Remember The Alamo
Today I fulfilled another one of my 'bucket list' ambitions and that was to visit The Alamo in San Antonio, the site of the famous battle in March 1836 that eventually lead to the independence of Texas from Mexico. Texas became an independent country for 9 years before becoming part of the United States of America.
The story of the heroic defence of The Alamo that saw the slaughter of the 189 defenders by the 3000 strong Mexican Army of General Santa Anna after a short siege in well known around the world, so, as a follower of history, it was a 'must do' while I was in Austin after working at the Circuit of The Americas.
While the names of Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett and William Travis echo through the halls of history, what isn't as well known is that amongst the American defenders were Scots, English, Welsh and Irish; something I discovered when I saw the Saltire, the flag of St George, the Welsh Dragon and the Irish Tricolor lined along the wall inside the old church building.
The Scots were John McGregor, Richard W Ballantine, Isaac Robinson and David L Wilson and their contribution to Texan independence was recognised in 2010 and reported in The Guardian newspaper. A full list of the defenders can be found HERE
I took the audio tour which not only outlined the famous battle but also the history of The Alamo before and after 1836. Much of the site has been built on in the past 180 years but the Daughters of the Republic of Texas were responsible for preserving the site for future generations.
In Alamo Plaza, just in front of the old mission, is the Alamo Cenetaph, which was erected in 1936 100 years after the battle. The Cenetaph is inscribed with all the names of the defenders who lost their lives and there are statues of the leaders and some of the men. A fitting tribute to the men who gave their lives for Texan Independence.
After the battle the rallying cry for the Texans was 'Remember the Alamo' which was shouted by the Texan Army at the Battle of San Jacinto on 21 April 1836 which led to the defeat of the Mexican army in just 18 minutes.
In the courtyard there is another link to Scotland. One of the cannons used in the battle was a Corronade made in Scotland and reported to be used on the West Wall before being 'spiked' after the battle by the Mexican forces.
The sense of history is palatable when you visit The Alamo and I am very pleased I made the effort to go to San Antonio to visit.
Entry is free but a donation is expected. I also paid $7 for the audio tour which was worth every penny.
For more information on The Alamo visit the official website HERE
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