The epic battle against the Mexicans and a small band of brave besieged defenders outside San Antonio in Texas in 1936 remains one of the finest examples of courage and self sacrifice in the history of the United States. David Crockett, Jim Bowie and the rest of the handful of defenders died there when the battle finally ended on 6 March of that year. Every year more than two and a half million people undertake Alamo tours.
The battle has been a crossroads in Texan history and remains so to this day. It is here that Spanish colonization first took hold. However, most visitors simply want to visit the place where a mere handful of brave defenders stood firm for thirteen days against the powerful army of General de Santa Anna. Their death remains as a symbol of bravery and courage to this day.
Because the site is situated in the heart of one of the ten largest cities in the United States, it is easy to reach. Visitors can go by air, bus, car or even train. The official website, thealamo.org, provides excellent directions and advice on how to best visit the site. It is also possible to book guided tours. There is a variety of options, including a private tour and even a night time tour.
The management maintains a policy that anybody must be able to visit this unique site. This is why they do not charge an entrance fee. Operation costs and maintenance is funded by means of donations from the public and the support of organizations such as The Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the Texas General Land Office.
At the heart of the site is a church that now serves as a shrine to those who died there. This church was where some of the defenders made their last stand and where they died. Visitors are asked to be respectful. The church contains flags from the countries of origin of all those that formed part of the defense. The building itself features a distinctive architectural hump and a fine ornamental facade.
The oldest building on the site, almost three hundred years old, is home to the Long Barracks Museum. When the outer walls were breached during the final battle, some of the survivors retreated here and this is where some of the fiercest fighting took place. Today it features a fascinating collection of exhibits called A Story Bigger Than Texas. Visitors can also view a short film on the battle itself.
Visitors are required to behave in a manner that behooves a shrine to Texas liberty. Obscene or offensive clothing is not allowed. Cell phones and cameras may not be used in any of the buildings. Visitors are even required to talk in lowered voices and men may not enter whilst wearing a hat. Nobody may touch any exhibit or even the walls.
History often serves as a reminder of great deeds, extraordinary courage and self sacrifice. The Alamo is one such place where Texans, indeed all Americans can honor the efforts their forebears have made to ensure that they are at liberty today. Freedom always has a price and those that paid it deserve remembrance and honor.
The battle has been a crossroads in Texan history and remains so to this day. It is here that Spanish colonization first took hold. However, most visitors simply want to visit the place where a mere handful of brave defenders stood firm for thirteen days against the powerful army of General de Santa Anna. Their death remains as a symbol of bravery and courage to this day.
Because the site is situated in the heart of one of the ten largest cities in the United States, it is easy to reach. Visitors can go by air, bus, car or even train. The official website, thealamo.org, provides excellent directions and advice on how to best visit the site. It is also possible to book guided tours. There is a variety of options, including a private tour and even a night time tour.
The management maintains a policy that anybody must be able to visit this unique site. This is why they do not charge an entrance fee. Operation costs and maintenance is funded by means of donations from the public and the support of organizations such as The Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the Texas General Land Office.
At the heart of the site is a church that now serves as a shrine to those who died there. This church was where some of the defenders made their last stand and where they died. Visitors are asked to be respectful. The church contains flags from the countries of origin of all those that formed part of the defense. The building itself features a distinctive architectural hump and a fine ornamental facade.
The oldest building on the site, almost three hundred years old, is home to the Long Barracks Museum. When the outer walls were breached during the final battle, some of the survivors retreated here and this is where some of the fiercest fighting took place. Today it features a fascinating collection of exhibits called A Story Bigger Than Texas. Visitors can also view a short film on the battle itself.
Visitors are required to behave in a manner that behooves a shrine to Texas liberty. Obscene or offensive clothing is not allowed. Cell phones and cameras may not be used in any of the buildings. Visitors are even required to talk in lowered voices and men may not enter whilst wearing a hat. Nobody may touch any exhibit or even the walls.
History often serves as a reminder of great deeds, extraordinary courage and self sacrifice. The Alamo is one such place where Texans, indeed all Americans can honor the efforts their forebears have made to ensure that they are at liberty today. Freedom always has a price and those that paid it deserve remembrance and honor.
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