San Antonio, Texas

Although no one really knows who first uttered the now independence battle cry, “Remember the Alamo,” it was used frequently by General Sam Houston as he rallied his troops. It is a fierce reference to freedom, used even today by many, and most assuredly, by Texans. So, having been a history buff all my life, a visit to the Alamo was on my bucket list. The final act of the Misión San Antonio de Valero, was a watershed moment in the history and independence of Texas. I got the chance to check the box in 2018 when I visited my friend Betty in Giddings, Texas.

The day started at Louis Mueller’s Barbecue in Taylor, Texas! The we headed south via Bastrop, String Prairie, hooking into the 10 and into San Antonio.  We checked into the Best Western on Broadway and settled in. The next day after breakfast, we headed to the Alamo. It was all I hoped and more. The history of the mission before being occupied as an Army Garrison and the subsequent battle, was intriguing. Established around 1716 by a Franciscan Order, by 1799 it has been abandoned and occupied by Spanish troops. It was during this time the chapel incurred the moniker, Alamo, for the grove of Poplars that surrounded it. In 1835, the Texas Revolution began and for 13 days the Texans held ground. Although they suffered a great defeat, the Alamo became a popular symbol of heroic resistance. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We rounded out the day with a cruise at the River Walk and dinner at the historic Menger Hotel.  Don’t miss gem if ever in San Antonio. The highlights are below. Come on, walk with me and Betty!

*Rules of Reverence prevented photography inside the Alamo complex. Don’t worry. There are plenty of books and photo souvenirs available in the gift store.