Our history is full of legendary stories. And let’s face it, stories sell. The battle of the Alamo is no exception – in fact, more than 15 movies alone have been filmed about that fateful day, all with wildly different interpretations. So it’s no wonder that separating fact from fiction, especially when it comes to such a cinematic moment in history, is like trying to wade across a river of thick Texas barbecue.
Is what you know about the Alamo from the movies and television what really happened? Let’s take a stroll through the battle of the Alamo’s most memorable moments from the screen – and sort truth from lore along the way.
The year was 1836 when Texas was still a province of Mexico. Residents were tired of tyrannical rule, so they rose up in an effort to forge their independence from the Mexican government. Things came to a head when around 200 rebels decided to “draw the line” inside The Alamo – a remote mission on the wild Texas frontier.
Three legendary heroes – William Barrett Travis, Davy Crockett, and Jim Bowie, came together to lead the fight against Santa Anna’s approaching massive army of 3,000 men. They followed the orders of Sam Houston, Commanding General of the Texas Army, who told them to hold the Alamo at any cost, like in the 1960 classic, “The Alamo.”
Or did he?
Actually, Sam Houston wasn’t there, and he told the men not to defend the Alamo. What he said instead was something like, “We can’t defend that thing against Santa Anna’s army. Haul away the cannons, blow up the fort, and give the pile of rubble to the Mexicans.”
Before long, the freedom fighters found themselves surrounded by Santa Anna’s troops. The men knew they had their back to the wall. So Travis called all 200 hardscrabble rebels to the yard. Silence echoed off the mud walls as he slowly carved a long, jagged line in the dirt with his sword. He proclaimed that every defender who crossed that line must be willing to die for Texas. And every one of them did.
This is the line, both real and proverbial, that has illuminated every fierce, independent Texan soul for nearly 200 years.
Right?
Well, the jury is still out on this one. There’s no hard evidence that this occurred. And, stories about this defining moment didn’t emerge until nearly 40 years later. Is it merely lore, repeated and passed down so many times that it has taken on a life of its own?
In the end, it doesn’t matter. Because in reality, a line was drawn in the breast of every man that day who decided to stay and fight to the death.
Outnumbered 25 to one, the rebels managed to stand firm against the Mexican Army for 12 days. During that time, they sent numerous letters begging fellow Texians to rush to their aid. William Travis himself repeatedly sent pleading letters to Colonel James Fannin, who was stationed about 90 miles away with 300 men. The Alamo defenders searched the horizon every day for reinforcements.
But no one came.
The rebels came to the horrifying realization that no help would arrive in time. But to a man, they resolved to all die gallantly for their cause. Together. For the future of Texas.
Or did they?
Mexican soldiers later found a letter in William Travis’ coat pocket from his friend Robert M. Williamson. In the letter, Williamson reassures Travis that help is on the way. So did the men make a suicide pact of sorts, or did they genuinely believe that they only had to hold out for a few more days? Evidence shows that they were likely clinging to the hope that reinforcements would arrive if they could just hold on a little longer.
The battle finally erupted. Santa Anna unleashed 1800 men on the Alamo, and the fighting was waged under the burning hot Texas sun, as seen in many films.
Well, not exactly.
The 90-minute battle was actually fought in the early morning darkness before dawn. And what ensued was less of a fight and more of a massacre.
Acting commander William Travis fought bravely alongside his men until he was dramatically stabbed to death towards the end of the battle.
Nope.
Actually, Travis died at the very beginning of the battle from a shot in the head.
Okay, well, Jim Bowie, the legendary knife fighter, fought bravely alongside his men even though he was ailing.
Almost, but not quite.
Bowie had been ill for weeks (records indicate that he possibly had TB). But he was killed in his bed, unable to fight due to his illness.
Fine. But our hero, Davy Crockett, most definitely fought to his last breath when he finally went down, desperately swinging his beloved rifle, “Old Betsy”.
Hang on to your coonskin cap because…
That poignant image of Davy Crockett wielding his trusty rifle to the end is an impossibility. He left ol’ Betsy with his son in his home state of Tennessee before he came to Texas.
But did he die fighting? The historical jury is still out on this one, too. Some say that he died in battle. Yet several accounts show that he was captured and executed at Santa Anna’s request by the hand of the general’s personal guards.
By the time the sun rose that bloody day, Santa Anna had delivered total defeat. But, the brave defenders managed to kill 600 of Santa Anna’s first-line men, slowed his advancement, and gave the rebels a thirst for revenge and a battle cry that would ring through the centuries.
So no matter the details, let’s sit back and enjoy the Alamo story in all of its forms – choosing to remember instead that the men who died, defending insurmountable odds, remind us what being an American is all about.
What’s your favorite film, book, or TV series about the Alamo? Commenting below will serve as your entry for our August giveaway. Submit your comment (one comment only please) by August 30th. One winner will be randomly selected on August 31st to receive a Texas Commemorative 1 oz. silver round featuring the iconic symbols of Texas, including the inscription, “Remember the Alamo” on the reverse. Remember, inappropriate comments will be deleted and disqualified.
kc jones says
they died for a cause that they believed in. these were real men who stood together for their flag and country
Monte Cooper says
I remember as a teenager walking through the Alamo and realizing so many soldiers of the republic dieing in such a small area for our future as Texans.
Bob Brock says
Jim Bowie and his guys did not die in vain.
Tyler says
Ozzy…
Larry Yates says
Favorite phrase (if actually said). “You may all go to hell and I will go to Texas).
Corey Estes says
Remember the Alamo
William Pelger says
Will be going to the Alamo in a week
Chris DePerno says
Bravery!
Joel says
Definitely PeeWee’s Big Adventure!
Marc Penaloza says
Best Alamo reference has to be pee wees big adventure
Glenn A Barton says
There is no basement in the Alamo.
Mark Z. says
My favorite book about the Alamo, the title of which I no longer remember, is the one I read in the 4th grade that inspired me to write and try to stage a play on the battle in my classroom. Never came together (I was a 4th grader!) but I loved the story. It probably told all the myths listed above.
Finally got to tour the Alamo in the ’90s. It felt like a religious experience! They really play up all the myths in the interactives (coon skin caps EVERYWHERE, despite clear evidence Crockett wore a slouch-style hat in Texas) but it was awesome.
Most heart rending was a letter sent east earlier by one defender. The text was interspersed at regular intervals with naked, desperate pleas that someone–ANYONE–write letters to them. Heartbreaking.
David Campbell says
The 1960 movie was my favorite rendition of the tale, despite being inaccurate. It was a classic growing up.
Jamie McAnelly says
Would love to visit the Alamo one day!
Matt says
The only thing about the alamo you need to know is that there is no basment at the alamo.
James Higdon says
History is not always as exciting as Hollywood productions, but I prefer the true story.
Vincent Como says
What about Ozzy Osbournes story at The Alamo? Not my favorite, but arguably most popular.
Kevin Newell says
When I was young I remember my mom (a Filipino immigrant) wearing a coon skin hat in the winter while she was ironing and asking her what the deal was with that hat. She said it’s Davy Crocketts hat. And she had me watch the Wonderful World of Color version, I think. I had to look it up because it was so long ago. I need to watch it again. Thank you for reminding me of this memory of my mom! (sometimes we still catch her wearing it to this day. Always while ironing clothes for some reason lol)
Howard Cagle says
Richard Widmark was the best Jim Bowie ever
Jason Keen says
The Alamo with John Wayne. Great article!
Metro East Coin Club says
1960 The Alamo!!!!
Steven says
Remember the Alamo!
Richard DiAngelo says
Another of America’s “Greatest Generations”
Though not totally historically accurate, I am a lifelong John Wayne fan and watch his version whenever it’s on TV.
Vinman says
The Alamo starring John Wayne !
Cathy Smierciak says
My favorite Alamo movie starred John Wayne. Remember the Alamo.
Cathy Smierciak says
My favorite movie was the one with John Wayne in it. Remember the Alamo I believe. Thanks.
Lucas DeLoss says
Proud to be from Texas
Deane Beman says
I recall something about not going into the basement of The Alamo.
Brice Breitkreutz says
The Alamo, starring Dennis Quaid and Billy Bob Thornton.
Michael Kartje says
Remember the Alamo and give me the coin
ProvidentMetals.com says
Come and Take It.