The Battle of The Alamo

The Alamo was the first mission in San Anatonio and themost widely known mission of Texas. Originally named San Antonio de Valero, but it was commonly Alamo. Mission San Antonio de Valero was founded by Franciscan missionaries from the College of Queretaro, in 1718, led by Antonio de San Buenaventura Olivares. It was established in 1718 as a way station between missions already existing.The mission property was used as military post.In 1806 part of mission was reconditioned for use as a military hospital. In Octoberof 1835, Austin led, an army of untrained and often unruly men to lay siege to the Mexican army, which held positions in the Alamo and the plazas of the town. Austin left San Antonio in November. Ben Milam rallied the forces to an attack on December 5. After five days of fighting, during which Milam was killed, the Mexicans surrendered the Alamo. On February 8, 1836 former Tennessee congressman David Crockett arrives at the Alamo with a group of volunteers.On March 2, 1836 Texas Declaration of Independence is approved by delegates meeting at Washington-on-the-Brazos. The mission was well over 100 years old when it became the focal point for the Battle of the Alamo, fought March 6, 1836.In 1865 the last land battle of the Civil War is fought near Brownsville in May, and the U.S. Army resumed use of the Alamo. In 1885 the State of Texas formally grants custodianship of the Alamo church to the City of San Antonio. The Alamo will always be remembered and associated with that battle.

David Crocket

Santa Ana

K. Shaw,instructor
Last modified on 12-01-98.
Paul Revere Middle School, Houston I.S.D