T H E   A L A M O

San Antonio, Texas

Monday, November 15, 2004

Sight: #38

Address: 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205

Hours: 9am to 5:30pm Mon-Sat, 10am-5:30pm on Sun, Fri-Sat to 7pm during Jun-Jul-Aug.

Admission: Free!

Phone: (210) 225-1391

Link: Official Website

Rating:

(5 max)

The Alamo is a sacred place where many Texans died at the hands of Mexican forces on March 6th, 1836. Located near the mission complex, I find the Alamo Cenotaph. This 60-foot high monument is a fine tribute to all the American's who died during the Battle of the Alamo.

"From the fire that burned their bodies, rose the eternal spirit of sublime heroic sacrifice which gave birth to an empire state."

Four Texans who participated in the Battle of the Alamo are typically mentioned in the history books. They are James Bowie, Davy Crockett, William B. Travis, and James Bonham. This side of the memorial commemorates William B. Travis and Davy Crockett by name. The other side commemorates James Bowie and James Bonham? I don't know, I forgot to check.

Here's a long litany of names, all belonging to Texans who lost their lives during the siege. The official estimate for the number of lost Texans is somewhere between 183 and 250 lives. Interestingly enough, all told, the small band of freedom-fighters came from 28 different countries and states.