The Alamo and Goliad

Missed opportunity Santa Anna was mad about the Anglo Texans taking San Antonio and wanted to punish them. The Texans did not train their army and volunteers. Instead, most soldiers went home. The Texan army was disorganized and did not communicate. Sam Houston was not recognized by all as leader of the army. Santa Anna split his army, one under his command heading towards San Antonio, and the other commanded by General Cos to Goliad.

Texans in the Alamo In January, Colonel Neill had 104 soldiers. James Bowie and about 25 Texans went to the Alamo to decide whether they should abandon or fight for the Alamo.

Texans in the Alamo Colonel William Travis entered the Alamo in February with 30 men. He took over for Colonel Neill later as commander of the regular army. Later when Bowie became sick, he took control of the entire army.

Texans in the Alamo David Crocket entered the Alamo with 12 or more volunteers

Texans in the Alamo Travis believed Santa Anna would not get there until late March, April, or even May. He was wrong.

In Defense of the Alamo Bowie estimated that 1000 troops were needed to defend the Alamo. The Texans only had 200. Bowie and Travis thought it was important for the cause of Texas to stay. The Texans had a good defensive position in the Alamo. It was well fortified except for the south wall near the chapel. The Alamo was also too large for the Texan Army.

In Defense of the Alamo

Victory or Death In February, as the siege began, Travis wrote several letters for help. Juan Seguin, mayor of Bexar, was the last to leave with one of these letters. Only 32 more volunteers came on March 1. At Santa Anna’s headquarters, he flew a red “no quarters” flag which meant he was not going to take any prisoners.

Victory or Death As legend has it, Travis drew a line in the dirt saying cross this if you want to fight till your death. All but one crossed. 200 giving their life to Texas.

Battle of the Alamo March 6, 1836, around 5:30 a.m. the battle began. The Texans fought off the first and second waves. They did not fight off the third wave. At 8:00 a.m., it was all over.

Battle of the Alamo

Battle of the Alamo

Battle of the Alamo Death toll of the Alamo is not known exactly. Historians believe it was around 250 Texans and 600 Mexicans lost.

General Urrea’s Forces While fighting was going on at the Alamo, the 2nd Mexican army was defeating small bands of Texans.

Battle of Coleto Fannin was slow leaving Goliad. When they reached Coleto Creek, (about 2 or 3 miles from Goliad) they were surrounded by Urrea’s army.

Battle of Coleto Creek

Battle of Coleto Fannin’s 300 men were defeated on the 2nd day by the Mexicans who had 450-600 men. The survivors were taken back to Goliad and imprisoned on false pretenses.

Battle of Coleto The Texans were marched out for work detail and executed on Santa Anna’s orders. (350 men)

Lessons learned from the Alamo and Goliad Texans fought bravely but managed affairs poorly. Fighting revealed a lack of cooperation, and not to separate forces. Do not fight the Mexicans in open field, their Calvary in too strong.

Lessons learned from the Alamo and Goliad Battle Cry: Remember the Alamo, Remember Goliad