The Siege of the Alamo
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February 23, 1836
General
Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna troops move into San Antonio.
Colonel
William Barret Travis and garrison move into Alamo. Two scouts (Sutherland
and Smith) are sent to Gonzales with appeal for assistance.
Santa Anna demands for surrender.
Travis answers with a 18-pounder shot.
February 24, 1836
Colonel
James Bowie, ill, turns full command over to Travis. Mexican batteries
begin bombardment of Alamo. Travis writes his "To
The People of Texas & all Americans in the world"
February 25, 1836
Artillery bombardment continues. Mexican batteries
are planted across the river about 300 yards from Alamo. Travis sends an
appeal to Sam
Houston. ("Give me help, oh my Country").
February 26, 1836
Texans make a raid on La Villita, burning
several homes which have afforded the Mexican cover.
February 27, 1836
Bombardment continues. Cold winds from the
north bring temperature down to 39 degrees. Travis sends Bonham to
seek help from Colonel Fannin in Goliad.
February 28, 1836
Little rest, little food for garrison. New
Mexican battery placed about 800 yards to north. Santa Anna's tactics of
harassment having effect on Alamo defenders.
February 29, 1836
Weather improves to 55 degrees. Santa Anna
moves his troops closer.
March 1, 1836
Thirty-two men arrive from Gonzales to reinforce
The Alamo.
March 2, 1836
Convention held in Washington-on-the-Brazos
declares Texas an Independent Republic. Unaware men in Alamo remain
under heavy Mexican bombardment.
March 3, 1836
James Bonham returns on his attempt to secure
reinforcements. Bombardment continues. Travis sends out his last
known letters.
March 4, 1836
Mexicans advance their batteries about 200
yards of the Alamo's north wall. General Santa Anna holds a council of
war and lays out his plans for taking The Alamo by storm.
March 5, 1836
Colonel Travis assembles men in plaza of Alamo
and tells them there is no hope of help. He draws line on ground
with sword to be crossed by all who will stand and fight. All cross
line but Moses Rose, who escapes over the wall.
March 6, 1836
Day 13! At 1:00 am Mexican troops (1,400 men)
move towards positions. At 5:00 am Santa Anna gives signal : Mexican bugler
sounds Deguello, four columns of the Mexican army advance on Alamo.
Texans repulse twice the invaders with desperate, intense fighting. Heavy
Mexican casualties (nearly 600 killed or wounded). Battle rages through
The Alamo. 6:30 am : Last firing over. The Alamo has fallen.
In the words of General Vincente Filisola,
"... by grapeshot, musketshot and the bayonet, they were all killed
at last."
Remember The Alamo
!
