History.com
Between midnight and dawn on this day 185 years ago, the Mexican troops, led by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, made their final, and victorious assault on the Alamo.
Footprint of the Alamo courtesy of The Alamo site
In the ensuing battle, 192 Texan defenders died, as they encountered approximately 6,000 attackers when they breached the north wall. The final assault took only 90 minutes in one of the fiercest battles ever recorded.
According to the account in “The Origin and Fall of the Alamo” (John S. Ford, Johnson Bros. Printing Co. 1894)..…..” it was at short range, muzzle to muzzle, hand to hand, musket and rifle, bayonet and Bowie knife…..all were mingled in the confusion.
The Texians defended desperately every inch of the fort — overpowered by numbers they would be forced to abandon a room; they would rally in the next, and defend it until further resistance became impossible”
Source: John S. Ford “The Origin and Fall of the Alamo”
It is estimated that around 600 Mexican troops were killed in the attack, however this number varies with different accounts.
Some of the names of others who died that day include Davy Crockett, William Travis and James Bowie.
Statue of Davy Crockett: Cavalry Courtyard, The Alamo. ( Author’s photo )
Statue of William Travis: Cavalry Courtyard, The Alamo. ( Author’s photo )
Statue of Jim Bowie: Cavalry Courtyard, The Alamo. ( Author’s photo )
William Travis plaque, The Alamo. (Author’s photo )
There are hundreds of books that have been published over the years about the bloody battle, and as one who enjoys history, I would encourage each of you to read widely if you share my interest.
Today, on March 6th, and the 185th year since the battle, we pause to remember the Alamo.
The Alamo Cenotaph…Pompeo Coppini, Sculptor ( Author’s photos )
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