In San Antonio, Texas, stands a historic 18th-century Franciscan
mission which symbolizes the spirit of resistance of a small group of determined
fighters for Texan independence from Mexico, which happened in 1836. The
Mexicans, having won their own freedom from Spain in 1821, were unable
to bridge the cultural gap with the aggressive U. S. settlers in Texas,
who by 1836 outnumbered them by four to one. Texans, including some of
Mexican origin, established a provisional government in November 1835 and
appointed Sam Houston commander in chief of their army.
There followed a seesaw battle for control of San Antonio, including the ill-advised defense of the Alamo by a force of fewer than 200 Texas volunteers. After a 12-day seige, every fighting man perished under the onslaught of 4,000 Mexican troops led by General Santa Anna. Among the fallen defenders were Cols. William B. Travis and James Bowie and the legendary Davy Crockett. Six weeks later, General Houston secured Texan independence with the victory of San Jacinto. During the fighting Col. Sidney Sherman reportedly rallied his volunteers with the cry, "Remember the Alamo!"
The Alamo and adjacent buildings have been restored and are maintained
as a historic site and memorial to the battle.