Mission San Antonio de Valero, later to become famous as the Alamo, was established in 1718, the first of five Spanish missions founded in San Antonio to Christianize and educate resident Indians. As the mission grew, the church structure that stands today in midtown was begun about 1755. Its mission role completed, the old buildings were abandoned by 1836 when the site, by then known as the Alamo, became the "Cradle of Texas Liberty." Rebelling against repressions
of Mexico's self-proclaimed dictator, Santa Anna, a band of 189 Texas volunteers defied a Mexican army of thousands for 13 days of siege (Feb. 23 to Mar. 6). The Alamo defenders died to the last man, among them such storied names as William Travis, Davy Crockett, and Jim Bowie. The Alamo is open Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
The Alamo Museum is located on the grounds surrounding the Alamo. On view are relics of the famous Battle of the Alamo, and other artifacts associated with days of early colonization and Republic of Texas period. Open Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
