� 2001-2006 by Shiloh
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Funny thing though, with the promise of rain isn't it supposed to get cooler?
Today, Nan took her visitors to San Antonio, which reminds me of the time she took Mom and me.
For those who don't know, the Alamo is right in downtown San Antonio. You would think it would be on the outskirts of town, but it isn't. Over the years the town expanded and grew up around the revered building. I didn't know what to expect at first. But it certainly wasn't crossing the street and walking a block or two till the Alamo loomed magnificiently before you.
The Alamo was part of the Mission San Antonio de Valero. It was the chapel. The name "Alamo" was given before Texas became known as Texas. It was the only part of the mission, I believe, that was left standing by that time. In late February of 1836, Santa Anna arrived in San Antonio with 5,000 soldiers, plus or minus. We (Texans) had about 150 volunteers behind the walls of the Alamo.
On February 24, the Texans received 32 men from Gonzales, bringing their total to 182 men. The men were led by both Jim Bowie and William Travis, but later Travis took over full command when Bowie became ill. Another hero, Davy Crockett, was counted amongst those who defended the Alamo. Twice the Mexican army charged, but each time it was driven back. On March 5, Travis ordered everyone to the center of the mission. He knew their situation was grave. He drew a line in the sand and asked everyone who was willing to die to cross the line. Only one man didn't cross the line; he was asked to gather his things and leave.
On daybreak of March 6, 1836 Mexicans surrounded the mission and warned the Texans no mercy would be shown. Bugles sounded, the Mexican soldiers attacked. They used ladders to climb over the wall. Once they were over the walls, the Texans had no hope. The battle lasted about 30 minutes. All were killed except Susanna Dickinson, her baby, their Mexican nurse and a negro boy. Santa Anna ordered his soldiers to cremate the dead.
Santa Anna's supposed victory became his downfall. Those 13 days were all Sam Houston needed to place his army and win the war. For some it may look like a dusty old building, but to us it is stirring. What really impressed upon me was the feeling inside. There were spirits there, you could feel them. You knew you were walking in a sacred place. People spoke in hushed tones, moved around quietly. It was awesome, special. It is now a museum run by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.
Nan keeps saying over and over she wishes I had come. Like a true Texan, she has great pride in her Texan heritage, as I do. She knows I appreciate the Alamo as it means something to me. But when it comes to Kami and Jen, she lacks enthusiam as a guide. Nan believes they won't or can't understand the pride or appeciation Texans hold for the Alamo cause they come from Idaho and Indiana. Perhaps she is right, but I think they'll appreciate the experience, if nothing else.
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