the forces being massed by Sam Houston, pushing them back toward eastern Texas. The army settled into a siesta. And then the Texans struck. Santa Anna was captured the next day, in silk pajamas.

Remember the Alamo!! Sam “The Raven” Houston Texan Army under Sam Houston shouted "Remember the Alamo!" as they routed Santa Anna at the battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. That battle secured Texas independence. Houston was elected the first President of the Republic of Texas. Sam “The Raven” Houston

Aftermath…. Without the Alamo there could have been no Battle of San Jacinto. Without the Battle of San Jacinto, Texas could not have existed. Without Texas, the westward expansion of the U.S. would have been thwarted. Without the West, the U.S. would have remained an Atlantic power, and not risen to become a world power. Without the U.S. as a world power, the world as we see it today would not exist

The End