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Mission San Francisco de Solano
There, near the Rio Grande River in 1700, Father Antonio de San Buenaventura y Olivares worked to convert many of the Coahuiltecan bands to Catholicism, the official religion of Spain. Link text -
Land Ahoy!
After Olivares traveled to Texas with an expedition in 1709, he was struck by the potential of the San Antonio area and later recommended it to the Spanish viceroy, Marques de Valero. The area was then occupied by Spanish missions, which gave the Coahuiltecans access to two important technological developments of the period: firearms and horses. 1709-1793 Link text -
Occupying The Alamo
The Spanish military occupied the old San Antonio de Valero mission compound and converted it into a frontier outpost and military garrison. Eventually, the compound was just called the Alamo and would be home for the company for 32 years (1803-1835).
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Independence
When Mexico declared its independence from Spain in 1821, the Alamo remained a military outpost. The soldiers of the Alamo Company shifted their allegiance to the newly formed independent nation. The new Republic of Mexico inherited the old Spanish problems of holding and governing Texas. Link text -
Stateof Coahuila y Tejas
Mexico adopted a constitution that established a federal style government for the new nation. Mexico City was designated the site of the national capital. The nation itself was divided into 18 states, each with its own governor and legislature. Because it lacked sufficient inhabitants to meet the requirements for statehood, Texas was designated the Department of Texas and placed within the state of Coahuila y Tejas. Link text -
Controlling Immigration
On April 6, 1830 the Mexican government attempted to stop the flood of immigration by prohibiting the settlement of emigrants from the United States. The result only fueled the flame of revolution in Texas.
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Siege Preparations
Volunteers arrived at the Alamo, including David Crockett, Jim Bowie, and commander of the enlisted forces, William B. Travis. General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and his troops arrived in San Antonio and began siege preparations at the Alamo. Texan forces retreated into the Alamo. February 8-23, 1836.
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Travis In Charge
Travis officially assumed full command of the Alamo. He had previously been the commander of the enlisted forces, while Jim Bowie commanded the volunteer forces. Jim Bowie died after a short illness on the 24th of February.
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The First Battle
The first engagement of the Battle of the Alamo officially occurred on the 25th. Santa Anna's forces attempted to take over outbuildings on the southwest corner of the compound. The forces defending the Alamo burned these buildings. Aware that Travis needed help, a group of reinforcements left Goliath led by Fannin. Link text -
Cold Front
The weather turned cold on the 26th. Faced with news of new troop advancements, Fannin returned to Goliath. The promised help would not, therefore, reach the Alamo. Link text -
Siege Preparations Continued
Siege preparations continued on February 27. Santa Anna sent troops to nearby ranches in search of additional provisions. -
Fire Up!
On day 6 of the siege, Santa Anna's troops began an extensive artillery attack on the Alamo. Link text -
Santa Anna Attempted to Prevent Arrival of Troops
By February 29, 1836, Mexican troops fully encircled the Alamo. Santa Anna sent out some troops to stop Fannin's expected reinforcements. Civilians may have been allowed to leave the Alamo. Link text -
Gonzales Sent Help
Some 32 reinforcements arrived from the town of Gonzales to help defend the Alamo. Link text -
Texas Declares Independation
On March 2, unbeknown to the fighters in the Alamo, Texas declared its independence from Mexico. Link text -
Travis Sent Final Appeals for Help
Travis sent out final appeals for help on the 3rd of March, after receiving a letter stating that he should hold out and keep waiting for help. On the same day, Santa Anna received some 1100 reinforcements. -
The Fire Continues
The prolonged artillery attack on the Alamo continued. Santa Anna moved artillery closer to the Alamo, intensifying the attack. Link text -
Final Attack Planned
On March 5, 1836, Santa Anna informed his officers of the planned attack the following day. According to tradition, Travis offered his men the choice of staying or leaving the Alamo at this time. Link text -
The Fall of The Alamo
The Alamo fell on March 6, 1836. The battle took only 90 minutes. The bodies of the men who defended the Alamo were burned by Santa Anna and his men. Women, children, and a slave owned by Travis, were spared. Link text -
The End
Santa Anna signed the Treaty of Velasco, ending hostilities. Mexican troops withdrew south of the Rio Grande River. Link text
