Is the Alamo small?

Santa Anna must have known the Alamo would be no match for his forces. Built by Spanish priests with Indian labor, the mission was never meant to be a fortress. Lacking extended walls or rifle parapets, it was almost impossible to defend—not because it was too small but because it was too big.

What was surprising about the Battle of the Alamo?

Interesting Facts About the Battle of the Alamo Between 400 and 600 Mexican soldiers were killed in the battle. Estimates on the number of Texans killed vary from 182 to 257. Not everyone in the fort was killed. Most of the survivors were women, children, servants, and slaves.

How was such a small number of Texans able to defend their position for as long as they did?

The Texans had a good defensive position because the mission walls were 2 to 3 feet thick and 12 feet high. Twenty one cannons strengthened the mission with one powerful 18 pounder. They also had huge supplies of food and water.

What is meant by the famous quote Remember the Alamo?

“Remember the Alamo” was a call for vengeance against Mexicans that was used as a rallying cry at San Jacinto and during the Mexican-American War. James E. Lamar, tried to kill or expel all Native Americans. Alamo lore served to define Mexicans and their descendants as enemies of the state.

How thick were the walls at the Alamo?

The walls, built of local limestone blocks, are more than 3.5 feet thick.

How many floors does the Alamo have?

According to the Texas State Historical Association, architectural plans for the church — what we commonly know of as the Alamo today — called for a three-story edifice topped by a dome, flanked by twin bell towers, and inside, a choir loft and a barrel-vaulted roof.

Why was the Alamo defended?

Texas history The famous siege of the Alamo in San Antonio lasted from February 23 to March 6, 1836. The strategic objective of the stand was to delay Mexican forces and thereby permit military organization of the Texas settlers. As the battle climaxed with a massive attack over the walls, the defenders…

Why was defending the Alamo important to the Texans?

For the Texans, the Battle of the Alamo became a symbol of heroic resistance and a rallying cry in their struggle for independence. The victory ensured the success of Texan independence: Santa Anna, who had been taken prisoner, came to terms with Houston to end the war.

Which Texan leader yelled the famous phrase Remember the Alamo?

Sam Houston
On April 21, 1836, Sam Houston and some 800 Texans defeated Santa Anna’s Mexican force of 1,500 men at San Jacinto (near the site of present-day Houston), shouting “Remember the Alamo!” as they attacked.

Was the Alamo building moved?

1of39The original Alamo National Bank Building: Commerce Street merchants financed its widening in 1912, and construction workers moved the building back 15 feet, as seen in this picture.