Battle of the Alamo: The Fall of Heroes

Q: How long did the Battle of the Alamo last?

The Battle of the Alamo began around 5:30 a.m. on 6 March 1836 and ended by 6:30 a.m., so one hour, though some scholars claim it lasted 90 minutes from start to "mopping up" afterwards.

Q: How many defenders died at the Alamo?

The number of defenders is given as 185 or 187 to 250, all of whom were killed in the battle or executed right after.

Q: Why did Santa Anna order no prisoners to be taken?

Santa Anna's brother-in-law, General Cos, had surrendered the Alamo to the Texians in December 1835. To avenge his family's honor, Santa Anna wanted the Alamo garrison killed. He also regarded the Alamo defenders as "land pirates," and pirates were regularly executed without mercy. He also wanted to send a clear message to other rebels to expect the same fate unless they laid down their arms.

Q: What is the meaning of "Remember the Alamo"?

"Remember the Alamo" was the rallying cry of Sam Houston at the Battle of San Jacinto on 21 April 1836, when he defeated Santa Anna and won Texas' liberty. The cry was a call to his men to remember and avenge those who had died at the Alamo.

Joshua J. Mark

Definition

Of all the battles of the Texas Revolution, the Battle of the Alamo (6 March 1836) is the most famous. It is not only among the best-known and most widely studied in American history but also around the world. The battle was the culmination of the 13-day Siege of the Alamo (23 February to 6 March 1836), during which Mexican forces under President and General Antonio López de Santa Anna (1794-1876) surrounded and vastly outnumbered the Texian and Tejano garrison of the Alamo.

More about: Battle of the Alamo

Timeline

1718
The Alamo is established as a Catholic Mission in New Spain (later Mexico) in the region of Tejas. .
1758
The Alamo Chapel is built at the mission. .
1793
The Alamo Mission is secularized and abandoned. .
1803
The Alamo is turned into a fortress by the Second Flying Company of San Carlos de Parras (El Alamo Company), Spanish lancers. .
1813
Many of the Spanish lancers leave the Alamo and service to Spain to fight for the rebels in the Mexican War of Independence. .
1821
After Mexico wins independence from Spain, the Alamo is garrisoned by Mexican troops. .
Dec 1835
Mexican General Cos is defeated at the Siege of Bexar and surrenders the Alamo to Texian troops. .
Jan 1836 - Feb 1836
The Alamo garrison receives reinforcements. Bowie, Travis and Crockett arrive.
23 Feb 1836 - 6 Mar 1836
The Siege of the Alamo.
6 Mar 1836
The Alamo falls to Mexican forces under Santa Anna in a battle lasting a little over an hour. .