Untitled Notes

Location: San Antonio, Texas.
Significance: A small group of defenders resisted the Centralist Army led by General Antonio Lopez De Santa Anna.
Battle of the Alamo: This battle occurred on March 6, 1836, resulting in the death of all defenders, symbolizing the values of courage and sacrifice for liberty.
Current Structure: The Alamo grounds feature two remaining buildings: the Church and the Long Barracks, which serve as historical reminders.
Annual Visitors: Over 2.5 million visitors explore the Alamo yearly (data sourced from the Alamo website www.thealamo.org).
Foundation: Constructed in 1724, the Alamo was originally known as San Antonio de Valero. Alamo Plaza was initially part of its mission compound.

1718: Establishment of Mission San Antonio de Valero by Father Olivares.
1731: Arrival of 55 Canary Islanders, leading to the founding of a civilian settlement named San Fernando de Béxar.
1823: Mexican officials approve Stephen F. Austin's plan to bring 300 families to settle in Texas, known as the "Old Three Hundred."
1813: Moses Austin receives permission to establish a colony of Anglo-Americans in Texas.

1835: Mexican troops attempt to reclaim a cannon, provoking the skirmish known as the "Come and Take It" incident, marking the start of the Texas Revolution.
1836: Texas Declaration of Independence adopted on March 2 at Washington-on-the-Brazos.
1836: On March 6, the 13-day siege of the Alamo by Santa Anna ends in battle, all defenders killed.
1836: On March 27, the Goliad Massacre occurs where approximately 350 Texan prisoners are executed.
1836: On April 21, Texan forces led by Sam Houston defeat Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto, winning independence.

1841: The Republic of Texas returns the Alamo Church to the Catholic Church.
1848: U.S. government takes over the Alamo buildings and grounds.
1850: A new roof installed at the Alamo, known for its iconic bell-shaped façade.
1877: U.S. Army vacates; Honore Grenet purchases the convento and courtyard.
1883: Texas purchases the Church, placing the Alamo under the custody of the City of San Antonio.
1905: Texas Legislature grants control of the Alamo to the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT).
1912: Upper walls of the Alamo convent are removed to prevent overshadowing.

Post-Battle Condition: After the Battle, the Alamo fell into disrepair; efforts for restoration were initiated in 1847 when U.S. Army aimed to make it useable.
Renovation Details: Included remodeling buildings, adding a new roof, reinforcing walls, and repairing the facade, thus giving the Alamo its current appearance.
Utility Permission: On June 9, 1853, the City Council allowed the U.S. Army to use the Alamo as a quartermaster depot, enhancing its utility.

1841-1885: The Alamo fluctuated between Catholic Church and U.S. Government control, with leadership shifting until it was settled with San Antonio after 1883.
Citizen Involvement: Following the transfer to the City, citizens and civic organizations began advocacy for restoration and preservation efforts led by groups such as the Alamo Monument Association.
First Custodian: Tom Rife, a veteran of the Texas War of Independence, was appointed on July 27, 1885, to maintain the Alamo's integrity until his death.

Samuel Maverick: A prominent figure who began land development around the Alamo, moving his family to San Antonio in 1838, establishing “Alamo City” and influencing the area’s evolution.
Survey Records: The influence of city planners like Francois Giraud and C.P. Matlack in accurately mapping Alamo area properties over the years.

Development Efforts: The late 1800s focused on improving Alamo Plaza with paved streets, gardens, and public amenities initiated by the city. Noteworthy developments include:
- Construction of four paved streets surrounding Alamo Plaza (1888).
- City Engineer’s surveys detailing changes, block layouts, and property ownership.
1914 Survey: Highlighted plans for street navigation around the Alamo property, showing commercial growth.

Early 1900s Changes: The removal of the convento’s second floor occurred in 1912, and repaving of Alamo Plaza completed by 1915.
1930 Beautifications: Introduction of landscaping and a new roof for the Alamo Church during a broader beautification effort that finished by 1935, giving the Alamo its iconic appearance.
1931 Aerial View: Unique perspective showing the layout of gardens, streets, and buildings around the Alamo.

1936 Centennial Celebration: Marked a one-hundred-year remembrance of independence and included participation by the Catholic Church and national leaders like President Roosevelt.
Construction of the Cenotaph: Completed in 1939, commemorating the fallen defenders of the Alamo, featuring detailed carvings and inscriptions honoring their sacrifices.

The historical preservation of the Alamo exemplifies both the bravery of its defenders and the ongoing evolution of San Antonio around this iconic monument. The Alamo continues to be a center of cultural and historical significance in Texas, attracting millions of visitors each year and serving as a symbol of liberty and sacrifice for generations to come.