12/13/05

This small tribute to Texas' independence is downtown's heart.

by Contributor

The Background
Mission San Antonio de Valero, now known as the Alamo, was built by the Spanish in 1718. It gained its reputation as the "cradle of Texas liberty" during a bloody battle between settlers (including Davy Crockett) and the Mexican government in 1836. Although the American resistance at the Alamo was quashed (yes, we lost), the clash, and others like it, inspired the ousting of Mexican rule in the territory a few months later and the subsequent birth of the Republic of Texas.

The Experience
The landmark is smaller than most folks imagine, dwarfed further by the modern skyline and neighboring fast-food joints. Wander the grounds independently or follow the displays, tours and movie to learn about the events that led to the historic battle. An amazingly large gift shop sells items to help visitors remember the Alamo forever.

08/26/05

A site everyone should see at least once

by rywrld

I have made the trip many times, learning more each time. I just returned from taking my two boys for there first time to see one of the birthplaces of texas freedom. I highly recommend a trip to The Alamo, were some amazing bravery took place on both sides of those walls. You cant help but feel the sheer weight of what they faced for 13 days inside that compound. By the most conservative accounts they were out number 10 to 1.

• Pros: Wonderful History, Free to Tour, Great Souvenirs
• Cons: Parking

02/22/05

Outstanding!

by parchita29

The Alamo is something everyone should visit. The history is so interesting and the place is very well kept. The story is a tragic one and it's amazing to actually stand in such a historic place. I would also suggest going to see the other missions in the area because they are all part of the same story. It's great to see something like the Alamo being preserved.

• Pros: picturesque, well preserved, good value

02/21/05

Great city to visit or to reside in...

by cpmetzger

I have been happily living in San Antonio for a few years now. The weather is ideal - my wife and I prefer the hot Summers and mild Winters. The Alamo is enjoyable through any season and is easily accessible. It's location is perfect - adjacent to the River Walk and close to many top notch restaurants. Great photo location and place to bring the kids. Highly recommended place to visit.

04/02/04

A Mecca in Texas

by emcgowen

I've been going there since early childhood in the 1950s. Yes I had a Davy Crocket coonskin hat. It wasn't until adulthood that I really understood the significance of these grounds. Now I begin to tear up at the sight of this place knowing what selfless bravery can accomplish. I received a Texas flag that was hoisted here for my 50th birthday. Something I will cherish forever.

• Pros: everything

11/11/03

The Alamo

by texreb59

The Alamo is Mecca for Texans. The holiest (in a patriotic sense) site in Texas. It is where a relatively few men took a final stand and fought for their freedom and self-determination, despite the fatal onslaught a vast Mexican Army commanded by a brutal tyrant. Although the site is now swarming with tourists and in the middle of a large city, it is still our holy shrine.

• Pros: convenient
• Cons: crowded

08/27/03

Alamo

by tater1992new

I enjoyed the grounds of the Alamo so much I went there every day while we were in San Antonio. Twice or more some days. It was peaceful, cool and shady. It is a shrine, so the atmosphere is different from most attractions. I highly recommend that every visitor to San Antonio see the Alamo and just relax there for a while.

• Pros: peaceful, historical, beautiful

08/18/02

Rave review

by rd2000

The whole historic site and surronding areas are first class!

07/23/02

History within downtown

by lmais01

How fortunate to have a major piece of Texas history within the confines of the RIverwalk and well kept up despite the large numbers of people visiting the site daily! The storytellers at the side of the Alamo are the best part of the attraction and make the audience really get a good representation of the history that makes up the Alamo.

• Cons: hard to find parking, crowded on weekends

07/22/02

Reality History

by kittyh

Every time we visit the Alamo, we remember that Texas wouldn't be the great state it is without their sacrifice, although foohardy as it was.

• Pros: cheap, easy to find, clean
• Cons: parking difficult, crowded at times, needs more artifacts