Last week, my family and I were able to spend 6 days in San Antonio, Texas. We were visiting family who were kind enough to let us stay at their house. While most of the week was spent making sure the kids were entertained (four kids, ages 9 months to 4 years old), visiting the Alamo was a must for me as I had never been there before. Luckily, they live pretty close to the site. I’ve taught the Texas Revolution and the Battle of the Alamo for many years so seeing the site in person was a real treat. And yes, the kids had a good time as well.

Background of the Alamo

The Alamo site complex was much larger than just the Alamo church that we think of today. It was originally built as a Spanish mission in the 18th century while the Spanish Empire controlled the region. Several Roman Catholic missions were established in East Texas in 1716. Originally, the site was called Mision Santonio de Valero, and structures were added to the complex in the years that followed. The mission was a base of operations to convert and educate Native Americans. Throughout the 18th century, the Mision San Antonio de Valero grew in size and importance.

However, by 1793, the Spanish crown had begun to secularize the site, and it lost its religious importance. The buildings were neglected until 1801, when a Spanish military unit was sent to strengthen forces in San Antonio. The old mission was occupied and repaired by the army.

Spain faced serious problems abroad and at home in the early 1800s. Napoleon Bonaparte had invaded Spain and placed his brother on the Spanish throne in 1808. This led to growing instability in the Spanish Empire. Tensions also grew in the New World, and Mexicans began to revolt against the Spanish crown in 1810. Soon, the Alamo frequently changed hands between Spanish and Mexican forces. Mexico finally won its independence from Spain in 1821.

Shortly after, Americans began moving into Texas (part of Mexican territory) and at first they were welcomed. The new Mexican government was looking to boost its economy by selling land to these new Anglo-American settlers. Americans were willing to move into Texas for the opportunity at cheap farmland.

However, tensions began to emerge between the Texans and the Mexican government. First, there were clear cultural differences. While the Mexicans spoke Spanish and practiced the Roman Catholic religion, the new Texan settlers spoke English and were mostly Protestant. While Mexico had already outlawed slavery, many of the new Texan settlers brought slaves with them.

There were also tensions in other Mexican provinces. President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna tried to strengthen the central government that he controlled and weaken local governments. Many throughout Mexico saw this power grab as a step towards dictatorship. Tensions and uprisings emerged throughout the country. Particularly in Texas, there was much anger and resentment against the Mexican government. Violence erupted in Texas in late 1835, beginning the Texas Revolution.

In December 1835, Texans were able to gain control of San Antonio and the Alamo complex. However, in early 1836, Santa Anna was determined to squash the rebellion and take back San Antonio. He marched to the city at the head of a 4,000-member army, setting the stage for the historic battle that the Alamo is most known for. Santa Anna laid seige to the garrison stationed at the Alamo, a force of just 187 Texans. After a siege of thirteen days, the Mexican forces scaled the walls of the Alamo and attacked the defenders on March 6th, 1836. While few people in the Alamo complex were able to escape the attack, those brave 187 soldiers defended the Alamo with their lives, including the famous, almost mythical names of Davy Crockett, William Travis, and Jim Bowie. They would rather have died for freedom than surrender the Alamo to a tyranical government and leader. Their bravery resulted in one of the most iconic last stands in history. Between 400-600 Mexican soldiers were killed in the battle.

While the Mexican army was able to regain the Alamo at that time, their success was short lived. By the end of April, the Texans won an overwhelming victory at the Battle of San Jacinto with “Remember the Alamo!” as their rallying cry. Texas was able to win its independence from Mexico and become a republic. Just about ten years later, Texas was annexed by the United States as the 28th state on December 29, 1845.

Visit to the Alamo

Before going to the Alamo I had heard very little about what there is to see at the site besides the main structure of the Alamo church. While I am normally someone who enjoys a guided tour, the $45 for adults and $35 for children seemed like a bit much. With small children involved, it didn’t seem worth it. (Children who may or may not be as fascinated in the details of the Alamo as me). If someone reading this has been on the tour, please let me know your experience. Instead of doing the tour, we entered the Alamo church for free, and planned to explore the collections at the Alamo Exhibit in the Ralston Family Collections Center, which was $12 for an adult. When we entered the Alamo church, we found people working in the Alamo who will answer any and all of your questions, and explain the history of the Alamo. I was quite content with this considering that we weren’t going on the tour. The workers are extremely knowledgeable of all of the minute details of the structure and it’s long history. Being inside of the Alamo church was fascinating considering its historic significance and its symbolic importance.

After we walked through the Alamo church, we took the kids into the Gift Shop and bought a few items. We walked the grounds of the Alamo where there are monuments and statues honoring those who fought and died at the Alamo. Stationed throughout the complex are informational signs/ plaques/ timelines that provide you ample information about the history of the Alamo and its importance.

Before we would visit the collections, it was time for lunch (have to keep the kids happy and fed, and take a break from the Texas heat). Luckily right across the street from the Alamo is Crockett Tavern. Getting there before noon, we beat the lunchtime rush. The food was great, and the atmosphere was the perfect Texas/ Alamo vibe. (Crocket Tavern).

After the kids were fed we headed back to the Alamo complex to visit the collections at the Alamo Exhibit in the Ralston Family Collections Center. The collections did not disappoint for the $12/ adult tickets. Our kids were young enough to be free. The exhibit displayed weapons and artifacts with strong ties to the Texas Revolution and the Alamo. Before I visited Texas, I never knew the connection between Phil Collins and the Alamo. Long story short, Collins developed a strong liking to the Alamo story and collected many artifacts. Later, he donated these artifacts back to the Alamo. Therefore, many of the artifacts in the collections are part of the Phil Collins collection. There is also an impressive diorama of the Alamo complex as it appeared in 1836, with Phil Collins narrating events of the battle.

After touring the collections, we were satisfied with our experience at the Alamo. The Alamo is a must see if you are ever in the San Antonio area. It’s wonderful for someone like me who loves history, but it was also kid-friendly as well. There is plenty for them to see in the Alamo Exhibit and they too can be impressed by some of the artifacts on display. The Alamo continues to live on as a symbol of sacrifice, of patriotism, and is truly a shrine that represents Texas liberty. We cannot forget the sacrifice of the men who fought and died there for the sake of freedom. For more information on visiting the Alamo, see thealamo.org

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