The Alamo Messenger
March 2015
The present day Alamo Complex
        Remembering Through Education         


In This Issue
In Their Own Words
Mary Maverick drew this sketch in 1838. It is the earliest known drawing of the Alamo.
Mary Ann Adams Maverick moved to San Antonio in 1838 with her husband Samuel Maverick, a veteran of the Texas Revolution. Mary was the first Anglo woman to settle permanently in San Antonio. Her memoirs, first published in 1895, offer a glimpse into life in nineteenth century Texas. Mary was present during the 1840 Council House Fight and her eyewitness account is often cited.  Keep Reading

 

Educator Resource


This 4th & 7th grade lesson plan utilizes a letter written by Thomas Rees, one of the defenders at Goliad under James Walker Fannin, to help students understand the importance of primary source documents in the study of history.  Go to Lesson
Additional Primary Sources
Sanchez Navarro Diary Entry, March 6, 1836
Letter from Sam Houston, March 15, 1836
Alamo Links








Firearms of the Texas Frontier Exhibit Videos


Henry Repeating Rifle: The Evolution of the Winchester (Firearms of the Texas Frontier)
Henry Repeating Rifle: The Evolution of the Winchester (Firearms of the Texas Frontier)

Winchester Model 1866
Winchester Model 1866 "Yellow Boy": The Evolution of the Winchester

Winchester Model 1873: The Evolution of the Winchester
Winchester Model 1873: The Evolution of the Winchester


  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Greetings and welcome to the March 2015 edition of the Alamo Messenger.  This month's issue explores
the Battle of the Alamo and the Goliad Massacre.  We also take a look at the Council House Fight that took place on March 19, 1840.  And don't forget to mark your calendars for the 2nd Annual Fiddle Festival on March 7th.  Click on the link below for a full schedule of events.
Feature Article 
James Bowie: Frontier Legend

One name forever linked to the Battle of the Alamo is James Bowie. Although not yet a household name like "Crockett" at the time of the battle, Bowie and his exploits had gained  renown in some quarters. His death on March 6, 1836, however, ensured his place in history as one of Texas' most interesting figures.  Keep Reading

 

Artifact of the Month
Santa Anna's Orders, March 5, 1836

 

 

 

As the siege of the Alamo continued, General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna was preparing for a final assault on the Alamo Garrison.  When he was done making preparations, he gathered his generals on March 5, 1836, to discuss his plans for the storming of the Alamo on the following day.  The handwritten orders by General Juan V. Amador were to only be issued to Generals, Chiefs of sections and commanding officers.  They were to remain a secret so that the enemy would not be aware of the incoming attack.  On the morning of March 6, 1836, the final assault began, and within ninety minutes, the Alamo would fall to the Mexican Army.  This important Alamo Document is part of the Phil Collins Texana Collection.  Translation of Santa Anna's Orders 

 

   

Photos and Text by Ernesto Rodriguez, III, Alamo Assistant Curator. 

Stories of Texas Women
The Angel of Goliad

Francita Alavez was the consort of Captain Telesforo Alavez, an officer under the command of General Urrea during the Texas Campaign.  She is credited with interceding and saving the lives of Texan soldiers on three occasions and offering aid on several others, but it is her actions preceding the Goliad Massacre that earned her the title "The Angel of Goliad" and her place in history.  Keep Reading
Legend vs. Evidence
Did Travis Draw the Line?

The tale of Travis' line in the sand is a well entrenched part of the traditional story of the Alamo, however, historians agree that the evidence doesn't support William Physick Zuber's famous account of the event. Nevertheless, it has become a matter of faith for many as well as a significant part of American popular culture. What follows is a brief explanation how the story became known and the reaction to it.  Keep Reading  
This Month in Texas History
March 18, 1840: The Council House Fight 

Although Texas won their political independence from Mexico at the Battle of San Jacinto, the fight for control of the territory continued as settlers clashed with the Comanches  who had long inhabited the land. The 1836 attack on Fort Parker was only one in a continuing series of raids by this fiercely independent and warlike people. Keep Reading 
Thank you for reading the March 2015 edition of the Alamo Messenger.  Join us next month as we continue 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

At the Alamo October 15th - April 15
 

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