San Antonio, TX

The Alamo in San Antonio

Address: 300 Alamo Plaza - San Antonio, TX 78205 - MAP
Phone: (210) 225-1391
Web: www.thealamo.org

No trip to San Antonio would be complete without a stop at the historic Alamo, the site of a pivotal battle in the Texas Revolution.

Within walking distance of the River Walk, The Alamo is located in the heart of historic downtown San Antonio. The 4.2-acre Alamo Plaza includes the original mission or church, the Alamo Gardens, the Long Barrack Museum and the Gift Museum. All of the buildings display a living history of the early years that shaped Texas' independence.

The mission was originally named Mision San Antonio de Valero and was built in 1724. For nearly 70 years, missionaries made their home there, along with their Indian converts. But it was the 13-day seige in 1836 against General Santa Anna's army that would come to define the sacred shrine as the symbol of liberty and courage in the fight for Texas freedom.

Among the famous freedom fighters were Col. William B. Travis, commander of The Alamo, along with Jim Bowie and David Crockett. Today, The Alamo is one of the biggest attractions in San Antonio and in Texas.

Docents or volunteer tour guides make The Alamo come alive with true facts about the historic battle, while also dispelling many of the myths and legends that have added to the mystique of The Alamo. Items on display include an original Bowie knife and a flintlock rifle, similar to those that were used in the battle. The museum even houses personal items that once belonged to The Alamo's celebrated heroes. The Alamo is open daily except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission is free to the public. The Alamo is maintained by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, which depend on sales from the gift shop and private grants and donations.