Editor Pick
Alamo (The)
- December 10, 2007
- Rated 4 of 5 by
zabelle from Portland, Connecticut
Growing up in the fifties, Davy Crockett was a hero we all revered. I think in my mind he will forever look like Fess Parker but that is another story all together. I have always dreamed of being able to visit the Alamo and to actually be here is a dream come true. I think Al summed it up for us when he said he had goose bumps just being here.
Maybe we were lucky that we came on a slightly rainy cool January day because I have read other peoples comments about how commercial it all is and don’t get me wrong there certainly was Ripley’s believe it or not across the Street not to mention a new attraction Davy Crocketts adventure or something like that but on the Alamo side of the street I found it to be reverent and I think everyone who was there felt the same thing, we were walking on hallowed ground.
Having visited the San Jacinto Monument and having learned about the fate of the men at Goliad only makes this a more poignant place to visit. We know what the outcome is going to be and yet we still root for the 189 men who held out for thirteen days again a force of 3000 Mexican soldier. When the end came the mission was over run in under 90 minutes. General Santa Ana’s orders were no quarter so those men who were not dead when they breached the walls were slaughter shortly thereafter. Fourteen woman and children survived and were sent on their way with 2 silver pecos and a blanket and told to spread the word that the rebellion would be crushed. It had the opposite affect that they anticipated. When the Texans heard how they had dismembered and burned the bodies of the brave defenders they were more resolved than ever to gain their independence.
What is left here at the Alamo is a lot of artifacts including two guns , a leather vest, a knife and a lawbook that belonged to Davy Crockett and a silver spoon that belonged to Jim Bowie. In the main hall of the Mission there are flags from all the states where the defenders were born. We had one man Gordon C. Jennings from Ct. There were men from just about every state in the Union, even little Rhode Island. I was surprised at how many were Europeans from England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Wales and Denmark. There was John, the freed Slave. The age of the men ranged from 15 to 55 and of the 189 7 were doctors and 6 were lawyers. An interesting group of men. Col. Travis was 26, Jim Bowie was 40 and Davy Crockett was 49.
Beyond the Mission Building there is a very beautiful garden area and also a museum in the long barracks. A video is shown in the long barracks but the last show of the day was just ending when we got there.
From journal San Antonio - A Multi Cultural Walk
Alamo (The)
- March 1, 2007
- Rated 5 of 5 by
KRYSSYD from NORTH AURPORA, Illinois
This place was the first place that we went to as soon as we arrived. It is centered in the middle of downtown San Antonio. Surrounding there are hotels, restaurants, and shopping strips, so there is a lot to do when your tour is over. It is free to enter. They give out free information at the desk inside. When you walk into the Alamo you get a very different presence that rushes over you. It really takes you back. Most people inside were talking very soft. Men took off their caps when they entered as to show respect. They have a lot of items inside to look at. When you exit the very first building, there is an amazing courtyard around back to walk through. Also, along the side there is another building that takes you through the history (and it has air conditioning!). There are many guides around that are happy to answer any questions. If you can manage to get a professional tour, I would highly recommend it!
From journal Our Little Summer Getaway
The Alamo and Mission San Jose'
- November 19, 2005
- Rated 5 of 5 by
Pat110 from Loveland, Ohio
Based on recommendations, we first went to the IMAX to see "The Alamo", a movie depicting the historical events of the siege by General Santa Anna and the death of 189 brave defenders of the Alamo on March 6, 1836. We then boarded the Trolly for a narrated tour to the various missions and the El Mercado (Mexican Market Square). We upgraded our Trolly ticket ($3 more) for the privilege of getting on & off at the various stops so we could tour the Mission San Jose and enjoy lunch at the El Mercado before returning to end the day with a tour of The Alamo and ride along the Riverwalk on the narrated river cruiser. I couldn't help but feel saddened and reverent walking through The Alamo where so many bravely fought, holding their ground for 13 days before giving their lives as the terrible price of freedom.
From journal Texas Tootsies, Girls' Trip to the Lone Star State
Alamo Tour
- May 27, 2005
- Rated 5 of 5 by
jenn01salts from wingate, Indiana
You don't really need an actual tour to go through the Alamo. You can see almost everything by walking in the main building yourself. However, it was really interesting to go and listen to the guide tell the story of the place. It makes the experience much more moving.
From journal Beautiful San Antonio
Tour of the Alamo
- May 27, 2005
- Rated 4 of 5 by
emptynest from Ottawa, Illinois
The volunteers are proud Texans who know the history and the life stories of those who died in the Alamo. They relate to this story as if they were discussing their own family history (and this may be the case). There is a miniature replica of the attack on the Alamo that puts the size of the army in perspective with the number of people inside the Alamo.
From journal Texas Off-Season