American Symbols: The Alamo
What is this symbol? The Alamo is former mission and fortress. Where is it located? The Alamo is located in San Antonio, Texas. What does it symbolize or represent? The Alamo symbolizes courage and heroism. Facts about this symbol: 1.   In 1744, Spanish missionaries in Texas built the Alamo. Texas during this time was not a U.S. state, but was a part of Mexico. 2.  The Alamo was designed as a mission church. The missionaries wanted to convert the Mexican native peoples of the area to be Christians. 3.   Starting in 1765, the missionaries did not use the building as much, and in 1793 they abandoned it. 4.   In 1803, a company of Mexican soldiers took over the building. They added other buildings and built it all up into a fortress. 4.   On February 23, 1836, Colonel William Travis, from the United States, entered the Alamo with 187 men, and took it from the Mexican soldiers. He wanted to fight Mexico to take Texas from the Mexican government. 5.  Mexican general Santa Anna and 6,000 soldiers re-captured the Alamo fortress after 13 days of fighting later in 1836. 6.  All of the defenders who wanted independence for Texas were killed. They showed much courage in fighting against so many other soldiers. 7.   "Remember the Alamo!" was the battle-cry used by Sam Houston's army when he defeated Gen. Santa Anna at the next battle on April 21, 1836. That battle won independence for Texas. General Antonio López de Santa Anna at the time of the Alamo battle.     Did you know? The Alamo is now a museum. Davy Crockett died at the Alamo. On December 29, 1845, Texas became a US state.