siege

Siege of the Alamo Begins

| Mexico-US Wars

Santa Anna's vanguard reached San Antonio on February 23, 1836, catching the garrison under Lt. Col. William Barret Travis and Jim Bowie largely unprepared. Approximately 182–189 defenders occupied the old mission converted to a fort. Travis sent his famous letter appealing for reinforcements: 'I shall never surrender or retreat... Victory or Death.' A small party of 32 volunteers from Gonzales slipped through to reinforce the garrison on March 1.

Media

The Alamo as it appeared in 1854, showing the distinctive chapel facade — the only portion still standing when the siege and fall occurred in 1836
The Alamo as it appeared in 1854, showing the distinctive chapel facade — the only portion still standing when the siege and fall occurred in 1836 — Wikimedia Commons / Edward Everett

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