Visiting the Alamo
Visiting the Alamo should be on everyone’s list of things to do when they’re visiting San Antonio or the surrounding area. This iconic fort is steeped in history and is one of the most revered spots in all of Texas.
A fascinating trip into the past, visiting the old Spanish fort and the site of the historic battle for the Alamo is an experience that both adults and children will enjoy.
About the Alamo
First, many think with all the battles which happened there, it would be much larger.
The Alamo is perhaps one of the most famous historic sites in the entire country. Holding a prominent place in the United States history as well as pop culture, this fort played a pivotal role in the growth and expansion of the country and, decades later, in entertainment.
While the Alamo ended up as a fort, it began as a Franciscan mission. While initially founded as a hub for spreading Christianity, it ended up being the site of a bloody battle for Texas independence from Mexico that has fascinated lovers of history for years and years.
In December of 1835, a group of Texas volunteers commanded by James Bowie and William Travis and including the renowned frontiersman, Davy Crockett, occupied the Alamo for its strategic position.
Unwilling to let the occupation stand and committed to retaining control of Texas territory, Mexico sent a detachment numbering in the thousands to siege the fort. Led by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, the detachment buckled down and began its siege of the Alamo.
Although only 200 men manned the fort, the volunteers held their ground for 13 days before finally being overpowered. While the men fought bravely, they were finally undone when a break in the Alamo’s wall offered access to the overwhelming forces of the Mexican army. It was then that a bloody, ruthless battle ensued.
Santa Ann had been commanded to show no mercy, and only a few of the men and the wife and daughter of Captain Almaron Dickinson were spared.
Although the battle was lost, the memory of the bravery of the man facing such insurmountable odds was not. “Remember the Alamo” became a rallying cry and is a slogan still remembered to this day.
Alamo Timeline
- December 1835: 200 Texas volunteers occupy the Alamo.
- February 23, 1836 – March 6, 1836: The Alamo is sieged and subsequently overrun by a Mexican detachment led by Santa Anna.
- April 21, 1836: Santa Anna is defeated by Sam Houston. This is the first time “Remember the Alamo” was used.
- 1845: The United States annexes Texas. During that time and for years after, the fort is used as a base of operations.
Visiting the Alamo
Today, what was once a frontier fort and a key part of Texas’s struggle for independence from Mexico is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Antonio, Texas. Visitors can experience a living history encampment, tours of the Alamo, a visit to the Alamo church, the Alamo Exhibit, and more. The site even offers an augmented experience in the Long Barrack that offers an immersive historical experience.
With the guided tours, you hear stories about how the markings on the walls have significance or even are battle scars.
Flags from states of the battle can be found along the walls.
I even found the one for Tennessee.
Located in the downtown area of San Antonio, many have the first impression of how much smaller it is than they were expecting. Don’t let all of the tourist places surrounding The Alamo distract you from the historical site.
Alamo Sites
- Alamo Church: The most recognizable structure on the Alamo grounds. Features the immersive Sacristy Exhibit, exploring the evolution of the church.
- Long Barrack: The oldest building on the Alamo historic site and the very spot where the Texas volunteers made their last stand at the battle of the Alamo. A multimedia experience chronicling the battle is also featured here.
- Living History Encampment: Located behind the Alamo Church, the Living History encampment offers a glimpse into life in the early 1800s, along with an immersive history of the Alamo, the battle, and its weapons.
- Alamo Exhibit: Located in the Ralston Family Collections on-site, the exhibit offers 10,000 square-feed devoted to the Alamo. A replica of the Alamo, over 500 artifacts, and more.
- Mission Gate and Lunette: This outdoor area strives to recreate the main gate of the historic mission-fort.
- Plaza de Valero: This welcoming gateway to the Alamo honors the original mission name and blends history and community.
- Wall of History: The Wall of History exhibits combines photography and diagrams with a written history of the mission and fort.
Alamo Experiences
- Remember the Alamo Guided Tour: This guided walking tour is headed by an Alamo historian and takes visitors through the history, players, and events of the Alamo and the battle that took place there.
- A Line in the Sand Self-Guided Tour: This self-guided audio tour leads visitors through the Alamo Church, grounds, and 11 locations in the Alamo Exhibit.
- Victory or Death Audio Tour: Narrated by Grammy Award-winning country singer Ray Benson, this 45-minute audio production brings the story of the Alamo to life.
- Surrounded!: This augmented experience uses a hand-held tablet to help visitors step back in time to the Alamo as it was in the 1800s through six experiential portals.
Visiting the Alamo is a Must
From its historical significance to its place in entertainment, the Alamo is forever imprinted into the fabric of the country. Anyone visiting the San Antonio area should make visiting the Alamo a top priority. With so many sites, exhibits, and experiences to see and an on-site living history encampment, it’s a must-see that everyone in the family will enjoy.
More Information about Visiting the Alamo and San Antonio
For all the information on tours, hours, and history, check their WEBSITE.
Are you visiting several popular spots in San Antonio, then CityPASS is the way to go.
CityPASS in other cities:
Where to stay and a few fun things to do in San Antonio:
HOTEL VALENCIA – located along the famous Riverwalk
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Happy Travels,
Rosemary
