Battle of the Alamo Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Battle of the Alamo

The Alamo, as drawn in 1854

Date	February 23 – March 6, 1836
Location	Alamo Mission, San Antonio, Mexican Texas 29°25′32″N 98°29′10″W / 29.42556°N 98.48611°W / 29.42556; -98.48611
Result	Mexican victory

Belligerents

Mexican Republic

Republic of Texas

Commanders and leaders

Antonio López de Santa Anna
Manuel Fernandez Castrillon
Martin Perfecto de Cos

William Travis †
James Bowie †
Davy Crockett †

Strength

1,800

185–260

Casualties and losses

400–600 killed and wounded

182–257

The Battle of the Alamo was a very important fight during the Texas Revolution. It happened from February 23 to March 6, 1836. During this time, Mexican soldiers led by General Antonio López de Santa Anna attacked the Alamo Mission near San Antonio, Texas.

After a 13-day siege, the Mexican army took back the Alamo. They defeated the Texian defenders and other settlers who were inside.

General Santa Anna's actions during the battle made many Texians angry. This inspired more people to join the Texian Army. They wanted to get revenge. The Texians later won a big victory at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. This battle ended the rebellion and helped Texas become independent.

What Happened Before the Battle?
The Battle Begins
The Final Attack
What Happened After the Battle?
Interesting Facts About the Alamo
Other Pages to Explore
Images for kids
See also

What Happened Before the Battle?

Several months before the battle, Texian settlers had pushed all Mexican troops out of Mexican Texas. About 100 Texian soldiers were staying at the Alamo. More fighters joined them later. These included James Bowie and William B. Travis, who became leaders at the Alamo.

The Battle Begins

The Fall of the Alamo (1903) by Robert Jenkins Onderdonk. It shows Davy Crockett fighting Mexican troops.

On February 23, 1836, about 1,500 Mexican soldiers marched into San Antonio. This was the first step in their plan to take back Texas. For the next 10 days, the two armies had small fights. Not many people were hurt in these early clashes.

William Travis knew his small group could not stop such a large army. He wrote many letters asking for more men and supplies. He asked for help from Texas and the United States. However, fewer than 100 men came to help the Texians. The United States had a treaty with Mexico. Sending men and weapons would have been an act of war.

The Final Attack

In the early morning of March 6, the Mexican Army attacked the Alamo. The Texians fought hard and stopped two attacks. But they could not stop a third attack. Mexican soldiers climbed over the walls. Most Texian fighters went into the buildings inside the Alamo. Those who could not reach the buildings were defeated by the Mexican cavalry.

What Happened After the Battle?

Susanna Dickinson survived the Battle of the Alamo. She was sent to tell others about the Texian defeat.

Some people who were not fighting, like Susanna Dickinson, survived. They were sent to Gonzales to share the news of the Texian defeat. This news made many people want to join the Texian army. It also caused a panic called "The Runaway Scrape".

During this time, the Texian army, most settlers, and the new Texas government fled east. They moved away from the advancing Mexican Army.

In Mexico, the Battle of the Alamo is often not as well known as events from the Mexican–American War (1846–1848).

Over time, the Alamo complex became known more as a battle site. In the early 1900s, the Texas government bought the land and buildings. The Alamo chapel was made an official Texas State Shrine. Many books have been written about the Alamo since 1843.

Interesting Facts About the Alamo

Davy Crockett died at the Battle of the Alamo.

Many Americans know about the Alamo from movies and TV shows. These include the 1950s Disney mini-series Davy Crockett. Also, there is John Wayne's 1960 film The Alamo.
The famous American folk hero Davy Crockett died at the Alamo. He was 49 years old on March 6, 1836.
During later fighting in the Texas Revolution, Texan soldiers often shouted "Remember the Alamo!" This phrase became very famous.
About 200 Texan defenders were killed in the battle.
People from both Mexico and Texas fought on both sides of the battle.

Other Pages to Explore

Images for kids

The Fall of the Alamo, painted by Theodore Gentilz in 1844. It shows the Alamo complex from the south.
James Bowie arrived at the Alamo Mission on January 19. He became a co-commander.
General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna led Mexican troops into Texas in 1836.
William B. Travis became the main Texian commander at the Alamo on February 24.
This plan of the Alamo was made by José Juan Sánchez Navarro in 1836.
A knife said to have been used by Davy Crockett during the Battle of the Alamo.
News of the battle sometimes took weeks to reach newspapers. This is from a Georgia newspaper on April 9.
A sarcophagus in the San Fernando Cathedral. It is believed to hold the ashes of the Alamo defenders.
Cenotaph memorial for the Alamo defenders.
A close-up of the Alamo defenders' memorial.
Another close-up of the Alamo defenders' memorial.