Remembering the Alamo

On March 2, 1836, a group of Texians organized and signed the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico. Proclaiming the Republic of Texas, the Texians drafted a constitution based on the U.S. Constitution. The provisional government consisted of President David G. Burnet and Vice President Lorenzo de Zavala.

In addition, a regular army was created and Sam Houston was appointed commander. Stephen Austin, commander of the volunteer militia, resigned to become the commissioner to the U.S. The new nation was nicknamed the Lone Star Republic because its flag featured a single white star.

Santa Anna ignored the proclamation, instead leading a 6,000-man army into Texas to put down the rebellion. He divided his force and moved with 3,000 of his men on San Antonio, the political and military center of Texas, where a Texian volunteer force was stationed at a mission called the Alamo.

The volunteers at the Alamo had withdrawn to the Alamo to await reinforcements, but none came. This left 187 Texians under Colonels William B. Travis and James Bowie to defend the mission against Santa Anna’s 3,000 Mexicans.

After an 11-day siege, the Mexicans attacked the Alamo. Within an hour, the fort was overwhelmed and all the defenders were killed; the Mexicans suffered from 600 to 1,000 casualties in the attack. The defenders were hailed as heroes by the Texan rebels, and the fall of the Alamo inspired Texas settlers to redouble their efforts to secure independence. “Remember the Alamo” became a war cry.

The infographic at left was powered by Marriott.

For more information, see the Alamo in San Antonio infographic.