Remember the Alamo!
Although the San Antonio de Valero Mission was relocated three times, The Alamo had only one location. It can be seen today in that same location, 300 Alamo Plaza, near the river in downtown San Antonio, Texas.
The former mission became a fortress in the 19th century, and was the scene of several battles, including the Battle of the Alamo (1836) during the Texas Revolution. The battle pitted Mexico, under the leadership of General Santa Anna, against the soldiers of the Texas Republic. All of the Texan soldiers, including Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, were killed.
Following the battle, the building lay in ruins, until it was returned to the Catholic Church. After Texas was annexed to the United States, the building became governmental property, setting off a battle over ownership that lasted into the 1900’s. The Alamo is currently owned by the State of Texas, under the care of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and became a National Historic Landmark in 1960.
The Alamo today consists of three buildings, the Shrine, the Long Barrack Museum, and a Gift Museum, and the surrounding Alamo Gardens, occupying a little over four acres. While the importance of the Battle of the Alamo has been debated by historians, the mission attracts more than two and a million visitors each year who come to see the site when a small band of Texans held out against the army of Santa Ana. In keeping with the sacredness of the shrine, men are asked to remove their hats when entering, and all visitors are asked to speak in low voices. No photographs are allowed.
The Alamo is open daily, with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Hours are Monday - Saturday, 9 am - 5:30 pm, and Sunday 10 am - 5:30 pm. During the summer months, the Alamo remains open until 7 pm on Friday and Saturday.
Admission to the Alamo is free, although donations are accepted. The Daughters of the Republic of Texas receives no governmental funds to maintain the Alamo, and rely on sales from the gift museum and donations for all operating expenses and educational programing.
The Alamo is a short walk from San Antonio’s River Walk. If you are driving, you will find parking at pay lots in the neighborhood.
I looked forward to visiting the Alamo during some free time in San Antonio. The historical significance of the Alamo had taken on such gigantic proportions in my mind, and I was very surprised to see that it was actually quite small. That seems to be a common feeling that most visitors have, and I have heard the same comment from lots of other people who have visited.
Until you can visit in person, you can view the Alamo through its webcam. It’s not the same as visiting in person, though, and it’s just one of several great reasons to visit San Antonio.
Photo credit: SXC
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POSTED IN: Museums, Things to See & Do
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