When it comes to examples of making a stand against all odds and against an overwhelming enemy San Antonio in Texas must rate at or near the top of the list. The epic battle between the Mexican hordes and the handful of Texan defenders ended there on 6 Match 1836. Legends such as Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie counted among the brave defenders. Today, more than two and a half million visitors undertake Alamo tours every year.
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.
The official website, thealamo.org, provides detailed information on how visitors can get there. San Antonio is among the ten biggest cities in the United States and therefore boasts excellent air ports and motorways. Visitors can go by train, bus or air if they do not want to drive. The website can also be used to book personal tours. There is even a night tour available.
Even in this times of financial instability the site can still be visited free of charge. Individual donations, as well as the support from organizations such as the Texas General Land Office and The Daughters of the Republic of Texas ensure that site is well maintained and that operational cost is covered. The free entry policy ensures that anybody will be able to experience a visit to this unique and historic site.
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 Long Barrack Museum is also a must see. It is the oldest building on the site, dating back three hundred years. The most brutal of the 1936 fighting took place in this building after the outer walls were breached. The building is now home to a collection of fascinating exhibits named A Story Bigger Than Texas. Visitors can also view a film that provides an excellent introduction to the 1936 battle.
The curators of the site maintain that it is a shrine of Texas liberty. Visitors are therefore requested to adhere to a set of unique rules. For example, gentlemen are required to remove their hats prior to entering and no photography is allowed inside any of the buildings. Visitors are to use lowered voices only. Offensive clothing is strictly prohibited.
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.
The official website, thealamo.org, provides detailed information on how visitors can get there. San Antonio is among the ten biggest cities in the United States and therefore boasts excellent air ports and motorways. Visitors can go by train, bus or air if they do not want to drive. The website can also be used to book personal tours. There is even a night tour available.
Even in this times of financial instability the site can still be visited free of charge. Individual donations, as well as the support from organizations such as the Texas General Land Office and The Daughters of the Republic of Texas ensure that site is well maintained and that operational cost is covered. The free entry policy ensures that anybody will be able to experience a visit to this unique and historic site.
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 Long Barrack Museum is also a must see. It is the oldest building on the site, dating back three hundred years. The most brutal of the 1936 fighting took place in this building after the outer walls were breached. The building is now home to a collection of fascinating exhibits named A Story Bigger Than Texas. Visitors can also view a film that provides an excellent introduction to the 1936 battle.
The curators of the site maintain that it is a shrine of Texas liberty. Visitors are therefore requested to adhere to a set of unique rules. For example, gentlemen are required to remove their hats prior to entering and no photography is allowed inside any of the buildings. Visitors are to use lowered voices only. Offensive clothing is strictly prohibited.
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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