This is a revised version of a set of rules I wrote three years ago. The original version was published in The Volunteer. These rules have always given me a good battle, so the changes were minor. Historical Background In 1836 Texas was still a part of Mexico. But the Texans revolted against the autocratic rule of President Santa Anna. The most famous battle of the Texas War for Independence occurred at a crumbling old Spanish mission on the outskirts of San Antonio. Davy Crockett reportedly said that the Mexicans would "eat snakes" before they got into the Alamo. Four thousand Mexican soldiers stormed the walls of the Alamo, killing all of the defenders. Among those killed were the legendary Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie. Although this was a defeat for the Texans they won their independence later at the battle of San Jacinto. Shouting, "Remember the Alamo" the Texans routed the Mexican army, captured Santa Anna, and secured their independence. Ten years later Texas joined the United States, an event that helped ignite the Mexican American War. Battle Reports This game was played twice with my students (grades 6 - 8) Battle 1 The Mexican commanders focused their attacks on the vulnerable log palisade in the North and a breach in the wall in the South. The Mexican columns approached the walls of the Alamo in perfect discipline, undaunted by cannon fire. As they neared the walls a deadly volley of musket fire met them, and all the columns hesitated. For a moment it looked like the Mexicans might retreat without a real fight. But Santa Anna rode up and urged them forward. Mexicans started breaking through the palisade but they were scattered by a withering fire from the defenders, including a large group of Crockett's Tennessee volunteers. Santa Anna was forced to send in his reserves earlier than he'd planned. The stout defense continued. One column of Mexican infantry managed to force their way through the breach in the wall only to find out it was a trap. Receiving fire from all directions they were forced to retreat. However another column of Mexicans had succeeded in raising their ladders and had gained a foothold on the walls. They held off desperate Texican counterattacks, and soon the Mexicans were on the walls in force. They rapidly cleared the walls with their bayonets and finished off the last of the defenders, including Crockett, in the courtyard. They had won a hard fought victory. Battle 2 In the second battle the Mexicans spread out their attacks. A small column of men attacked the south wall without support, and was shot to pieces. Only a handful of men made it to the walls. In the North accurate cannon fire stopped two Mexican columns, then forced them to retreat. Santa Anna had his hands full trying to rally his reluctant men. Two strong columns succeeded in reaching the East wall where they began the difficult task of scaling the walls in the face of the well armed defenders. It was rough going, but eventually they turned the tide and began sweeping the walls of Texicans. The Mexican reinforcements arrived just in time to revive the attack in the North, and soon the Mexicans were pouring into the Alamo from two directions. Crockett tried to form a new defensive line in the courtyard but he was overrun by Mexican infantry. The last survivors tried to hide on top of the chapel, but there was no escape. It was another narrow victory for the Mexicans. The Armies I decided to go with 1/72 scale plastic figures for both armies. I bought six boxes of Airfix 1/72 scale French Waterloo Infantry. This provided enough figures for 58 bases of four Mexicans, including six command bases with a flag and drummer, and a mounted figure for Santa Anna (with a few leftovers). The Airfix figures are really lousy. Imex has now come out with a set of Mexican infantry. When they were finished the Mexicans were mounted on pieces of cardboard (four figures in a row). One box of Imex Alamo Defenders gave me 50 nice Texans, including New Orleans Grays, and figures for Crockett, Bowie, and Travis. These are nice figures, and I highly recommend them. The Texan's artillery came from two boxes of IMEX Union and Confederate Artillery. This will give you twelve cannons. I used figures from the Alamo Defenders set as gunners (one per cannon). The Texans were mounted individually. You can print and use some paper soldiers: Mexicans colored and Texicans colored. If black & white soldiers are reproduced on a copying machine, print the opposing armies on different colored paper or give to the kids to color. Building the Alamo Following my keep it simple philosophy I made the walls out of empty aluminum foil boxes. These were spray painted white, and some textured paint was used to improve the look. The church was a cardboard box that was given the same spray paint treatment. The Alamo measured about 36" x 24". I made a log palisade and some assault ladders out of paper. Here's a paper palisade and ladder you can print and use: color palisade & ladder, black & white palisade and ladder. The table was 7.5' x 5', which is a bit too small. Only the front of some Mexican columns could fit on the table. The remaining figures remained off board until the columns moved forward. Deployment All the Alamo defenders should be deployed on the walls. One figure is needed to crew each cannon. After the Texans have been placed the Mexicans should plan the attack. Their force of 58 bases should be divided into 6 assault columns. There must be one command base per column, and each column must include at least six bases. Five of the assault columns should be placed 18" from the walls of the Alamo, facing any part of the Alamo that the Mexican commander chooses. The sixth column will be the reserve. It should be kept off table, but the Mexican commander must secretly record where it will enter the table. Santa Anna starts anywhere at least 18" from the Alamo. Objective The Mexicans must eliminate all the defenders in order to win a victory. Defenders may not leave the Alamo. Acknowledgements The rules for this battle are adapted from "Remember the Alamo!" by George Knapp, which appeared in MWAN 100. I found the article while browsing on Magweb. The original rules are excellent. For the most part the changes I have made are to simplify the game so that they will work well with my students aged 10-13. The battle can be completed in less than two hours. The Mexicans will suffer a much higher casualty rate than they did historically, but the game moves quickly and is fun. I urge you to check out Mr. Knapp's original rules if you are looking for a more detailed battle. Resources "Remember the Alamo!" by George Knapp, MWAN #100 July-August 1999 "Going it Alone - The Solo Wargamer's Corner" by Rich Barbuto, MWAN #90 & 91 Nov. - Dec. 1997, Jan. - Feb. 1998 "Alamo Fast Play Rules" by John McBride, www.magweb.com "Santa Anna Rules" by Buck Surdu, MWAN #94 July-Aug. 1998 Make 'em Eat Snakes Storming of the Alamo Historical Background and Set Up Fast Play Rules for Students Paper Soldiers and Alamo (very slow: 310K) Back to Table of Contents -- Junior General Report # 4 Back to Junior General Report List of Issues Back to MagWeb.com Magazine List © Copyright 2004 by Matt Fritz. This article appears in MagWeb.com (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other articles covering military history and related topics are available at http://www.magweb.com