The Alamo

OC Bland, P.

United States PolicyMexico/Texas Territory 1830s

Factors Affecting US Policy

Manifest Destiny

Economic Potential

Slavery in Texas

Manifest Destiny

Belief that the United States was destined to expand across the North American continent

During this period various American leaders sought to acquire the Oregon Country, Texas, and Mexico.

Economic Potential

Texas as a producer of corn, grain, and beef

Texans sought to produce cotton to capitalize on demand throughout Europe and the United States

Vast Area (currently 2nd in US)

Slavery in Texas

Texas was a practitioner of slavery

Democratic Party of power in US

American leaders reluctant to add another slave state to the Union

Slavery threatened to divide the Democratic Party

Conclusion in Summary

• Manifest Destiny promoted United States expansion from “sea to sea”. Despite controversy American leaders made various attempts to purchase the territory from Mexico, but it was not so important as to take forcefully.

Questions?

OC Stephens, D.

Mexican Policy of Expanding into Texas

Mexican War of Independence 1824 Constitution of Mexico

Empresarial Grant

Outlawed American Immigration

Questions?

OC Hamrick, R.

The Alamo

Battleground Layout/OAKOC

Background

• In December 1835

• Ben Milam

• Five days of house-to-house fighting

• Forced General Martin Perfecto de Cos and his soldiers to surrender.

OAKOC

NOTE

• The enemy forces will the Mexican soldiers.

• The friendly forces will be the Texians and Tejanos

Obstacles

Mexican Army• When the Mexican Army

arrived, they faced a foe that was already inside a fort. The Texans and Tejanos knew they were coming, and could watch for them coming across the land.

• There were barricaded doors they had to blast through.

Texans and Tejanos• The final assault occurred

before daybreak, and the darkness was an obstacle. It would have been hard to see the enemy approaching.

• During the battle, the Texans were forced to lean over the walls to shoot.

Avenues of Approach

Mexican Army• In columns, approached in

the predawn darkness and headed for Alamo’s walls.

• Scaled walls and rushed the compound, making it difficult for Texans

• Breached Alamo’s north wall, east wall, and a low parapet by the chapel

Texans and Tejanos• Were inside the Alamo, and

used cannons and small arms fire.

Key Terrain

Mexican Army

• Could use all of outdoors to gain the advantage

• Came up walls and used ladders to attack those who were leaning over the walls

• Eventually controlled all outer walls and interior of Alamo (except church and rooms along E and W walls)

Texians and Tejanos

• Initially, they were inside the Alamo

• Could fire down on Mexicans

Observation and Fields of Fire

Mexican Army

• From outside the Alamo• Consisted of firing

upwards towards the Texians and Tejanos

• Also had to blast through barricaded doors

• Often limited due to their column formations

Texians and Tejanos

• From inside the Alamo• Could fire down toward

the Mexican Army• Was limited to the

movements within the Alamo

• Fired through holes carved into walls

Cover and Concealment

Mexican Army

• Had concealment of surrounding walls or trees/shrubbery

• Once near Alamo, had concealment of outer walls

Texians and Tejanos

• Consisted of the Alamo walls and different areas within the Alamo

• Was constricted and nonexistent once doors were burst through and Alamo was infiltrated

Questions?

OC Leamon, R.

References

James Bowie: Texas Fighting Man Hopewell, Clifford

Bowie Beginnings

Family originated in Northern Ireland

Immigrated to Maryland around 1705

Eventually splintered into South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Canada.

James “Jim” Bowie

Born: April 10, 1796 to Rezin and Elve Bowie

Second youngest of 10 children Father sold land in Kentucky and

moved to Louisiana by the time Jim was 6.

lLegendsofamerica.com

Louisiana

Settled on Bushley Bayou

Louisiana Purchase has yet to happen, still under Spanish rule.

Jim learned to speak and write French and Spanish.

Childhood

Learned to use guns, knives, and to fish to survive.

Planted, cultivated, and harvested crops.

Responsible for the care of farm animals.

Attended alligator hunts. Reported to have ridden alligators at

one time.

Independent Jim Bowie

Moved to Rapides Parish, Louisiana Cleared land and supported himself by

selling lumber. Given ten servants, horses, and cattle

by his father around 1818. Successfully operated a plantation and

developed multiple estates.

Lafitte the Pirate

1818 Jim Bowie met Jean Lafitte and learned of money making opportunities in Galveston, TX

Jim sold his land and sawmill. Began picking up slaves in Galveston

from Lafitte and smuggled them into Louisiana.

Boliviarchamber.org

Land Speculation

1826 – Started speculating land in Louisiana.

Quickly made thousands of dollars selling land claims.

1827- Many claims went before the courts. 117 claims confirmed then appealed. 1831 – Most claims ruled fraudulent and

then confirmed in 1833. Jim Bowie had already left for Texas by this

time.

Beginning of a Fighting Man

Alexandria, Louisiana business headquarters.

1826 – Bowie sought a loan to avoid foreclosure on some land

Loan rejected by Maj. Norris Wright Crossed paths in the street and Wright

shot at Bowie Bowie attempted to kill Wright with his

hands until friends intervened.

Bowie Knife

Fight with Wright. Swore to wear his knife for the rest

of his life. Multiple stories to “Bowie” knife

origination. Knife that killed Maj, Norris Wright. 9.25 inches long and 1.5 inches wide.

Wikipedia.org

Texas

Moved to Texas in 1828 Land speculation Land speculation challenged in

Louisiana. Began meeting future figures of Texas

Government Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston

Settled in San Antonio de Bexar Mostly Mexican population.

Texas 1828

Latinalista.net

Texas cont.…

Continued less-than-honest land speculation in Texas Emigrants applied for land grants,

Bowie paid the fees, but took ½ of the land for himself.

Continued selling land in Louisiana April 25, 1838 – Married Mari Ursula

de Veramendi Daughter of vice-governor of

Coahuila-Texas.

Texas cont.…

Searched for silver mines Had many battles with Native

Americans Added to his notoriety of being a

fighting man Member of Mexican legislature in 1835

General Santa Anna order arrest of all Americans legislature.

A Changed Man

Texans were wanting independence from Mexico Bowie had little to gain from

independence. Cholera was spreading through the

country. Sent family to Monclova for safety. Wife was pregnant. Plaque struck and entire family died.

Began drinking heavily

A Changed Man cont.…

Filled his time with work 1834 – Constant travel from

Louisiana, Mississippi, and, Mexico. October 5, 1835 Texas War for

Independence begins.

The War

Stephen F. Austin referred to Bowie as Colonel Bowie Never officially received a

commission. Order to accompany Captain Fannin

Select a secure position near San Antonio de Bexar.

Battle of Concepcion Texas lost 1, Mexico lost 10 men

The Alamo

Jan 19 1836 Bowie and approx. 30 men arrived at the Alamo and joined another force of 104. Few weapons and few cannons.

Jan 22, reports of Santa Anna marching on Texas with 4500 troops

Jan 27, General Ramirez y Sesma was headed for San Antonio

The Alamo

Latinamericanstudies.org

The Alamo cont..

Bowie letters to Governor Smith Requested men, money, rifles, and

cannon powder“the salvation of Texas depends

on great measure on keeping Bexar out of the hands of the enemy.”

“Colonel Neill and myself have come to the solemn resolution that we will rather die in these ditches than give it up to the enemy.”

-Jim Bowie

The Alamo cont.…

Lt Col. Travis left in charge by Colonel Neill Disagreements between Bowie and

Travis The Garrison voted Bowie in

charge. Personal Truce

Travis commanded the regular army

Bowie commanded the volunteers

Ill health…

During his time at the Alamo Bowie suffered from an unknown illness Described as tuberculosis, pneumonia,

and typhoid fever. Feb 21 – Fell from a scaffold mounting

cannon Crushed ribs and hips

Command solely with Travis. Confined to bed

Reportedly crawled out of bed everyday to see men and raise moral.

Death

March 6 1936 Mexican troops launched final attack on the Alamo. Orders were given to identify the

bodies of Bowie, Travis, and Crockett.

Died in his cot Back braced against the wall with

pistols and his knife in his hands.

Summary

Legendsofamerica.com

lLegendsofamerica.com

James “Jim” Bowie

Questions?

Questions?

OC Trembley, C.

Antonio Lopez deSanta Anna:

War, Women, and a Wooden Legs

Becoming a Soldier

-Born in Verracruz 21 February 1794

-Limited interest in schooling or business

-Member of an affluent Criollo class family

-Leaves the family business to become a Cadet in the Fijo de Veracruz Infantry Regiment in June of 1810

-Progressed from Cadet to Captain by 1816 and to Lieutenant Colonel by 1821

Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures

-Serving under Jose Joaquín de Arredondo allowed him to develop future TTPs that would be used during the Texas revolution.

-Battle of Medina mirrors The Alamo

-The Battle takes place near San Antonio against rebels fighting for independence

-Captives executed and bodies desecrated

Women and Weaknesses

-Beginnings of addictions that would follow him throughout his career

-Indiscretion in the Navarro house after the Battle of Medina

-Beginning of Opium addiction

-Constant gambling

-Marries 14 year old Maria Ines de la Paz Garcia for her dowry in 1825 (does not attend wedding) but continues seducing women during his travels.

Politics and Posturing

-Began as a member of the Spanish Army fighting against a native Mexican Population

-1821 he changed sides and supported Agustín de Iturbide against the Spanish Army becomes a hero of the Mexican revolution

-1822 he changed sides again and helped overthrow Iturbide and establish the Republic

-1828, 1830, and 1832 he participated in Coups and rebellions against government leadership, finally securing the presidency for the first time in 1833.

Expanding Power

-Santa Anna enacts policies the consolidate power

-Congress is disbanded

-Taxes increased exponentially because treasury is bankrupted by an expanding Army and corruption

-Presidential Term extended

-Santa Anna becomes a millionaire and begins referring to himself as “The Napoleon of the West”

Rebellion

-Multiple states enter into open rebellion and attempted to form their own government

-Santa Anna’s Army of Operations defeats Zacatecas and emulates Arredondo’s aggressive policies for dealing with rebels by allowing his troops to ransack the city for 48 hours

-Santa Anna sends General Cos on to take control of Texas, but Cos loses the Alamo to the Texans

Santa Anna Leads His Army to Texas

-Santa Anna combines the strategies of Napoleon and Arredondo

-Extended forced march, in winter, with limited supplies, and expectations of support from locals is based on Napoleon’s lightning push through Russia

-The red flag signaling no quarter for the rebels, the expectation of unconditional surrender and post battle propaganda comes from Santa Anna’s experience under Arrendondo

Why Everyone Lost at the Alamo

-Santa Anna is directly responsible for the defeat of the Texans in the Alamo

-Assaulting the relatively insignificant Alamo an act of ego that creates martyrs and propaganda that would led to the eventual victory of Texas

-Despite a good plan, lack of training, a history of micromanaging, and impatience resulted in significant casualties on the Mexican side

Ego and Intimidation

-Santa Anna’s actions following the Battle of the Alamo stand out as both brutal and dishonorable

-Santa Anna orders combatant captives executed over the protests of his officers

-The bodies of the defenders are burned, to prevent the possibility of honorable burial

-Engages in a fake wedding to a young woman (despite already being wed) in order to sleep with her

-Executions at Goliad

The Loss of Texas

-The Battle of San Jacinto

-Santa Anna divides his forces to try and capture the leaders of the Provincial Government

-The Mexican Troops were exhausted by the long forced march

-Houston is able to launch a surprise attack with motivated troops

-Santa Anna may have been distracted by an attempted seduction of Emily Morgan

The Capture of Santa Anna

-Santa Anna flees during the Battle

-Is found wearing the uniform of a normal soldier-Once identified, he immediately asked Houston for opium, which Houston provided

-Signs the Treaty of Velasco

-Travels to the United States to negotiate and is deposed in absentia

Legacy

-Santa Anna convinces the US Government to let him retire at his home in Vera Cruz

-Is able to reestablish himself during the Pastry War where he looses his leg and wins back the Presidency

-Is soon exiled to Cuba, but returns declaring himself President again to fight the Americans in the Mexican American War

-He is exiled and regains power twice more before once again fleeing the country to return only two years before his death

The Wooden Leg

-The story of Santa Anna’s leg tells a lot about the man himself

-The leg was lost when Santa Anna was struck in the ankle during a war predicated on money owed over money and baked goods

-The leg itself was buried with full military honors

-When leaving on a military campaign, Santa Anna would unstrap his wooden leg and waive it above his head in celebration

The Wooden Legs

-One prosthesis was captured by young Captain Robert E. Lee and resides in Illinois the Mexican government has requested it back many times

-Santa Anna’s legs have achieved their own celebrity status

-Another leg, this one a peg was seized and later used as a baseball bat by Lt. Abner Doubleday before taking up residence in Oglesvy Mansion also in Illinois

References

Santa Anna and the Texas Revolution http://mexicanhistory.org/santaanna.htm

Remember the Alamo http://mexicanhistory.org/santaanna.htm

-Websites

-Books

Murphy, Jim. Inside the Alamo. New York, New York: Delacorte Press, 2003.

Fowler, Will. Santa Anna of Mexico. Hastings, Nebraska: University of Nebraska, 2007.

Questions?

OC Lawson, S.

Davy Crockett1786-1936

Born August 17, 1786 in Greene County near Limestone, TN Was the fifth of nine children of John and Rebecca

(Hawkins) Crockett Ran away from home at the age of 12 after fighting at

school on his fourth day Spent 2 ½ years working in Virginia before going back

home

(Davy Crockett Birthplace, 1996)

Was an excellent marksman, hunter, and trapper by age 16

Attended school for only six months in his life Married Mary (Polly) Finley in 1806 at the age of 20

and had three children: John Wesley, William, and Margaret

Married Elizabeth Patton after his first wife’s death in 1815 and had three more children: Rebecca, Robert, and Matilda

(Davy Crockett Birthplace, 1996)

Was a battalion commander in the Creek Indian War (1813-1814)

Was a member of the Tennessee Legislature from 1821-1824

Was a member of Congress from 1827-1831 and again from 1833-1835

His motto: “Be always sure you are right, then go ahead.”

(Davy Crockett Birthplace, 1996)

Colonel Crockett died March 6, 1836 at the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, fighting for independence from Mexico alongside his fellow Americans less than 200 in number against Santa Anna’s thousands strong Mexican army

(Davy Crockett Birthplace, 1996)

Reference

Davy Crockett Birthplace (1996). Davy Crockett. American West. Retrieved on 18 January 2011 from http://www.americanwest.com/pages/davycroc.htm

Questions?

OC Sisk, A.

Daughters of the Republic of Texas

Beginnings

Saving the Alamo

Later Years

Joining the Daughters

“Texas, One and Indivisible”

The Beginnings of the DRT

Originally called the Daughters of the Lone Star Republic, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas was formed in 1891 by cousins Betty Eve Ballinger (1854-1936) and Hally Ballinger.Association was to be formed by descendants of pioneer families and Soldiers of the Republic of Texas.Cousins traveled to Houston, TX where they shared their thoughts with 14 other women 6 November 1891, and decided that day to form what we now know as The Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

The Beginnings of the DRT...

The Charter of The Daughters of the Republic of Texas was filed in the Department of State on March 9, 1895.

Mary S. Jones, widow of the last president of the Republic of Texas, agreed to serve as president.

Saving the Alamo• By the late 1880's the historic San

Antonio missions were falling into disrepair and becoming subject to vandals. A few dedicated DRT women stepped forward to restore and preserve the Alamo for future generations.

Saving the Alamo• The public entrance was already owned

by the State of Texas, which had purchased the building from the Roman Catholic Church in 1883 and had given custody to the City of San Antonio. The city had made no improvements to the chapel structure, and ownership did not include the long barracks (convento).

Saving the Alamo

• In 1903, Adina Emilia De Zavala enlisted heiress and philanthropist Clara Driscoll to join the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and requested help in purchasing the convento for $75,000.

• In early 1905, Samuel Ealy Johnson Jr. drafted the Alamo Purchase Bill which included a provision that The Alamo be overseen by Dusghters of the Republic of Texas.

On January 26, 1905, the Texas State Legislature approved, and Governor S.W.T. Lanham signed, the Alamo Purchase Bill r state funding to preserve the Alamo property.

...Saving the Alamo

• On October 4, 1905, the governor formally conveyed the Alamo property, including the convento and the mission church, to the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

...Saving the Alamo

...Saving the Alamo DRT encourages the

preservation of documents and relics, the publication of historical records and narratives, and the celebration of important days in the state's history. It also encourages the teaching of Texas history in public schools and sponsors the placement of historical markers.

As of 1994 more than 6,500 members were organized into 108 chapters throughout the state.

Local chapters also sponsor chapters of the Children of the Republic of Texas, a junior association organized in San Antonio in 1929.

Later Years

Joining the Daughters•Membership in DRT is open to women only, who must meet the following criteria:•at least sixteen years of age,•must be personally acceptable to the association, and•who can prove lineal descent from men and women who rendered loyal service to Texas prior to its annexation in 1846 by the United States.

Joining the DaughtersAcceptable loyal service can be obtained by one of the following four criteria:•colonization with Stephen Fuller Austin’s “OldThree Hundred” or by the authority of the Spanish, Mexican, or Texas Republican governments,•military service to the Spanish, Mexican, or Texas Republican governments during the appropriate era•loyal citizenship of the Republic of Texas prior to annexation•receipt of land grants authorized by the Provisional Government of the Republic of Texas.

Questions?

OC Furse, J.

William B. Travis

Born Aug 1, 1809 Saluda, South Carolina

Education Sparta Academy, Sparta, AL Law, under James Dellet

MarriedOct 26, 1828Rosanna Cato

Early MilitaryAdjutant in Alabama Militia

Texas1831Anahuac

Anahuac, 1831Protested BradburnJailed

Anahuac, 1835Collection of customsCaptured Mexican garrisonDemanded surrender

Texas Revolution BeginsOct, 1835, Gonzales “come and take it”Dec 5, Texans captured San AntonioEstablished a garrison in the AlamoTravis accepts commission

Travis at the AlamoFeb 3, 1836Col. Neill left, Feb 12Reinforces defenses with Green JamesonSplit command with Bowie

February 8, 1836Davy Crockett arrives

February 24, 1836Santa Anna arrivesLetter to “the people of Texas and all Americans”

March 5, 1836Line in the sand

March 6, 1836Santa Anna’s attack

Ending comments

Questions?

OC Jones, M.

Indirect Fire of The Alamo

Definitions

Cannon referrers to the barrel of the gun and was classified by the size of the projectile it fired.  For example, a six-pound cannon fired a six-pound ball.

Carronades were shorter barreled, lighter pieces that could fire at higher elevations.

Howitzers were short barreled weapons that could be fired at steep angles or horizontally.

Definitions Cont.

Mortars had short stout barrels that fired an exploding canister shell. This canister shell could be lobbed over the defensive works of an enemy.

Padrero fires stone balls and was used to batter walls and sink ships.

Gunade were medium barreled cannons.

Indirect Fire Asset Comparison

• 1 - 18 pounder cannon• 1 - 12 pounder cannon• 3 - 9 pounder cannons• 1 - 12 pound gunade  • 6 - 6 pounder cannons• 4 - 4 pounders

cannons• 2 - 3 pounder cannons• 3 - swivel guns

Texan Assets

• 1 - 18 pounder cannon• 1 - 16 pounder cannon• 1 - 12 pounder cannon• 1 - 9" pedrero• 2 - 8 pounder cannons• 6 - 6 pounder cannons• 4 - 4 pounder cannon• 2 - 3 pounder cannon

Mexican Assets

Projectiles

•Solid shot (cannon ball)•Exploding shell•Grape shot•Cannister•Scrap metal such as nails, horse shoes and chains that had been chopped to pieces.

Indirect Fire Weapons

Indirect Fire Weapons

Three Pounders

Swivel Gun

Four Pounders

Indirect Fire Weapons

Six PoundersNine Pounders

Twelve Pound Gunade

Indirect Fire Weapons

Twelve Pounder

Indirect Fire Weapons

Eighteen Pounder

Questions?

OC Morgan, S.

The obstacles and their effects of the Alamo

Obstacle:

• Something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted.

Layout of the Alamo

General Santa Anna• After Texan forces captured San Antonio and the

Alamo on Dec. 10th, 1835, Gen. Santa Anna and his entire army began their march to Texas, arriving on Feb. 23rd, 1836.

• He marched his army, day and night, through rough dessert conditions. Hundreds of Mexican troops would die on the roadside while making this march.

• Once he arrived, he began to surround the Alamo and would attempt to confuse the Texans by setting up small diversionary attacks on the south wall. His plan was to fix the Texans on this south wall while he overran the north wall.

A Desperate Plea

• COMMANDANCY OF THE ALAMO, BEXAR, February 24, 1836.FELLOW-CITIZENS AND COMPATRIOTS : I am besieged by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna. I have sustained a continued bombardment for twenty-four hours, and have not lost a man. The enemy have demanded a surrender at discretion ; otherwise the garrison is to be put to the sword, if the place is taken. I have answered the summons with a cannon-shot, and our flag still waves proudly from the walls. I shall never surrender or retreat.

A Desperate Plea Cont.

Then I call on you in the name of liberty, of patriotism, and of everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid with all despatch. The enemy are receiving reinforcements daily, and will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. Though this call may be neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible, and die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor and that of his country.

A Desperate Plea Cont.

Victory or death!"W. BARRET TRAVIS, Lieutenant-Colonel commanding." P. S.—The Lord is on our side. When the enemy appeared in sight, we had not three bushels of corn. We have since found, in deserted houses, eighty or ninety bushels, and got into the walls twenty or thirty head of beeves. "T"

Col. Fannin

• Received Lt. Col. Travis’ plea on Feb. 25th. 320 troops and 4 cannons were sent from Goliad.

• During the first day of travel, the troops’ wagons came apart causing them to set camp for the night.

• Short on food and fearing of being ambushed, the troops headed back to Goliad.

The next ten days

• Gen. Santa Anna would carry out small skirmishes while he waited for re-enforcements and his cannons.

• Lt. Col. Travis and his 145 troops would continue to hold off any advancement without any casualties.

Second desperate plea

• In a letter of Travis, dated the 3d of March, and furnished by Jesse Grimes, Esq., he says: "I am still here, in fine spirits, and well to do. With one hundred and forty-five men, I have held this place ten days against a force variously estimated from fifteen hundred to six thousand; and I shall continue to hold it till I get relief from my countrymen, or I will perish in its defense. We have had a shower of bombs and cannon-balls continually falling among us the whole time, yet none of us have fallen. We have been miraculously preserved."

March 6th, 1836

• Gen. Santa Anna, without his cannons, elected to hit the north wall, placing ladders against the three foot thick walls.

• Texan defenders could not shoot directly below, allowing the Mexican troops to advance.

• Mexican troops overran and took the Alamo in just over an hour’s time, leaving no prisoners.

Summary

• Obstacles used by the Mexican army were the houses that sat around the Alamo, which allowed cover.

• The Mexican army had to overcome tough terrain and conditions along with fighting in the open. Nonetheless, the Mexican army, by fixing the Texan defenders on the south wall, were able to effectively storm the north wall with success, despite their heavy losses they sustained.

Summary

• Texan defenders were outnumbered 10 to 1 and their three foot thick wall proved to be detrimental to their defeat.

• Re-enforcements for the Texan forces were turned back, due to lack of supplies and poor equipment, causing an unsustainable obstacle for the Texan defenders.

• The effects of these obstacles proved to be greater for the Texan defenders, despite their courageous efforts.

Questions?

OC Prouse, N.

Soldier Support

Mail Military Pay Leave Mortuary Affairs MWR

Mail

Messengers or Riders would deliver and receive messages.

Postal Service had routes set across the country, for a certain fee,one could send mail.

American Military Pay

• American militia men were volunteers from Texas, and Tennessee.

Pay was never established in Texas at the time due to a divided state and government.

Twenty or more troops left the Alamo due to not being paid for their efforts when they were promised pay to come.

Mexican Military Pay

Based on a conscript system.

Volunteers could enlist for eight year terms while draftees served ten years.

Pay was 19 pesos, 4 reals, and 9 granos per 25 day month.

Leave

Leave was available under certain circumstances (death, family illness).

There was no set time frames, reasons, or manuals for leave.

Many men left due to no provisions without consent and against requests to remain.

Mortuary Affairs

Americans who passed away while occupying the Alamo were given Christian burials.

Mexican army buried their soldiers in local cemetery, Campo Santo.

Mortuary Affairs

Mexican army stacked the remains of American troops (with exception of Gregorio Esparaza, his brother was an officer in Santa Anna’s army, who received a proper burial) in three piles, mixed with fuel, wood and dry branches, and set on fire. This is known as a funeral pyre.

Mortuary Affairs

In 1837 the ashes of the Alamo defenders that were still in separate piles were carefully placed in a coffin and buried at the site after the procession.

A marble crypt in the San Fernando Cathedral is now the keeper of those ashes.

MWR Affairs

MWR was not established as it is in today’s military.

Soldiers would sing, dance, and play music in order to boost moral for the troops.

Santa Anna had a regiment of the Mexican army band play music.

Troops would tell stories or tales of their lives and adventures.

Some would engage in alcohol as well. Play horseshoes, checkers, and chess

Questions?

OC Lewis, D.

Texan and Mexican Supply/Re-Supply at

the Battle of the Alamo

10 Classes of Supply

• 1 Subsistence and Water• 2 Clothing and Equipment• 3 Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants• 4 Construction and Barrier Material• 5 Ammunition

10 Classes of SupplyCont.

• 6 Personal Convenience Items• 7 Major End Items• 8 Medical Supply• 9 Repair Parts• 10 Non Military Material

Texan Class 1 Subsistence and Water

• 30 Head of Cattle • 90 Bushels of Corn• Well Water• Acequias (ditch water) • Stored Water (tubs, skins and gourds)• No Coffee

Mexican Class 1 Subsistence and Water

• Wild/Roaming Spanish Cattle• Accompanying Cattle Herds• Natural Forages (pecans, misc. nuts, wild

berries, wild mustang grapevines, cactus shoots, wild cabbage)

Mexican Class 1 Subsistence and Water

Cont.

• Cultivated Forages (peppers, tomatoes, figs, squash, onions, garlic, greens)

• Hard Tack and Corn Cake • River and Stream Water (barrel, skin, canteen)• Coffee

Texan Class 2 Clothing and Equipment

• Uniforms and Headgear (US Army surplus)• Buckskins and Animal Skin Hats• Misc. Civilian Clothing, Sombreros• Shoes, Moccasins, Riding Boots, None• Belts, Ammunition Boxes/Pouches, Powder

Horns, Flints• Blankets, Gum Blankets

Texan Class 2 Clothing and Equipment cont.

• National Flag (Mexico 1824)• Field Glasses• Musket, Rifle or Shotgun• Pistol• Bowie Knife, Long Knife, Dirk, Belduque

Texan Class 2 Clothing and Equipment cont.

• Tomahawk• Hatchet• Axe• Sword• Bayonet

Texan Class 2 Clothing and Equipment cont.

Mexican Class 2 Clothing and Equipment

• Napoleonic Uniforms, Headgear and Helmets• Shoes, Riding Boots, None• Belts, Ammunition Boxes, Flints, Canteens• National Flags, Unit Flags, Pennants• Bugle• Field Glasses

Mexican Class 2 Clothing

and Equipment Cont.

• Blankets, Gum Blankets• Tents• Musket or Rifle• Pistol• Bayonet• Sword

Mexican Class 2 Clothing

and Equipment Cont.

• Lances• Belduque• Ladder• Axe • Crowbar• Pick• Spike

Mexican Class 2 Clothing

and Equipment Cont.

Texan and Mexican Class 3 Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants

• Animal Renderings (fat and lard)• Axle Grease• Lamp Oil• Firewood• Salt or Sugar

Texan Class 4Construction and Barrier Material

• Mud and Straw • Felled Trees (sharpened limbs)• Soil• Water (Moat)• Requisitioned Lumber• Sandbags, Cowhides

Mexican Class 4Construction and Barrier Material

• Wrecked Houses • Requisitioned Lumber• Felled Trees• Soil

Texan Class 5 Ammunition (Artillery)

• 18, 16, 12, 8, 6, 4, 3 Pound Cannonball• 9” Stone Cannonball• Grapeshot• Cannister• Scrap (nails, horseshoes, chains, rocks, etc.)• Wadding• Powder• Slowmatch and Linstock

Texan Class 5 Ammunition Cont.

(Small Arms)

• Long Arm and Pistol Ball Caliber .32, .45, .50, .58, .61, .65, .69, .75

• Buckshot • Wadding• Powder• Ramrod• Wiping Stick• Flint or Percussion Caps

Mexican Class 5 Ammunition (Artillery)

• 10, 8 Pound Cannonball• 9”, 5” Howitzer• Cannon Grapeshot• Wadding• Powder• Slowmatch and Linstock

Mexican Class 5 Ammunition Cont.

(Small Arms)

• Long Arm and Pistol Ball Caliber .35, .59, .65, .69, .70, .752, .760

• Buckshot• Wadding• Powder• Flint• Percussion Caps

Class 6 Personal Convenience Items

• Straight Razor or Knife• Soap (Lye)• Toothbrush (Animal Hair and Bone)• Writing material (Diary, Journal, Stationary), Quill

Pen and Ink• Reading Material (Personal Letters, Literature,

Bible)

Class 6 Personal Convenience Items Cont.

• Candles, Lamps• Tobacco (pipe, chewing, snuff)• Alcohol (whiskey, shine, barefoot rum,

aguardiente)• Cooking and Eating Utensils

Texan Class 7 Major End Items

• 18-24 Cannons and Carriages• Horses• Various Carts

Mexican Class 7 Major End Items

• Stock Drawn Wagons including Tack• 1800 Pack Mules• 300 Two Wheel Carts• 50 Four Wheel Wagons• Cannon and Carriages

Texan Class 8 Medical Supply

• 6 Doctors• Cloth Bandage (rags/remnants)• Splints (foraged/requisitioned wood, lumber)• Surgical Tools (saws, knives, dental tools)• Anesthesia (opium, laudanum, high proof liquor)

Mexican Class 8 Medical Supply

• Incompetent and Insufficient Doctors• Cloth Bandage (rags/remnants)• Splints (foraged/requisitioned wood, lumber)• Surgical Tools (saws, knives, dental tools)• Anesthesia (opium, laudanum, high proof liquor)

Texan and MexicanClass 9 Repair Parts

• Wagon/Carriage Wheels• Wagon/Carriage Wheel Tires (metal)• Leather/Misc. Skins • Horse Shoes• Wood (wagons, gun stocks, etc.)• Bone (knives)• Locks, Trigger Assemblies, Barrels• Uniforms and Clothing

Texan Class 10Non-Military Material

• Hand Tools (axes, shovels, hammers, mallets,etc.)

• Blacksmithing Tools• Davy Crockett’s Fiddle

Mexican Class 10Non-Military Material

• Regimental Band Equipment• Fighting Cocks• Opium• Catholic Burial Rite Accessories

Questions?

OC Wilkerson, P.

Sam Houston

Achievements

•Served Tennessee as United States congressman and Governor•Commanded forces at the battle of San Jacinto defeating a larger Mexican army and winning independence for Texas.•Served two separate terms as President of the Republic of Texas.•When Texas became a state, he served as United States senator and governor

Early Life•Born March 2, 1793 in Rockbridge Co, Virginia.•After his fathers death, Houston moved with his mother and eight siblings to the Tennessee wilderness.•Though highly literate Houston did not enjoy life on the farm or learning in the classroom•He spent nearly three years, off and living with neighboring Cherokees as the adopted son of Chief Oo loo to ka.

The War of 1812

Soon after returning home, Houston volunteered for duty in the War of 1812.By 1814 Houston had risen to the rank of lieutenantHe served under Andrew Jackson at the battle of Horse Shoe Bend where he was twice seriously woundedHe spent the next four years recovering from his wounds, thanks to Andrew Jackson, served as a subagent to the Cherokee until his resignation from the army in 1818.

Early Political Career

•Enjoyed the support of fellow Tennessean and President Andrew Jackson.

•Served Tennessee as United States Congressman

•Elected Governor of Tennessee

•Resigned from Governor’s office after his first marriage came to a controversial end.

Self Exile

•After his resignation Houston went west into present day Arkansas to stay with his adopted Cherokee father Oo Llo te ka.•He became an advisor to local tribes and visited Washington DC several times on the Cherokee behalf•During this period he visited Texas and became interested in the demand for separation from Mexico.

Mexico and Texas

•1821, Texas won from Spain in Mexico War for Independence

•Mexican Government promotes immigration into Texas from United States

•Many Texans dissatisfied with perceived injustices at the hands of corrupt Mexican Government.

San Jacinto

•March 1836 Texas declares independence•Sam Houston is named commander in chief over Texan Army•March 6. the Alamo is captured. All but two defenders are killed•On April 21st screaming “Remember the Alamo”, Houston’s Texans attack and defeat larger Mexican force at San Jacinto near present day city of Houston.

Questions?

OC Ladd, B.

Morale of Texan and Mexican Forces After the Alamo

Texan Morale

Texan forces suffered a great loss at the Alamo.

Santa Anna refused to take POWs. All of the combatants at the Alamo were

killed, some of which were possibly executed after the battle was over.

Only two non-combatants survived and were sent by Santa Anna to spread word that the Mexican Forces were unbeatable.

Texan Morale cont.

Texan forces were angered by the brutality shown by Santa Anna

Rather than being scared by the total loss they suffered at the Alamo, the soldiers were motivated to fight

Texas government ensured that their forces were well supplied with food, ammunition and soldiers, all of which were not abundant at the Alamo.

Texan Morale cont.

News of the outcome of the battle spread all across the country and many Americans went to Texan and volunteered to assist the Texan Forces

Motivated and united by the deaths of their brothers in arms and their cry, “Remember the Alamo,” Texan Forces easily defeated the Mexican Army at the Battle of San Jacinto

Mexican Morale

Santa Anna believed the Alamo to be a major victory that would scare the Texan Forces into surrender, leading to his victory

Many of the Mexican soldiers and even some of Santa Anna’s closest officers disagreed with his thinking.

Mexican Morale cont.

Some soldiers and officers believed the Alamo to be of little military or political value, thus a major battle was not necessary.

The Alamo could have been surrounded and guarded by a small force.

This would have kept the Mexican Forces from losing 1/3 of their troops at the battle.

Mexican Morale cont.

Even Santa Anna’s own men viewed his orders to execute the survivors as barbaric and inhumane.

This led to a non-unified command and force.

These problems were detrimental to overall soldier morale. Many felt the battle was a virtually lost because of the great loss of Mexican life on a target of little importance.

Questions?

OC Jones S.

Mexican Offensive Operations

• 1400 Mexican soldiers • 13 day siege• 90 minute assault

Mexican Composition, Disposition, Strength

• Infantry, cavalry, reserve cavalry– Rifle, Cannon

• Outer Alamo perimeter• 4000-5000 Mexican soldiers

Mission: Attack and Destroy

• Mexican cannon and rifle fire• Weaken defenses to prepare for assault• Attack perimeter and destroy

Execution:Assault, Attack by Fire, Breach

• 4 columns, separate assault locations• North, Northeast, East, South• Support by fire• Infiltration

Decisive Victory

• No defenders left alive• No quarter given• Objective to take San Antonio complete

Questions?

OC Surhe, D.

Characteristics of DefenseAt the Alamo

PreparationKey Preparation for defense points1. Earthen ramp made of fallen roof arches used as artillery platform for

several cannons5. Trenches along the south wall7. Circular lunette at main entrance8. 18 lb cannon located here9. Small Cannon mounted on low ramp12. Several cannons along north wall

13. Several Cannons along north wall

18. Cannon positioned at NE corner of cattle pen

Preparation

Other Preparation attempts

• Catwalks were constructed along the walls to allow defenders to fire over the 9-12 ft high walls

• Mental preparation also took place with many pledges to “never surrender or retreat” as well as a statement of “Victory or Death” by all that defended the fort

• The buildings walls within the fort had holes carved in them to act as firing positions for the Texans if the outer wall was overrun

Massing Effects

Defined, Defenders seek to mass the effects of overwhelming combat power where they choose and shift it to support the decisive operation, or Main Effort Cannons were placed along the walls being optimistic with Maj. Green B. Jameson boasting that defenders could “whip 10 to 1 with our artillery.”Many attempts for reinforcements were sent to higher commandThe walls were crumpling from the constant bombarding of cannon fireOn the 13th day of the siege Santa Anna sent 1,800 troops to assault the fort from four directions, fire from cannons and rifles alike were concentrated on the Mexican ranks as they pushed forward.

Flexibility

Defined: The defender must be agile enough to avoid theattackers blows and then strike back effectively

Lack of men and resources allowed for little flexibility in the defenseDefenders of the Alamo knew that the walls were not made to stand such attacksFlexibility to move within the fort to weak points along the wallOnce the the walls were breached the defenders had to fall back to the Long Barracks

Security

Defined: Never permit the enemy to acquire an unexpected advantage.

The security of the Alamo was hasty The complex covered 3 acres of land with a perimeter

of 1,320 feet of perimeter to defend Did the best they could with the resources and men

they had Concentrated on key areas where avenues of

approach were most likely to occur

Disruption

Defined: Disrupts the attacker’s tempo and

synchronization by countering his initiative and

preventing him from massing overwhelming

combat power.

The forms of disruption that the Texans used was using directed firing in hopes to halt any attack and force the attackers to retreat, reform, and re-strategize.Many of the attempts to made to enter the fort including ladders being placed at the wall of the fort but most were driven back

Questions?

OC Johnson, T.

Benjamin Rush "Ben" Milam

Things named after Ben

Milam County, Texas San Antonio’s Milam Park A street in Seguin Schools named Milam

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Benjamin_Milam_Monument.jpg

Ben Milam’s remains

Ben was first buried where he fell He was moved to a corner of a

protestant cemetery When the area was named as Milam

Park his remains were moved again to the center of the park

They were dug up and taken to UTSA to confirm that they were indeed Ben Milam’s

The Smithsonian requested to study the remains after UTSA confirmed that they were indeed Ben Milam’s

Ben made a trip that “no other hero of the Texas Revolution” he boarded a jetliner and flew to Washington DC

Every time that Ben Milam had been buried he was buried with full Masonic ritual and honors. The last time to include a color guard from Texas

Who was Ben Milam?Why is he important?

Ben Milam was born in Frankfort, Ky. He enlisted in the 8th Regiment of the Kentucky Militia. He was later elected to LT. He served in the war of 1812.

After the war of 1812 he made several different investments in taking supplies from one area to another to turn a profit. In his travels he meet up with others who were going to try and help liberate Mexico from Spain.

Ben was imprisoned for his involvement with this movement. Upon his release he returned to Texas. After Mexico was liberated Ben returned to Mexico and was granted Mexican citizenship and commissioned a colonel in the Mexican Army. When Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna overthrew the government and declared a dictatorship Ben was imprisoned again.

Ben escaped prison and ran into a Co of Texas soldiers. Ben joined them in the capture of Goliad. He later wrote “I assisted Mexico to gain her independence. I have endured heat and cold, hunger and thirst; I have borne losses and suffered persecution; I have been a tenant of every prison between this and Mexico. But the events of this night have compensated me for all my losses and my sufferings.”

When Ben learned that the Army that was staged to attack San Antonio decided to go into winter Quarters instead of attacking Ben requested that he be allowed to ask for volunteers to follow him into San Antonio.

“Who will go with old Ben Milam into Bexar?”

300 volunteers showed up for the attack. Ben was to lead one of the two columns that were formed. The two columns advanced down different streets taken one building at a time.

On 07 Dec 1835 Ben was shot in the head while in the back yard of the Veramendi house.

The Mexican Army lost more than 400 the Texans lost 20 to 30 men.

On 11 Dec 1835 the terms of peace were signed. Once the Mexican troops withdrew from San Antonio there was no more Mexican Troops in Texas until Santa Anna marched troops back into Texas and took the Alamo.

Conclusion

Some believe that if Ben Milam had not stepped forward to lead those troops into San Antonio that Mexico might have got a stronger foothold on Texas and that Texas may not have got their freedom

Questions?

OC Keaton, P.

Private James L. Allen• Last courier to leave the Alamo (March 5)• Was sent by Col. Travis with a final appeal to Fannin at Goliad• He reached Goliad on March 8 and with negative results went on to Gonzales on 11 March where he learned of the fall of the Alamo.•He later served as a scout with Deaf Smith at San Jacinto and was Captain of the Texas Rangers. •He was a ranger in Capt. Bell’s Company and fought Indians at Corpus Christi in July 1844.

Private Horace Arlington Alsbury

• First courier sent to out by Col. Travis• Member of the Texian army• Fought at Siege of Bexar• Left for Gonzales immediately after Juana

moved into the Alamo to warn the colonists that the Mexican Army was just outside of Bexar

Private Peter James Bailey III

• Bailey and Crockett both were assigned to defend the Palisade.

• On March 6, 1836 Peter along with Travis, Bowie, David Crockett, and James Bonham were killed in a night attack along with about 180-250 other defenders during the Battle of the Alamo.

• Bailey County in the Panhandle of Texas was named in honor of Bailey

Private John Walker Baylor, Jr.

• After attack on the Alamo began, Baylor was on e of four or five couriers sent by William B. Travis to La Gahia to urge Fannin to come to his aid.

• Baylor made his way to Houston’s army on the Brazos, where he joined William H. Patton’s company in Col. Sidney Johnson’s Second Texas Volunteer Regiment. He was named drillmaster because of his West Point experience.

Private John Walker Baylor, Jr. Cont.

• In the battle of San Jacinto he received a thigh wound that he considered so slight he did not report it.

• On May 29 he joined a group of mounted rangers under Maj. Isaac Burton which patrolled the coast watching for a possible Mexican attack from the sea.

Col. James Bowie

• At the outbreak of the Texas Revolution, Bowie joined the Texas militia, leading forces at the Battle of Concepcion and the Grass Fight.

• In January 1836, he arrived at the Alamo, where he commanded the volunteer forces until an illness left him bedridden.

• Bowie perished with the rest of the Alamo defenders on March 6, when the Mexicans attacked.

Private Daniel W. Cloud

• He enlisted in the Volunteer Auxiliary Corps of Texas on Jan. 14, 1836, at Nacogdoches.

• With other volunteers he traveled to San Antonio de Bexar and the Alamo.

• They arrived after Feb. 11 and he became a member of the Tennessee Mounted Volunteers, commanded by William B. Harrison.

• He died in the battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836.

Lt. Jacob C. Darst

• In September 1835 Darst was on e of the “Old Eighteen” who refused to relinquish a cannon, leading to the Battle of Gonzales, (rode in as part of the “Immortal 32” Gonzales Mounted Rangers)

• Was a member of the Gonzales Alamo relief force where he died in 1836

Private John Davis

• Rode as part of the “Immortal 32” Gonzales Mounted Rangers in which he was a rifleman.

• Lack of clarity and controversy surrounds the identity of John Davis in DeWitt Colony records of which there were clearly more than one individual.

• However it’s a possibility that John Davis was a voter in the election for delegates from Gonzales to the Texas Consultation of 1835 and also in Capt. Gibson Kuykendall’s Company in the rear guard of Houston’s Army camped at Harrisburg during the Battle of San Jacinto.

Capt. Philip Dimmitt

• Dimmitt was previously the commander of Texian forces at Presidio La Bahia in Goliad.

• He left the Alamo on Feb. 23 to gather reinforcements.• While Dimmitt was out, the Mexican Army surrounded

Bexar. Fearing that he would not be able to reach the Alamo, Dimmitt instead returned to Victoria and tired to recruit volunteers to ride to the Alamo’s relief.

• He was captured by a Mexican raiding party in 1841 and committed suicide on July 8 of that year after being threatened with execution.

• Dimmitt County, Texas is named for him.

Private William Keener Fauntleroy

• In January 14, 1836, he and his companions took the oath of allegiance to Texas and were mustered into the Volunteer Auxiliary Corps at Nacogdoches.

• Fauntleroy reveled to the Alamo as a member of Capt. William B. Harrison’s company, which included David Crockett.

• He arrived on or about Feb 9, 1836, and died in the battle of the Alamo on March 6.

Private John Harris

• Participated in the Siege of Bexar • Sometime before the siege of the Alamo began,

Harris returned to his home in Gonzales where he was mustered into the Gonzales Ranging Company of Mounted Volunteers on Feb. 23, 1836.

• He returned to the Alamo with this group on March 1, 1836 and died in the battle of the Alamo.

Private William Daniel Jackson

• He took part in the siege of Bexar, and later served in the Alamo Garrison, possibly as a lieutenant of Capt. William R. Carey’s artillery Company.

• He died in the Battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836.

Major Green B. Jameson

• He took part in the siege of Bexar in 1835, and then remained in Bexar under the command of Lt. Col. James C. Neill and chief engineer of the garrison occupying the town and the Alamo.

• Jameson’s correspondence with Sam Houston in the weeks before the Alamo siege began gave detailed descriptions of the Alamo’s defenses.

• On the first day of the siege, Feb. 23, 1836, Jameson was sent by James Bowie as a messenger to the Mexican forces.

• He died in the Battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836.

John Benjamin Kellogg

• He joined the relief force from Gonzales and rode to the Alamo, where he arrived on March 1, 1836.

• He rode into the Alamo as part of the “Immortal 32” Gonzales Mounted Rangers.

• He died on March 6, 1836, in the Battle of the Alamo.

3rd Corpl. William J. Lightfoot

• William John lived in Fort Bend County, Texas in 1830 and then in Gonzales in 1836.

• Lightfoot took part in the siege of Bexar and later served in the Alamo garrison as a 3rd Corporal of Capt. William R. Carey’s artillery company.

• He died in the Battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836.

William Hester Patton

• Probable courier of the March 3rd letters• Was a nephew to David Crockett• Commanded a company at Bexar and was an

officer of the Alamo garrison.

Private B. Archer M. Thomas

• He and his companions joined the Volunteer Auxiliary Corps of Texas at Nacogdoches on Jan. 14, 1836, and proceeded to San Antonio de Bexar as members of Capt. William B. Harrison’s company, which included David Crockett.

• Thomas died in the Battle of the Alamo on March 6 1836.

Private Joseph Rutherford

• Born in Kentucky, Joseph Rutherford immigrated to Texas.

• He was married with a small daughter who was raised following the Texas revolution by Joseph Durst.

• Rutherford took part in the siege of Bexar and later served in the Alamo garrison as a member of Capt. William R. Carey’s artillery company.

• He died in the Battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836.

Questions?

OC Broughton, K.

The Battle Effects of the Alamo On The US and

Mexico

Before the Alamo

Under President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, the Mexican government began to shift away from a federalist model.

Several US immigrants in Texas Accustomed to a Federalist

Government Believed in individual rights

Texas wants a revolution

After the Alamo, US

Texas is Defeated While there were several Mexican

Casualities, their army still outnumbered Texas 6 to 1.

Sparked sympathy for Texas, and many of their Brethren came to their aide.

United State first refuses to annex Texas in 1836. Believed it would start a war with

Mexico.

After the Alamo, US

Sam Houston pretends alliance with Great Britain.

Border trouble begins with Mexico. Posts were set up along the Rio Grande

War is started with Mexico, and US was victorious.

All of California and New Mexico added to the US.

US had vast lands, commerce, and heritage.

After the Alamo, Mexico

Victorious over Texas at the Alamo Santa Anna becomes confident in his

army and splits his troops. Leads to defeat in San Jacinto

Questions?

OC Garfinkel, J.

Unity of Command

Unity of Command – what it is. Importance of Unity of Command LT COL William B. Travis COL James Bowie Mexican Commanders

Questions?