
The remains of William Travis, David Crockett and James Bowie are entombed in a marble coffin at San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio, Texas.Īccording to legend, fort commander William Travis drew a line in the sand with his sword and asked all of the defenders who were willing to fight to the death to cross it: only one man refused. Many myths and legends have grown about the Battle of the Alamo, but the facts often give a different account. He attacked on March 6, 1836, overrunning the approximately 200 defenders in less than two hours. Mexican general Santa Anna appeared in short order at the head of a massive army and laid siege to the Alamo. Afterward, they fortified the Alamo, a fortress-like former mission in the center of town. The basic story of the Alamo is that rebellious Texans captured the city of San Antonio de Béxar (modern-day San Antonio, Texas) in a battle in December 1835.

Ethnic Makeup: Travis's forces at the Alamo comprised several different ethnicities: Texian (people born in Texas), Tejano (Mexican Americans), Europeans, African Americans, and recent newcomers from the United States.

Independence: Although the independence of a Texas republic was declared two days before the battle, the defenders did not hear of it, and it was not achieved until 1848, under the Treaty of Hidalgo Guadalupe.Key Players/Participants: Santa Anna (president of Mexico), William Travis, Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie.

Short Description: The Alamo was the site of a battle that took place during Texas's bid for independence from Mexico: All defenders were killed, but within six weeks the opposition leader, Santa Anna, was captured.
