(Left) This sketch depicts the Alamo left in ruins after Santa Anna and his army destroyed the fort. Photo courtesy of Remember the Alamo by Teri and Bob Temple. (Right) One of
the first photographs taken that portrays a broken down Alamo after Santa Anna’s attack. Photo courtesy of The Alamo: A Primary Source History of the Legendary Texas Mission by Janey Levy.
After 1½ hours of intense combat, hundreds of bodies lay as a symbol of the massacre. From the Alamo, Santa Anna began marching
his army toward Goliad where he experienced an absolute victory by taking the fort and capturing 400 Texans.
When Sam Houston received word that the Alamo and Goliad had been captured, he immediately headed for Santa Anna and his troops.
With his makeshift army, Houston quickly encountered problems due to the troops’ lack of combat experience. On April 19, 1836
Houston’s army was forced to take a stand.
The battle plan to sneak up on the Mexican soldiers near the San Jacinto River during
their nap worked, and Houston led his troops yelling, “Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!” Houston triumphantly conquered the
Mexicans killing nearly all of them. Santa Anna attempted to escape by disguising himself as a lower ranking soldier. His plan
was foiled when one of his own men recognized him and yelled “Viva el Presidente” or long live the president. After his capture,
Santa Anna was forced to withdraw all troops and sign the Treaty of Velasco recognizing Texas as an independent state.
(Left) Texas President Anson Jones raises the flag declaring the end of the Republic of Texas and the admittance of Texas to the United States. Photo courtesy of The Alamo
by Dennis Fradin. (Right) Texas’s current flag that waves proudly today. Photo courtesy of The Alamo by Tamara L. Britton.
The primary reason for the Battle of the Alamo was to gain Texas Independence, but by the time the
battle had ended Independence was already attained. In fact, on March 1, 1836 delegates gathered to write the Texas Declaration of Independence, a document very similar to
the United States Declaration of Independence. The text discussed rules and responsibilities of the government and elaborated on wrongdoing
and complaints directed to the Mexican government. On March 2, 1836 delegates unanimously approved the declaration allowing Texas freedom
from Mexican control.
(Left) The Treaty of Velasco that Santa Anna was forced to sign in exchange for his life. The treaty forced Santa Anna to withdrawal his troops as well as recognize Texas as an independent state.
Photo courtesy of Remember the Alamo by Teri and Bob Temple. (Right) Twenty dollars of Texas money that was made after Texas gained independence from Mexico. Photo courtesy of The Alamo by Dennis Fradin.
(Left) The outer portion of the Alamo today, which can still be visited by tourists. Photo courtesy of Remember the Alamo by Teri and Bob Temple.
(Right) The Long Barracks - where many soldiers lost their lives defending the Alamo. Photo courtesy of The Alamo by Tamara L. Britton.
