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.”
Sam Houston telling William Travis and his men, “You people need to buy me time!” in the 1960 movie, “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.
William Barrett Travis draws a line in the sand from the Disney miniseries, “Davy Crockett at the Alamo”
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.
A scene from the 2004 movie, “The Alamo”
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.
The daytime Alamo battle scene in the 1960 movie, “The Alamo”
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.
William Barrett Travis dying from a bayonet stab to the heart in 1987’s “The Alamo: Thirteen Days to Glory”
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.
A fighting Jim Bowie resists soldiers as they try to carry him off the battlefield in the 1960 movie, “The Alamo”
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”.
Davy Crockett (and Betsy’s) action-packed last stand in Disney’s “The Last Stand at the Alamo”
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.
Book: Texian Iliad, by Hardin.
Somewhat critical of Sam Houston though I feel it is deserved as we here in South Texas tend to put everyone who was there on a pedestal. I mean come on, Bowie was a drunkard for crying out loud, not my first choice for someone I would want next to me on the battlements.
The book is a bit more revisionist than most of the Alamo books that tend to perpetuate the commonly held myths and legends.
As a history nut, and someone who lives in the Alamo City, I prefer to know all viewpoints and learn what actually happened as opposed to clinging onto untruths.
Smithsonian cable channel recent special on Alamo as part of their making of America series.
last stand w/davy crockett and betsy my childhood hero and yes i had a davy crockett coonskin hat
I dont have a favorite, I like them all
The Alamo (John Wayne) 1960
The Movie is no where near about The Alamo. But I’m going to have to answer this question with …. Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure. “Aren’t we gonna see the basement” ? I hope I gave a few of you a laugh with this lol
The Blood of Heroes, by James Donovan
I remember reading about the Alamo in Texas history and even getting to tour the Alamo. It is well worth the visit!
Viva Max,1969 starring Peter Ustinov, Jonathan Winters and John Astin; a film made about a rouge Mexican General, sore about the Movie with John Wayne (done tongue and cheek) retakes the Alamo in modern times, with a troop of reluctant but loyal Mexican Soldiers. It becomes a reverse siege and eventually the Minute Men step in to attack the Mexicans ..but with a peaceful resolution when Max decides to return to Mexico at his fiancé’s request. Max “advances” back to Mexico with his troops saluting him with cries of “Viva Max!” It is very much a comment on the similar and mutual sympathetic natures of the Spanish and English cultures of today…uplifting, funny, well written and superbly played by Ustinov as Max
John Wayne’s The Alamo!
The last stand at the Alamo.
It makes me think of The last stand of the 300 Spartans.
Thanks for the history review. Movies are swell, but not usually very good as sources for accurate info, on many topics. The real stories seem not to be “dramatic” enough for the folks who write the screenplays.
The 1960 movie The Alamo. I saw it as a child and it left a lasting impression on me as to sacrifice and bravery. Maybe some of it was poetic license, but it was still a good movie in it’s day.
Remember the Alamo!
I enjoyed the 2004 version but The Duke did a pretty good job in 1960 even though it seems a bit corny in parts these days. Love the new Alamo round too, you guys always come up with cool ones like the Zombucks and Hercules series. Keep up the great work, you have a customer for life.
The Alamo (2004)
The Alamo (1960) directed by John Wayne and starring as Colonel Davy Crockett with Richard Widmark, Laurence Harvey, Frankie Avalon, Patrick Wayne and Richard Boone.
Oh yeah !!!! “The Alamo” John Wayne as Davy Crockett 1960
My favorite tale of the Alamo has to be The Fess Parker/Disney version. I was a kid and that was the first time I had ever heard of the Alamo. Naturally I hated to see my hero Davy Crockett meet his demise there, but the lesson I learned from that was that you have to stand up for what you believe in.
The movie was 2004 with Billybob Thornton as Davy Crockett.
The story I enjoyed most was when my parents brought me to the Alamo when I was just a little kid around 7-8 years old. Growing up my grandmother had an old fur hat that she told us was one just like David Crockett ware at the Alamo. I remember running around the wood pretending to be David Crockett with my handy pop gun. So when we actually visited the Alamo I was shocked how small the remains of the fort was left but remembered all the history from my visit. After visiting from Connecticut my dream was to move to San Antonio because of our visit. So if I have to pick a movie I think all the tv show growing up whatching with my grandma and my dad are the best but also enjoyed the 2004 movie “the Alamo”
We didn’t have a lot of money when I was a kid so to go see the Alamo in person from Connecticut will be a day I never forget and hope to return one day with my family and grand kids if so lucky.
Thank you
Tim
Remember!
Remember the Alamo
When I think of the Alamo, I think Western movies. When I think Western movies, I think John Wayne. So, I’d have to say my favorite Alamo movie is “The Alamo” starring John Wayne.
When I think of the Alamo, I think Western movies. When I think Weatern movies, I think John Wayne. So, I’d have to say my favorite Alamo movie is “The Alamo” starring John Wayne.
The 1960 movie version, probably because I got to see it on the big screen.
When Davy Crockett was dragged out in front of Santa Anna and said do you surrender,I must warn you I bite!
This was in History class
You guys always make collecting interesting!!
My favorite is the 1960 movie with one of the greatest casts ever assembled. John Wayne showed he was more than an actor as he even directed the film. The well written story line and the awesome action scenes kept you on the edge of your seat even though the film was nearly 3 hours in length. And, of course, no cgi was used. Definitely a true masterpiece of cinema.