It was February 23, 1836, when General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and his army caught the defenders of the Alamo by surprise. The Texians and Tejanos had prepared to defend the Alamo together and were undaunted. Commander of the Alamo, William B. Travis sent couriers out to communities in Texas with pleas for help -- only one of the couriers was successful in bringing back help. Charles Despallier, a 24 year old originally from Louisiana, left the Alamo sometime around February 25, 1836, and returned with the 36 men from the Gonzales Ranging Company of Mounted Volunteers on March 1, 1836. Despallier died in the battle at the Alamo on March 6, 1836.
The final assault of the 13 day siege came before daybreak on March 6, 1836, as the Mexican soldiers appeared out of the darkness and headed toward the walls of the Alamo. The defenders were able to beat back several attacks. The Mexicans regrouped and scaled the walls and rushed into the compound. They captured a cannon and aimed it at the Long Barrack and church and blasted open the barricaded doors. By sunrise, Santa Anna was able to enter the Alamo compound to survey the damage.
Have you ever wondered about those brave men who gave up their lives fighting for Texas to be free and independent? You can read about them here.
Tomorrow is the 173rd Anniversary of the Fall of the Alamo. Over the next weekend and through the month of March there are Memorial Events planned at the Alamo, of the 7 events, 5 of them are FREE and Open to the Public.
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Judi:
This is a good post considering the anniversary date of the fall of the Alamo. Indeed one of America's most historic shrines. I had always wanted to see it and we did last year. In fact, we will probably return this year in June.....as well as RiverWalk. Well worth the visit if one can make it,