The Alamo and Goliad

Missed opportunity Santa Anna was mad about the Anglo Texans taking San Antonio and wanted to punish them. He was now on his way to Texas from Mexico City. The Texans did not take advantage of the situation and train their army and volunteers. Instead, most soldiers went home.

Missed opportunity People joined the Texas army for various reasons. Some for land, and some for their belief in liberty. Some were already well known public figures like David Crocket, a U.S. congressman from Tennessee. Many others were unknown farmers, hunters, and clerks who were part of the westward movement.

Missed opportunity The Texan army was badly divided and did not have a single leader who was in control. Sam Houston was made commander of the regular Texas army and the volunteers; however, many of the volunteers refused to recognize his authority. Little communication existed between the scattered units. Santa Anna split his army, one under his command heading towards San Antonio, and the other commanded by General Urrea to Goliad.

Texans in the Alamo In January, Colonel Neill had 104 soldiers. Colonel James Bowie and about 25 Texans went to the Alamo to decide whether they should fight for the Alamo or abandon it.

Texans in the Alamo Lieutenant Colonel William Travis entered the Alamo in February with 30 men to reinforce Colonel Neill. He later took over for Colonel Neill as commander of the Alamo. Later when Bowie became sick, he took control of the entire army.

Texans in the Alamo David Crocket entered the Alamo with 12 or more volunteers

Texans in the Alamo Travis believed Santa Anna would not get there until late March, April, or even May. He was wrong.

In Defense of the Alamo Bowie estimated that more than 1000 troops were needed to defend the Alamo. The Texans had less than 200 men. Bowie and Travis thought holding the Alamo was important. They stayed. The Texans had a good defensive position in the Alamo. It was well fortified, but had some weaknesses. The wall surrounding the old mission was incomplete, and there was a gap between the South wall and the old chapel on the Southeast. Also, the mission was too large to defend with the few troops they had.

In Defense of the Alamo

Victory or Death Travis wrote several letters for help. Only 32 more volunteers came on March 1. At Santa Anna’s headquarters, he flew a red flag which meant “no quarters” he was not going to take any prisoners.

Victory or Death As legend has it, Travis drew a line in the dirt saying cross this if you want to fight for the Alamo. All but one crossed. 200 men decided to give their lives to Texas.

Battle of the Alamo March 6, 1836, around 5:30 a.m. the battle began. The Texans fought off the first and second waves. The third wave of Mexican troops pushed back the Texans and allowed Santa Anna’s men to storm over the walls. At 8:00 a.m., the battle was lost for the Texans.

Battle of the Alamo

Battle of the Alamo

Battle of the Alamo Death toll of the Alamo is not known exactly. Historians believe it was around 250 Texans and 600 Mexicans lost.

Battle of Coleto Fannin was slow leaving Goliad. When they reached Coleto Creek, (about 2 or 3 miles from Goliad) they were surrounded by Urrea’s troops.

Battle of Coleto Creek

Battle of Coleto Fannin’s 300 men were defeated on the 2nd day by the Mexicans who had 450-600 men. The survivors were taken back to Goliad and imprisoned on false pretenses.

Battle of Coleto The Texans were marched out for work detail and executed on Santa Anna’s orders. (350 men)

Lessons learned from the Alamo and Goliad Texans fought bravely but managed affairs poorly. Fighting revealed a lack of cooperation, and not to separate forces. Do not fight the Mexicans in open fields, their cavalry is too strong.

Lessons learned from the Alamo and Goliad Battle Cry: “Remember the Alamo, Remember Goliad”