DEFENDERS OF THE ALAMO Photograph of a side view of the Cenotaph. It includes sculptures of a group of people standing together with several manning a cannon on the left; the space below is etched with the Alamo Defender’s names. | Courtesy of Portal to Texas History
North Wind. Added to the physical misery of beasts and men was the frustration of being so near their destination, yet it was hidden to them and the thoughts of warming fires and blankets and the fear of Mexican Cavalry must’ve added to their emotions. Soon, and strangely enough, an English (or Englishman) speaking man hailed them from beside the road and offered to escort them into the Alamo. They followed but only for a few moments when they detected perfidy and the escort galloped away into the night. They continued riding west and closer to the town when they hit the San Antonio River; a quick turn north and they discovered the Alamo. Teenage boys are never going to die— even though they were surrounded by the accidents, epidemics and dreadful mortality 42
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of childbirth of that era. Andrew Kent argued with his son, David, about who was going to Bexar. The elder overruled the younger. But 16-year old William King won the argument with his pa, John King, and when he rode into the Alamo that morning, he had only five days to live. Most of what people know about the Alamo is false and they rely on oral tradition more so than what is read. They remember the first things heard or movies they’ve seen and that becomes fact as surely as the Burning Bush. It’s frustrating but that is the power of oral history—it’s more important what Gospel one hears around a campfire than what one reads at night next to an oil lamp, But what is consistent with both traditions are the virtues of Duty, Honor and Sacrifice.
DON’T MISS Visit San Antonio visitsanantonio.com The Alamo Misión San Antonio de Valero
300 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 225-1391
thealamo.org
Hours/Admission The Alamo Church, gift shop, and grounds are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. To visit the inside of the Alamo Church, visitors will need to claim a free timed ticket.
