March 6, 1836. The assault on the Alamo began at 4:00 AM under cover of darkness. Many of the defenders were asleep. After two failed attempts, the North wall of the Alamo was breached. Colonel William Barret Travis commanded at that location. He was one of the first to fall. After approximately 90 minutes it was all over. All defenders were either killed where they stood or if captured were executed. No one really knows the truth of any survivors and it remains a controversy. However these men died with honor. They are no less heroes.
The numbers of those defenders are also not known exactly. They have changed the numbers over the years as additional evidence was uncovered. It now stands at 189, the number most often given. I have read others think there may have been as many as 250. The discrepancy lies in the number of possible Tejanos that may have participated. Little is available to confirm this. Whatever number is closest matters little. They were up against overwhelming numbers of trained Mexican Soldados. The numbers also vary, from 1500 to 5000. I think it is somewhere in between. The Texian defenders sold their lives for a heavy price. There was courage on both sides.
Even in death the Texians suffered more indignity by Santa Anna, as he had them all burned in a pyre. The location of the remains are also uncertain.
Remember the Alamo!
This Texian always does.
2 comments:
That is true, however, I'm concerned about what the Alamo committee wants to do to the memorial... sigh
Old NFO-you and me both.
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