The Battle of the Alamo 1836: History, Heroes, and Legacy

Background of the Alamo

The Battle of the Alamo in 1836 is one of the most fascinating and contested historical events on the American continent. Not only are many of the events themselves disputed, but the lives and reputations of individuals such as Davy Crockett are also heatedly debated among historians. Nevertheless, one fact remains incontestable: although the Texians lost, the Battle of the Alamo in 1836 ultimately led to the defeat of the Mexican Army within the Texas Province.

This paper discusses the background of the Alamo, the events that led to the battle in 1836, the important figures involved during and after the battle, and the impact that the battle had on the Mexican Army and the Texas Province. These elements are all significant in showing how an initial defeat is not necessarily the beginning of a final defeat. Indeed, the Battle of the Alamo inspired greatness not only in the individuals who were directly or indirectly involved, but also in the nations affected by them.

The Alamo originated as the Misión San Antonio de Valero. It was constructed as a home for missionaries and Indian converts in 1724 and served in this capacity until 1793. During that year, the five missions were secularized and given to the Indian residents remaining at the time. These residents continued to work on the farms and, as such, formed part of the growing San Antonio community.

At the turn of the century, the Spanish military took over the mission. It was also from this army that the Alamo received its name, after the soldiers' hometown of Alamo de Parras, Coahuila. The mission then became not only a refuge and hospital for soldiers, but also served as the key site of the ten years of struggle for Mexican independence. Indeed, the Alamo served both Revolutionaries and Royalists at the time, and continued to serve all types of military personnel — including Spanish, Rebel, and Mexican — until the Texas Revolution. As such, the Alamo and San Antonio served as key sites during the Revolution, specifically in the period leading up to the 1836 battle.

The battle was preceded by specific political events and forces. Revolts at the time were inspired by the increasingly dictatorial rule of Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna. During October 1835, Mexican federalists began to revolt against the President's rule through an armed uprising against the government. In response, Santa Anna assembled his Army of Operations in Texas, comprising recruits from all sectors of society, including convicts. Meanwhile, the Texian army was in the process of systematically defeating the Mexican troops in Texas, resulting in the surrender of General Martín Perfecto de Cos, Santa Anna's brother-in-law, on December 9. At this time, the Texian army comprised mostly recent arrivals in the form of United States adventurers, reinforcing the Mexican view of outside forces attempting to invade their country. This perceived interference further fueled Santa Anna's resolve. He banned the taking of prisoners of war, and foreigners fighting in Texas were summarily executed. Although Santa Anna notified President Andrew Jackson of this policy, the information was not widely distributed to the Texian Army, and most American recruits were unaware of the immediate danger to their lives.

When Texian soldiers established an outpost at the Alamo, the complex stretched across three acres, with an interior plaza featuring a chapel to the west and the Low Barracks to the south. The east was bordered by the Long Barracks, and the north contained a cattle pen. These buildings were surrounded by a wall 2.75 feet thick. Improvements for battle were made by Green B. Jameson, the Texian engineer. The garrison was, however, still greatly undermanned and low on provisions. Fewer than 100 soldiers remained at the Alamo by January 6, 1836.