Retreat Blog

The Mexican constitution of 1824 gave the people of Texas rights
similar to those enjoyed at the time by the citizens of the United
States, but every new Mexican government attempted to increase
control over Texas. To call attention to this, Texans removed the
coat of arms from the center of a Mexican flag, and replaced it with
the date of the constitution. It was this banner that flew from the
walls of the Alamo.

For 13 days, less that 200 Texans held off an army of more than 5,000 men. The alcalde of San Antonio, an eyewitness to the last day of the battle, recorded: "The deadly fire of Travis' artillery resembled a constant thunder. At the third charge of 830 (Mexican soldiers) only 130 were left alive. The gallantry of the Texans who defended the Alamo was really wondered at by the Mexican army. Even the generals were astonished at how dearly victory was bought."