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Texas History Tour - Spanish influence - San Antonio de Valero

 After streaming Sunday morning worship (because we couldn't get a definite answer on who was meeting or what their requirements were for meeting), we headed to downtown San Antonio to visit the Mission San Antonio de Valero.  You probably know it better as The Alamo!

In 1718, Spanish established a mission along the San Antonio River to help established their presence in the New World and to help Christianize the Indians.  It was moved a year later and again in 1724 to the current location.  In 1803, The Alamo became home to Spanish soldiers and then Mexican soldiers, after Mexico's Independence from Spain.  In December 1835, the "rebels" gained control of the Alamo under the command of General Travis.  March 6, 1936 - the Alamo fell and became a symbol to the rebels, who won independence from Mexico on April 21, 1836.  

Over the next few decades, the Alamo was used by the US Military for a storage facility.  

Today, the Alamo is a national historic site that symbolizes Texas.  It's a must see for all Texans and we enjoyed our visit but found it to be very commercialized.  

I visited in high school with a band trip.  Some improvements have been made - the plaques shown below line the walkway next to the barracks.  It's a great visual reference to how the Alamo has changed/evolved over the decades.

San Antonio de Valero in 1744

San Antonio de Valero 1785

Pueblo de Valero 1793-1835

The Alamo - 1836

The Alamo - 1836-1846

The Alamo - 1861

The Alamo - 1900

To access the Alamo, we had to reserve a time.  We were asked to wear masks inside the chapel and in the museum and store.  Otherwise, it was at our discretion.  Entry to the museum and the chapel were limited in number and we were given an hour to visit the chapel.  The museum "guard" was amazing and let us all in at once!  She was great!



We elected to rent the audio recordings and everyone enjoyed it.  I think it helped to reinforce/remember our studies of Texas History.



On the grounds of the Alamo, there was a reinactor dressed as a Texian soldier.  He was mending some of his clothes and telling stories.  He was great with the kids too and willing answered all questions.  He did tell us that woman didn't have to pull their stays as tight as Pirates of the Caribbean portray.  He said that all the layers were designed to make the hoops/skirts big so that the ladies waists appeared tiny.  Cool trick!


R's favorite part, I think, was the goldfish swimming in the Alamo's portion of the aqueduct.   While the others were watching a video, she had fun running along the walkway following the fish.



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