The Alamo and Goliad

1. The Alamo and Goliad Texans Defend the Alamo p. 230 - 235

2. In Defense of the Alamo • Bowie and Travis believed that holding the Alamo was vital to the fate of Texas and began to strengthen its defenses. • Travis was surprised when the advance wing of Santa Anna’s army arrived at San Antonio. • Texans barely made it inside the walls of the Alamo before the Mexican cavalry.

3. In Defense of the Alamo • Alamo advantages: • The walls of the old mission were 2-3 feet thick and 12 feet high • 21 cannons fortified, or strengthened, the mission. • Alamo weaknesses: • The wall surrounding the main plaza was incomplete. A fence of sticks and dirt was built to close the gap. • The mission was too large for Travis to defend with the few troops he had.

4. Travis Declares “Victory or Death” • Travis was determined to hold the Alamo and wrote many letters asking for assistance. • In one of his letters he wrote one of the finest statements of courage in American history, when he wrote “Victory or Death.” • On March 1, Travis received 32 volunteer reinforcements from Gonzales. • Santa Anna camped at the San Fernando church. He ordered the red flag of “no quartering” to be flown, meaning he did no intend to take any prisoners in the coming battle.

5. Facing certain Death • As Mexican armies encircled the Alamo, it became apparent to Travis that he had no chance for victory. • Travis explained to his troops that remaining in the Alamo meant certain death. • According to legend, Travis took his sword and drew a line on the ground. All those who wished to stay and defend the Alamo were asked to cross over the line. According to the story, all but one of the men crossed over the line. (Louis “Moses” Rose, a native of France, stayed).

6. Facing Certain Death • Nearly 200 men were free to leave the Alamo, but they decided to stay and fight for a cause in which they believed. • Since February, Mexican cannons had bombarded, or fired upon, the Alamo daily. • It was clear Santa Anna had most of the advantages.

7. Texan Troops Give Ground • Santa Anna ordered the attack on the Alamo to begin at dawn. • At about 5:00 am of March 6, the battle began. • 5 columns of troops moved forward to attack the Alamo at three different points. • The Texans put up a stubborn fight, but the 3rd assault successfully pushed back the Texans and allowed Santa Anna’s men to storm over the walls. • By 8:00 am of March 6 the battle for the Alamo was over.

8. Texan Troops Give Ground • It is not known how many people were killed at the Alamo because all the bodies were burned. • Bowie, Travis, and Crockett were among those who were killed. • Mexican losses in the battle also are uncertain.

9. A Battle Cry for Victory • Santa Anna ordered that all defenders of the Alamo be put to death, but released all women and children. • Among them were: Ana Salazar de Esparza, Juana Navarro de Alsbury, Susanna Dickinson and daughter Angelina, and Andrea C. Villanueva. • Some believe Texas would not have won its independence without the Battle of the Alamo.

10. A Battle Cry for Victory • Santa Anna lost many professional soldiers at the battle. • The courage of Travis and his forces made Texans more determined than ever to win their independence. • The battle also encouraged U.S. citizens to help. • “Remember the Alamo!” became the battle cry of Houston’s army.