This was a battle in 1836 between the forces of the Republic of Texas and the forces of the Republic of Mexico that lasted 13 days.
The Mexican government led by Antonio López de Santa Anna became increasingly dictatorial. At the time there were a large number of Texans living in Mexico and, objecting to Santa Anna’s rule had laid siege to and captured Bexar. In order to maintain their position Texian forces established a military base at the nearby Alamo Mission.
The large sprawling mission was totally unsuitable as a base since its large size meant that the 100 men stationed here would find it impossible to defend all the perimeter walls.
Colonel James Neill fearing an attack by Santa Anna requested additional supplies and troops. The Texian army commander responded by sending a party of men led by James Bowie to remove all artillery and burn the Alamo to the ground. Upon arrival Bowie was persuaded by Neill that the Alamo was of strategic importance and should be maintained as a Texan base. A further small contingent of 30 men commanded by William Travis arrived at the fort on 3rd February and on 8th February a small group of volunteers including Davy Crockett arrived at the fort.
On 14th February Neill left the Alamo in search of further reinforcements and supplies leaving Travis in command. Meanwhile Santa Anna had begun a march north. On 23rd February the Mexican forces surrounded the Alamo. Santa Anna demanded the immediate surrender of the Alamo. The request was refused. Travis sent messengers with pleas additional reinforcements and although a few arrived the Alamo only had 189 men to stave of Santa Anna’s 2000+ army.
In the early hours of the 6th March the Mexican army attacked. Despite fighting bravely and killing around 500 Mexicans the defenders were unable to repel the sheer numbers of Santa Anna’s men that approached and scaled the perimeter walls. All the Texans were killed except for a few women and children who were sent to Texas to spread word of the defeat.
