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Perhaps the true beginning of the Texas rising, events took place in February and March of 1836 that would change the way Americans see war and rally to a cause. Under the guidance of General Santa Anna, the Mexican commander demanded the mission station known as the Alamo be surrendered. The Texans inside, led by Colonel Travis fired a cannon as his reply. Bold and brash to be sure, but clear and unmistakable in its meaning; if you want it, you''ll have to take it, because it belongs to us
The Texans were able to fortify the Alamo to some degree and with 145 brave men they stood against the tyranny of Santa Anna and his 3,000 troops. Not to be outdone, Santa Anna ordered 2,500 of his troops to storm the Alamo. The attack was turned back not once, but twice which was and still is one of the best examples of bravery and what can be accomplished when you stand as one for a single cause. Furious, Santa Anna with the thought to win at all costs sent a third wave of attacks and this broke the Texans reserves.
The Americans still did not cede the battle and defended the Alamo room by room, not giving an inch without a fight and surprising the Mexican troops with their ferocity. However, the numbers were too much and the few men, women and children that still survived were eventually driven back and held out in the church which would be the site of their last stand. All the men gave their lives in a battle that would later help unify a nation. And to the Mexicans credit they spared the 30 women and children.
The Alamo was not taken lightly, the Mexican force suffered horrible casualties losing 1,600 soldiers with many more wounded. Incredible to think a hundred or so Texans with muskets, Bowie knives, swords, sabers, hatchets and farming tools could hold a professional army off long enough to make a statement that will be remembered as long as battles in US history are chronicled. The men died, but the spirit and what they fought for lives on. Remember the Alamo!
Robin Chaudhuri, ACC Senior Writer
"The Fall of the Alamo" by Robert Jenkins Onderdonk