Mexico opened lands to settlement by foreigners in 1821. Americans, some with slaves, came to Texas and thrived. Starting in 1826, people living north of the Rio Grande River started an independence movement. With fast growing foreign population (20,000), Mexico decided to stop immigration in 1830. Relations with Anglo settlers deteriorated.
The Texas Revolution started in October 2,1835 with the Battle of Gonzales. The Texas Declaration of Independence was adopted on March 2, 1836.
The siege of the Alamo
began on February 23rd.
The Mexican Army, commanded by General Santa Ana, numbered 5,000. The defenders, numbering 200, stood their ground at the former mission. James Bowie and William Travis commanded the Texans, including frontiersman Davy Crockett.
On February 24th, Travis wrote a letter: To The People of Texas and All Americans in the World
He appealed for help and expressed no fear or despair of the overwhelming odds against the Texans defending the Alamo. He vowed to never surrender or retreat, but to fight to the death.
Just before dawn on March 6th the Mexicans advanced, in force. William Travis was shot in the head and died. Three successive attacks overwhelmed walls of the mission. Fighting moved from room to room. All the men defending the Alamo were killed.
The courageous resistance in the face of overwhelming odds galvanized Texans to fight for independence. By May the Treaties of Velasco were signed, ending the Texan Revolution. Though not recognized as an independent country by Mexico, the first Congress of the Republic of Texas met in October. In 1837 the United States, France, England, Belgium and the Netherlands formally recognized the new country.
An interior photo at
the Alamo.
Photo from the San Antonio Express-News
Because the Alamo is a shrine, photos aren't allowed inside the building. In 2016, Alamo officials stopped allowing events and ceremonies in this shrine.
Eric stand in one of the
openings to the barracks,
adjacent to the Alamo
mission.
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