Mexican: Gen. Antonio López de Santa Anna and 2,500 Mexican troops.

Texans: William B. Travis and James Bowie with about 250 colonists and American volunteers.

Davy Crockett

Santa Anna entered San Antonio de Béxar on 23 February, 1836, causing the insurgent forces to withdraw inside a fortified mission just east of the town known as the Alamo. At that point the Texans, who reportedly numbered around 150 colonists and American volunteers, faced approximately 1,600 Mexicans troops. Included in this number was General Martin Perfecto de Cos and his command, which had returned to Béxar in violation of their terms of parole. Letters calling for help were repeatedly sent out of the fort by Travis. Responding to his appeal, a company of 32 men from the town of Gonzales arrived on March 1 to reinforce the garrison. Santa Anna also received reinforcement March 3 when approximately 1000 more Mexicans troops arrived. Santa Anna used the days leading up to the final assault to encircle the Alamo, thereby cutting off reinforcements to the Texans as well as making a breakout attempt more difficult. He ordered a predawn assault on the Alamo for the morning of March 6. The fighting lasted approximately 90 minutes and ended with the fort being carried by Mexican forces.

Mexican Losses: Estimates vary but possibly as many as 600 killed or wounded.

Texans Losses: About 200 were killed and the fate of the rest is debatable.

Outcome: With the fall of the Alamo on 6 March, Santa Anna re-established Mexican control of the political center of San Antonio de Béxar. By putting all known insurgent combatants to the sword, he was enforcing his government's decree declaring that there would be "no quarter" for men he and his supporters considered "land pirates." He meant the battle to be not just a military victory but warning to all to cease their resistance to the Mexican government.

One of the most common misconceptions surrounding the battle is that by their stubborn defense that the men of the Alamo were able to buy Sam Houston time to build his army. This is untrue, as Houston did not begin to build his army until after the Alamo's fall. It can be said, however, that Santa Anna's concentration on San Antonio de Béxar prevented the general from making an advance directly into the Anglo settlements. Furthermore, by putting the garrison to the sword, Santa Anna provided the Texans with a powerful rallying cry.

Remember the Alamo 1836

Introduction
Siege and Battle of the Alamo Feb. 23-March 6, 1836
Battle of San Jacinto 21 April, 1836
Alamo Myths and Misconceptions
Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT)