No battle that I know of exemplifies heroism like the battle of the Alamo. Less than two hundred men held the mission-fort against Santa Anna’s men numbering fifteen hundred or more for thirteen days as they waited for help that would never arrive. And when they finally realized help wasn’t coming stayed to fight anyway.
Lieutenant William B. Travis, who vowed death over surrender, along with James Bowie, led this small group of valiant men. Among the fighters, the famous Davy Crockett, who’d brought a small group of volunteers with him.
On March 6, 1836 the Texians and Tejanos holding the mission fort managed to repel two attacks from the Mexican army but fell on the third.
Most of the Texians and Tejanos died fighting, but those that surrendered were quickly cut down. Some noncombatants were allowed to leave to spread the word of the battle. Hearing about Santa Anna’s savagery to men who’d surrendered enraged Texians and Tejanos and had many volunteering to fight.
The battle of San Jacinto was fought on April 21, 1836. The strength and bravery of the men who defended the Alamo inspired the Texians and Tejanos, who fought and won the battle, as they shouted their battle cry, “Remember the Alamo.”
*Tejanos: early settlers of Texas of Mexican ancestry.
*Texians: early Anglo-American settlers of Texas.
Sandra
How I wish we had learned from the Alamo - and too many other battles.
ReplyDeleteThis is, indeed, a heroic and game changing battle. I have seen both film versions, the first with John Wayne who sunk all his money into making the film and almost went bust. And the 2nd with Billy Bob Thornton as Davey. I enjoyed both films. The 2nd movie is more on track with what happened. Davey was one who survived only to be killed after. Great write up
ReplyDelete