Spotlight: San Antonio - The Alamo

Spotlight: The Battle of the Alamo (February 23 – March 6, 1836) remains the most famous event in the Texas Revolution. For centuries, Texas had been part of Spain's empire in the Americas. Shortly after Mexico gained their independence from Spain, they tried to increase the population of the area by inviting American colonists to settle in the area. Unfortunately for them, the new colonists retained allegiance to the United States rather than their new government. After years of internal strife, the Texan settlers revolted in 1835, creating an army under the command of Sam Houston. In early 1836, the Mexican troops laid siege to the Alamo Mission near San Antonio de Béxar. On March 6, the Mexican troops attacked, killing all of the Texan defenders, including the famous frontiersmen James Bowie and Davy Crockett. The battle became a rallying cry for the Texan Rebels, who were buoyed by reinforcements and a desire for revenge. On April 21, 1836, the Texan Army won a decisive victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, ending the revolution. Although Texas immediately applied for statehood, it would be another nine years before it was admitted into the Union.

Location: The Alamo is located at 300 Alamo Plaza in downtown San Antonio.

Cost: Entrance into the Alamo is free. However, guided tours run about $12-$15 per person.

Time: The Alamo is open from 9:00 am - 5:30 pm daily with extended hours (9-7pm) during the summer. Plan on spending about 1-3 hours.

Description: The Alamo is one of the most famous landmarks in the nation. The mission was the site of one of the most famous battles in the history of the United States. Today visitors can tour the grounds including the Alamo Church with memorials to those who died and the Long Barrack Museum, which houses authentic artifacts that remain from the battle as well as many interpretive displays describing the fort, the living conditions of its residents, the battle and other related material. The grounds also have additional displays and occasionally host various family-friendly activities.

Rating: 3 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - San Antonio is very hot during the summer, so make sure you have enough sunscreen and water.
- The Alamo was built as a Spanish mission and as such is considered a religious building.
- Photography is not permitted inside the Alamo Church or Long Barrack Museum.

Nearby: Guinness World Records Museum, Ripley's Believe it or Not Odditorium, the Riverwalk, Tower of the Americas