 | | Portrait of David Crockett by John Chapman 1834. The Alamo Collection |
In early January 1836, former Tennessee congressman David Crockett arrived in Texas. Upon arrival in San Augustine he wrote a letter to his children back in Tennessee. This is the last known letter he wrote before his death at the Alamo. Keep Reading
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Geography of the Texas Revolution
This fourth grade lesson plan uses geographic tools in order to identify and explain clusters and patterns of settlement in Texas during the Texas Revolution. Go To Lesson
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Additional Primary Sources
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Firearms of the Texas Frontier Exhibit Videos
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 | Flintlock Pistol
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 | | Colt Walker Revolver |
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Greetings and welcome to the January 2015 edition of the  Alamo Messenger. This month's issue explores the ill fated Matamoros Expedition and the political infighting that characterized Texas in January 1836. We also take a look, through our artifact of the month and our primary sources, at the status of San Antonio and the Alamo in the month before the siege begins.
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Feature Article
Fatal Distraction: The Origins of the Matamoros Expedition The Texan victories at Gonzales, Goliad, Lipantitlan, and Béxar quickly gave way to political infighting that left the Texans unprepared for Santa Anna's counterattack. Understanding this phase of the Texas Revolution is critical to understanding the Texans' defeats of early 1836. Keep Reading
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Artifact of the Month
Neill Muster Roll
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This document is a draft copy of a muster roll entitled, "Return of the Men Remaining in the Garrison of Bexar at the Time When Col. Neil Left." The document was found in the papers of Thomas William Ward and were sold in the early 1990's. Ward was a veteran of the Texas Revolution and appointed the Land Commissioner of the General Land Office of the Republic of Texas. This muster roll lists 114 men in the Alamo garrison, divided by officers, artillerymen, and infantrymen. William B. Travis, David Crockett and James Bowie are not mentioned in this early draft. The muster roll was donated to the Alamo as part of the Phil Collins Texana Collection. Photos and Text by Ernesto Rodriguez, III, Alamo Assistant Curator.
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Stories of Texas Women
Love & Marriage on the Texas Frontier Popular culture has long romanticized the notion of the American frontier in dime novels and on the big screen, but life in nineteenth century Texas was far from romantic. Life was dangerous and hard, and marriage was often more about opportunity and survival than it was about the cowboy stealing a kiss before he rode away. Keep Reading |
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Legend vs. Evidence
Crockett and the Tennessee Volunteers
David Crockett easily remains one of the most popular figures associated with the Alamo. So important is he to the story that a persistent misconception contends that he was the commander of a contingent known as the "Tennessee Mounted Volunteers" who followed him from their home state to Texas. In reality, Crockett came to Texas accompanied by a few friends and a nephew. Keep Reading
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This Month in Texas History
January 17, 1821: Moses Austin Granted Empressario Contract
 | | The State Historical Society of Missouri, Photograph Collection (029292) |
On December 23, 1820, Missouri businessman Moses Austin arrived in San Antonio to petition the government of New Spain for a contract to settle 300 families in Texas. His petition was initially denied by Governor Martinez until Baron de Bastrop, whom Austin had previously met in New Orleans, interceded on his behalf. Austin was notified that his contract was granted upon his return to Missouri, but died before he could realize his dream. Moses's son, Stephen F. Austin, honored his father's dying wish and established the first Anglo colony in Texas.
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Thank you for reading the January 2015 edition of the Alamo Messenger. Join us next month as we continue our our month-by-month survey of the Texas Revolution. As always, we welcome your feedback on how we can continue to improve our newsletter and provide our subscribers with quality content.
Thank you, The Alamo Education Department Staff
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 | At the Alamo October 15th - April 15
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