Battle of the Alamo

The Fall of the Alamo (1903) by Robert Jenkins Onderdonk

(Texas State Historical Association) The siege and the final assault on the Alamo in 1836 constitute the most celebrated military engagement in Texas history.
The battle was conspicuous for the large number of illustrious personalities among its combatants. These included Tennessee congressman David Crockett, entrepreneur-adventurer James Bowie, and Mexican president Antonio López de Santa Anna. Although not nationally famous at the time, William Barret Travis achieved lasting distinction as commander at the Alamo.
For many Americans and most Texans, the battle has become a symbol of patriotic sacrifice. Traditional popular depictions, including novels, stage plays, and motion pictures, emphasize legendary aspects that often obscure the historical event. Continued