Quick Scoop

The Alamo was a mission and fortress in San Antonio, Texas, where a famous 1836 battle took place during the Texas Revolution. Mexican forces under Santa Anna captured it after a 13-day siege, and nearly all of the Texan defenders were killed.

What happened

• Texan defenders, including William B. Travis, Jim Bowie, and Davy Crockett, held the Alamo against a much larger Mexican army.

• The siege began on February 23, 1836, and the final assault came on March 6, 1836.

• After heavy fighting, Mexican troops overran the fort, and the defenders were defeated.

Why it matters

The battle became a powerful symbol of resistance in Texas history, especially through the rallying cry “Remember the Alamo!”. It also helped fuel later Texan victories in the Texas Revolution.

Short version

If you want the simplest answer: the Alamo was the site of a famous last stand in 1836, where Texan defenders were defeated by Mexican forces.