The Alamo- San Antonio Texas

EVERYONE has heard of the Alamo.  Even if you have no idea about it, you have HEARD it referenced.

I have to admit, most of what I knew before my trip about the Alamo came from Hank Hill.

LUCKILY, we found ourselves at the Alamo on the anniversary of the battle!  We were very excited to see reenactors and others doing presentations while we were there!

We also thought it was cool that ACTUAL Texas Rangers were there protecting the site, even at night!

Originally built as a Mission in the 1740s, the building gained its notoriety in 1836 during the Texas Revolution.  Mexican troops, under the leadership of General Santa Anna, took no prisoners in an absolute slaughter of Texans defending the Alamo.  Pioneer legends Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie died during the battle (and the exact details of their deaths are a bit fuzzy to historians).

Santa Anna thought the victory would intimidate his enemy but the opposite happened.  Many rallied, and a month and a half later, Sam Houston and the Texian Army would defeat Santa Anna's army in an 18 minute butt kicking rematch.  The battle cry at that time was, "Remember the Alamo!".

The actual remaining Alamo structure is a Texas shrine now.  The inside does have a very holy feel, and photos are not allowed inside.

Outside, around the shrine area are various tour companies, shops, restaurants, hotels, etc., etc.  In many ways, the area around the historic site reminds me of Gatlinburg.

And I don't mean that in a bad way necessarily.  I know for a lot of families, a visit somewhere like the Alamo, or the Great Smoky Mountains might be more appealing to the kids if a side trip to Ripley's or the Hard Rock Café is also promised.