On March 6, 1836, the pivotal Battle of the Alamo came to a deadly conclusion, marking a crucial moment in Texas’ struggle for independence from Mexico. At the time, Texas was part of Coahuila y Tejas, a northern region of Mexico, caught in a fierce tug-of-war. Rebel forces in Texas sought freedom, while the Mexican government, led by General Santa Anna, was determined to hold on to the territory and prevent further U.S. expansion.

The Alamo, an old mission turned fortress, became the stage for one of history’s most famous last stands. Led by Lieutenant Colonel William Barret Travis, the defenders included notable figures like Davy Crockett from Tennessee, who famously declared, after losing his re-election to Congress, “If they didn’t elect me, they could go to hell, and I would go to Texas!” Joining him was Jim Bowie from Louisiana, and volunteers from across the United States and its territories.

The siege of the Alamo lasted 13 days, from February 23 to March 6, 1836. In a defiant letter written during the battle, Travis proclaimed, “The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise the garrison are to be put to the sword if the fort is taken. I have answered their demand with a cannon shot, and our flag still waves proudly from the walls. I shall never surrender or retreat.”

Despite their resolve, the outnumbered Texan defenders were ultimately overwhelmed by Mexican forces. Nearly all of them were killed in the final assault, with only a few women, children, and enslaved individuals spared. The fall of the Alamo became a rallying cry—”Remember the Alamo!”—fueling the Texan fight for independence, which they would ultimately achieve later that year.