03/06/2026
Today is the anniversary of The Battle of the Alamo, about which I have thought a bit…
Mexico invited the Texian settlers to come here. Many of the settlers came from Tennessee. Many came to grow cotton. (Some, who settled in Marlin, were my ancestors.) Then Mexico outlawed slavery, which destroyed the settler’s business model since you couldn’t grow cotton without slaves. *If you leave this part of the story out, Texas history just doesnt make sense. Why did all those people have to die at the Alamo?* They were fighting for the freedom to own slaves. (Written by my 70-year old self to my 13-year old self who struggled to make sense of it all in my Texas history class.)
If you are looking for a touchstone that unites instead of divides, focus on the springs- the Blue Hole and San Pedro Springs, Comal Springs, San Marcos Springs, and Barton Springs… and tell the truth about slavery.
On this day in 1836, the quiet mission of San Antonio de Valero — better known today as the Alamo — became the site of one of the most famous battles in Texas history.
After thirteen days under siege, Mexican forces led by General Antonio López de Santa Anna launched a predawn assault on the fortified compound. In a brutal battle that likely lasted around 90 minutes, the defenders of the Alamo were overwhelmed. One by one the defensive positions fell, with the chapel holding out until the very end.
When the fighting stopped, every defender inside the Alamo had been killed.
But the sacrifice did not fade into history. Instead, it ignited a movement. Just weeks later, Texian forces would rally behind a powerful cry that echoed across the revolution:
"Remember the Alamo!"
That phrase became a symbol of defiance and determination, helping inspire the Texian army on its march to victory at San Jacinto. Today, the Alamo stands not just as a historic site, but as a lasting shrine to the men who gave their lives during the fight for Texas independence.
Remember the Alamo.
