The Alamo in San Antonio Texas
The Famous Battle Site is Restored as a Tourist Destination
Apr 21, 2008
Many Americans and people are the world over are familiar with the Alamo from history lessons and the movies made about the siege there in 1836. The preserved and restored mission is on the must-see list during a visit to San Antonio, Texas.
The original name of the structure is the Mission Valero de San Antonio. A plaque at the site speculates that The Alamo name come from Mexican inhabitants from a similarly named town.
What is known for certain is that less than 200 Texans fought thousands of Mexican soldiers of Santa Ana in a vain attempt to hold the Alamo. The mission eventually fell and all of the defenders were killed.
Spared from death were for 20 women and children and one slave. Their story made “Remember the Alamo” became a battle cry in the war for Texas independence.
Visiting the Alamo
Located in downtown San Antonio, a few blocks from the Riverwalk, the main San Antonio tourist destination, at Alamo Plaza and East Houston Street.
At first glance The Alamo seems less imposing that would be expected. The main walls on the front are not very tall. From this view, the structure was clearly originally a church, not a fort and the walls were not made defending against a large force.
The main building is small, but the grounds behind the walls are expansive, making a defense of the perimeter difficult for so few men. The difficulty in defending the mission accentuates the valor of the men inside.
Things to See at the Alamo
The Alamo is open every day from 9 am to 5:30 pm every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted, as the mission is run as a shrine to the defenders by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.
The first area visitors enter inside the walls is the shrine itself. There is also a museum/gift shop and the Long Barracks, where the defenders made their last stand. A movie detailing the events is shown in the Long Barracks.
The grounds are immaculately kept, which benches and beautiful trees, particularly a gigantic Live Oak. One of the highlights of the tour is the storytellers, who recreate the battle of 1836 in narration. Giant storyboards also tell of the events before and after the siege.
Touring the Alamo
There are no concessions inside the Alamo, although there are vending machines. The Riverwalk, with dozens of restaurants, is nearby. No picture taking is allowed inside the buildings, and gentlemen are asked to remove their hats inside the shrine.
Most of the Alamo has been completely rebuilt due to the devastation of that day and years following. The restoration is so well done, a visit to the site will educate, inspire and for most visitors, will be something never to forget.
