FortressSan Antonio

Fort Alamo

Fort Alamo

The Fort can be visited



Fort Alamo, a former mission station transformed into a fort, is a historically significant site in San Antonio, Texas. It gained renown for its crucial role in the Texas War of Independence and is now considered an important symbol of courage and sacrifice in American history.

History+

The origins of Fort Alamo trace back to 1718, with the emergence of precursors to the later Mission San Antonio de Valero. On May 8, 1744, the cornerstone for the mission station was laid. Franciscans conducted missionary activities there from 1765 until Spanish secularization led to the mission's dissolution in 1793. In the early 19th century, a Spanish cavalry unit, originating from Alamo de Parras, used the building and gave the site its current name. During the Mexican War of Independence (1815–1821), Mexican insurgents captured the fort. In December 1835, at the outset of the Texas War of Independence, Texan settlers occupied the fort and further fortified it. From February 23 to March 6, 1836, approximately 200 defenders, led by Lieutenant Colonel William Travis, James Bowie, and Davy Crockett, covered the retreat of Texan troops against a superior Mexican force. After a 13-day siege, the fort was stormed, and almost all male defenders perished. Three weeks later, with the battle cry “Remember the Alamo!”, the Texans achieved a decisive victory in the Battle of San Jacinto, leading to Texas' independence. Texas joined the USA in 1845.

Location+

Fort Alamo is situated in San Antonio, in Bexar County, Texas, USA, at an elevation of approximately 207 meters above sea level.

On site+

Visitors can explore Fort Alamo today. It is one of the country's most visited attractions, drawing millions of visitors annually.

Nearby+
  • Fort McRee (fortress), approx. 1083.2 km away
  • Fort Barrancas (fortress), approx. 1085.1 km away
  • Fort Pickens (fortress), approx. 1085.7 km away
  • Fort Jefferson (fortress), approx. 1636.2 km away

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Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alamo_pano.jpg

This description draws on the facts documented in the linked Wikipedia article; Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wording and editing: Mobile History.

Location: 29.4257, -98.4862