The Alamo
In 1836 an epic and heroic battle was fought between the Mexican army of Santa Anna and a small group of Texas defenders at the Alamo in present day San Antonio, Texas. Although the entire group of Texan defenders lost their lives in the battle, the stand was crucial to the survival of Texas in its fight for independence from Mexico. While the story of the Alamo is factual and not an ancient one, it has taken on legendary status in the hearts and minds of many Americans. As time continues to pass, the legend continues to grow.
The story of the last stand of the defenders of the Alamo has taken on the mantle of a true American legend. The factual details of the account include the dates of the battle, the relative sizes of the two forces, many of the participants, and the ultimate results. The basic outline of the story is that General Santa Anna of Mexico attacked the fort with a force of around 4000 soldiers. The Texas force measured in at under 200 soldiers, many of whome where volunteers. They held the fort for many days but eventually each and every Texan was killed in an effort to slow the Mexican Army’s advance and buy more time for the Texans to mount a better defense. Of the many heroes who gave their lives for Texas, these names stand out: Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett, and William Travis. The details of the story have become fuzzy in folklore.
 The Alamo |
The story has also taken on some common details of last stand epics. In many depictions and account the final battle between the two forces resulted in the last group of men fighting side by side in a tightly formed circle until none were left standing. The opposite of this legendary device is probably true, as some accounts tell of the execution of a handful of survivors at the hands of Santa Anna. Some also question the death of Crockett, as several accounts bring up doubts as to how he died or if he died during the battle. Some accounts have him being executed days after the battle. While this story continues to become legendary though the ages, one can not doubt the power of the words “remember the Alamo,” which fueled many a soldier’s bravery in the fight for Texas independence which eventually led to Texas becoming an independent nation, then joining the United States. For more reading on the Alamo, both fact and legend, check out these resources:
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