Historical Significance
The Siege of the Alamo is remembered in American history as the most prolific examples of a last stand. One of the most significant battles of the Texas Revolution, the Alamo was a complete and utter defeat for the Texans; however, “Remember the Alamo” became a rallying cry for the fledgling nation—amplifying the significance of the battle.
Tactical Importance
Mexico was aflame with discontent in 1835. After a series of constitutional changes creating a stronger central government under President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, those residing in Texas—a region in the north of the country consisting of Tejanos and settlers from the United States who were accompanied by slaves—rebelled against Mexico. Enraged by having his territorial troops violently expelled from the region, Santa Anna marched his army into Texas while declaring all those who bore arms against criminals and liable to be executed. By 23 February 1836, Santa Anna’s army of over 1,500 men reached San Antonio, where a small group of Texans had occupied a fortified mission called the Alamo. The Alamo was a sprawling compound covering around three acres and protected by wooden palisades, walls, and an array of artillery pieces. Defending the complex were an estimated 180-260 men who were co-commanded by Col William Travis and Jim Bowie—the latter being ill for the majority of the siege. As Santa Anna’s men secured San Antonio, they raised a blood-red banner, symbolizing that no quarter would be shown to the defenders of the Alamo. After a brief exchange between representatives of both sides, it was determined that the Alamo defenders had no option other than unconditional surrender or death.
Santa Anna’s plan involved surrounding the Alamo and cutting off all avenues of escape. Although some riders and reinforcements moved to and from the fortification, Santa Anna’s force prevented any possibility of a successful evacuation. As the siege commenced, Santa Anna positioned a series of artillery batteries around the Alamo, slowly moving them forward each night. Light skirmishes and artillery exchanges occurred as the Mexicans tightened their stranglehold around the Alamo. Despite pleas from Col Travis, few reinforcements reached the Alamo, whereas Santa Anna’s force was continually reinforced, bringing his numbers to over 3,000 men.
On 5 March, Santa Anna ceased his artillery fire, lulling the Alamo defenders into sleep. In the cover of darkness, he divided a portion of his army into four columns—totaling 1,800 men. These were supported by 500 dragoons who were ordered to prevent any escape attempts. Finally, Santa Anna kept around 400 men in reserve. The Mexican assault commanders, fearing their inexperienced troops would break, kept their men in a tight column formation for the assault. Around 5:30 in the morning of 6 March, Santa Anna’s men advanced toward the Alamo, at which point they broke the silence and charged forward. The now awake Texians manned their positions and fired into the Mexicans with deadly effect. Because of their tight column formations, the Mexicans were unable to return fire en masse and presented easy targets for the Texans. After two failed assaults, the Mexicans charged for a third time, eventually breaching the northern wall of the Alamo. Despite withering fire, the Mexicans pushed forward, forcing the Texans into the interior defenses of the fort. Despite barricading themselves in the church, the Mexicans turned the Texans’ cannons against them and managed to breach the entrance. After intense, close-quarters fighting, the Mexicans managed to kill all the Alamo defenders. Mexican casualties are estimated to be between 400-600.
Strategic Impact
The Mexican victory at the Battle of the Alamo was total. By 11 March, the newly formed Texan government became aware of the fall of the Alamo, sparking a mass exodus eastward known as the Runaway Scrape. Santa Anna pursued the retreating Texans; however, in the process, he divided his forces. Finding an opportunity to strike Santa Anna’s isolated command, the Texan commander, Gen Sam Houston, launched a violent assault that routed the Mexican forces and managed to capture Santa Anna, who promptly agreed to authorize Texan independence in exchange for his own life.
Related Articles
The Marine Corps Gazette and Leatherneck Magazine archives have more than 100 years of articles. Click the buttons below to read articles about the Battle of the Alamo and its implications on the Corps, yesterday and today.
Moral of the Alamo
1Lt W.E. Maxwell, USMC
Leatherneck
April 1930
Gyngles of a Gyrene – The Alamo
Leatherneck
March 1930
Maps
Zone of Fire Between Mexican Batteries of the Alamo
The Defense of the Alamo, February 23-March 6, 1836
Podcasts
Books
Videos
Other Resources
Deconstruct the Myth Shrouding the Battle of the Alamo During the Texas Revolution
An overview of the siege of the Alamo
Encyclopedia Britannica
Historical Sketch and Guide to the Alamo
Leonora Bennett
San Antonio, TX
1904
Notable People in the Alamo Battle
Remember the Alamo
American Experience
PBS
Battle of the Alamo
Facts, information and articles about Battle Of The Alamo, an event of Westward Expansion from the Wild West