The Alamo

알라모 요새

The Alamo is a historic Spanish mission in San Antonio, Texas, famous for its humped stone front and for a battle in 1836. It was founded in 1718 as Misión San Antonio de Valero, and later became a fort. Today it is a museum and part of the San Antonio Missions UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed on 5 July 2015.

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At a glance

Country: United States
Location: San Antonio, USA
Built: 1718
Type: Fort

Quick answers

Where is The Alamo?

The Alamo is in San Antonio, USA, United States.

When was The Alamo built?

The Alamo was built in 1718.

The Spanish mission famed for its humped facade and the 1836 battle of the Texas Revolution.

In 1836, during the Texas Revolution, a small group of Texian defenders held the compound against the Mexican army of General Santa Anna. After a siege of 13 days, the final attack on 6 March killed the defenders. The phrase 'Remember the Alamo!' became a famous rallying cry.

A mission becomes a fort

Spanish missionaries founded the mission in 1718 to teach Christianity to local Native peoples, including the Coahuiltecans. A hurricane wrecked the first buildings in 1724, so the mission was moved to its present site. It was closed in 1793, and later soldiers used it, and the place became known as the Alamo, perhaps after nearby cottonwood trees.

The 1836 battle

William Travis and James Bowie shared command of the defenders, and Davy Crockett was among those who died. Historians estimate that 400 to 600 Mexican soldiers were killed or wounded. The battle inspired Texans to fight on, and Texas later won its independence.

Today

Texas bought the chapel in 1883. The Daughters of the Republic of Texas looked after it from 1905, and the Texas General Land Office took over in 2015. It draws millions of visitors each year.

Fun facts

'Remember the Alamo!' became a famous rallying cry after the 1836 siege.
The Alamo was founded as a mission in 1718, long before the famous battle.
The siege lasted 13 days and ended on 6 March 1836.
The chapel's curved, humped front is one of the most recognised shapes in Texas.
The Alamo became a World Heritage Site on 5 July 2015.