The Alamo

San Antonio, Texas, United States

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The Alamo Mission in San Antonio, Texas—simply known as The Alamo—is a storied symbol of courage, sacrifice, and Texas identity. Originally founded in 1718 as Misión San Antonio de Valero by Spanish missionaries, it was the first of five missions established along the San Antonio River.

Its name, “Alamo,” meaning “cottonwood” in Spanish, likely came from a grove of trees nearby and the military unit stationed there in the early 1800s. The Alamo is most famously remembered as the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, a pivotal moment in the Texas Revolution. For 13 days, a small group of Texian defenders—including legendary figures like James Bowie, William B. Travis, and Davy Crockett—held out against the vastly larger Mexican army led by General Santa Anna. On March 6, the Alamo fell, and nearly all of its defenders were killed. Their sacrifice became a rallying cry: “Remember the Alamo!”.

Today, the Alamo is a museum and historic site located in the heart of downtown San Antonio. Visitors can explore the original chapel, the Long Barrack Museum, and exhibits that span over 300 years of history. Guided tours, living history demonstrations, and immersive exhibits bring the story to life, making it a powerful place of remembrance and education.