Battle of the Alamo

The Battle of the Alamo (February 23 – March 6, 1836) was a pivotal event in the Texas Revolution. Following a 13-day siege, Mexican troops under General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna launched an assault on the Alamo Mission near San Antonio de Béxar (modern-day San Antonio, Texas). All but two of the Texian defenders were killed. Santa Anna's perceived cruelty during the battle inspired many Texians—both Texas settlers and adventurers from the United States—to join the Texian Army. Buoyed by a desire for revenge, the Texians defeated the Mexican Army at the Battle of San Jacinto, on April 21, 1836, ending the revolution.

The names of the Alamo defenders have become legend, especially those of its commanders, William Travis and James Bowie. Davy Crockett, already a legend in his own time, also met his end at the Alamo.

Battle of the Alamo in "Lee at the Alamo"
As Lt. Colonel Robert E. Lee prepared to make his own stand at the Alamo, this time against pro-Confederate Texas forces, the original Battle of the Alamo and the fate of her first defenders were constantly on his mind. Happily, the Confederate commander, Colonel Ben McCulloch did not slaughter Lee's men, instead allowing them to surrender and leave the state.