Today begins the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the founding of the Alamo.
Originally known as Misión San Antonio de Valero. It was founded as a Roman Catholic mission and fortress compound, built for the education of area American Indiansafter their conversion to Christianity.
On this date in 1836, Mexican troops under President General Antonio López de Santa Anna launched a 13-day assault on the mission, killing all the Texian defenders. "Remember the Alamo" became a rallying cry that led to Texas independence at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21 of the same year.
The Alamo Trust’s Reba Collins says this year’s special presentation in San Antonio will be like no other.
“Not only do we have more programming than we’ve ever done, we’re also taking over Alamo Plaza, which is the area in front of the Alamo, and we’re activating that every day,” she says. “Each year we do 13 days of programming and this year we have expanded that programming to include a lot of additional ceremonies to honor the defenders, we have our living historians doing live interactions.”
This is the schedule of events:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Living History: Soldiers of the Texas Revolution
Interact with live Living History demonstrations exploring the life of the soldier during the Texas Revolution.
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Virtual Alamo
Visit the Long Barrack to see what the Alamo battlefield would have looked like in 1836 with this virtual experience created by James Boddie and the Texas General Land Office.
10 - 11 a.m. | La Gran Marcha del Ejercito Mexicano
February 1836, Mexican troops arrive in San Antonio en masse. While it would take many days for the entirety of the Army to arrive, February 23 is the moment at which the Texians and Tejanos realize that they are outnumbered and ill-prepared. Witness the arrival of the Mexican Army.
4 - 4:30 p.m. | Voices from the Past
A member of the Alamo garrison reads historic texts that describe what is happening at the Alamo during each day of the siege.
6:30 - 9:30 p.m. | An Evening With Heroes | Ticketed Event
What would it have been like to be at the Alamo the night before the famous battle? This after-hours theater tour allows you to experience the story of the Alamo like never before. Tickets are available on the Alamo's website. <http://www.thealamo.org/visit/events/commemoration/index.html>
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Living History: The Travis Letter
Interact with live Living History demonstrations exploring the importance of the famous Travis Letter.
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Virtual Alamo
Visit the Long Barrack to see what the Alamo battlefield would have looked like in 1836 with this virtual experience created by James Boddie and the Texas General Land Office.
10 - 11 a.m. | Never Surrender or Retreat: The Immortal Words of William Barret Travis
Colonel William Travis’ impassioned call for reinforcements leaves the Alamo, to be delivered across Texas on horseback by courier Albert Martin.
4 - 4:30 p.m. | Voices from the Past
A member of the Alamo garrison reads historic texts that describe what is happening at the Alamo during each day of the siege.
6:30 - 9:30 p.m. | An Evening With Heroes | Ticketed Event
What would it have been like to be at the Alamo the night before the famous battle? This after-hours theater tour will allow you to experience the story of the Alamo like never before. Tickets are available on the Alamo's website. <http://www.thealamo.org/visit/events/commemoration/index.html>
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Living History: Artillery
Interact with live Living History demonstrations exploring the artillery of the Texas Revolution.
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Virtual Alamo
Visit the Long Barrack to see what the Alamo battlefield would have looked like in 1836 with this virtual experience created by James Boddie and the Texas General Land Office.
10 - 11 a.m. | Cannon and Small Arms Demo
Experience a live demo of the cannon and small arms of the Texas Revolution.
4 - 4:30 p.m. | Voices from the Past
A member of the Alamo garrison reads historic texts that describe what is happening at the Alamo during each day of the siege.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Living History: Artillery
Interact with live Living History demonstrations exploring the artillery of the Texas Revolution.
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Virtual Alamo
Visit the Long Barrack to see what the Alamo battlefield would have looked like in 1836 with this virtual experience created by James Boddie and the Texas General Land Office.
10 - 11:30 a.m. | Guided Siege Tour
This special guided tour is offered for free to the first 40 visitors who register online, and explores the Alamo battlefield, including main plaza, the original river crossing, and locations of the battle walls and gun placements.
4 - 4:30 p.m. | Voices from the Past
A member of the Alamo garrison reads historic texts that describe what is happening at the Alamo during each day of the siege.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Life Under Siege School Day
The Alamo invites students of all ages to experience Alamo history during the 182nd Commemoration of the Siege and Battle of the Alamo. Special free programming will run continuously from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., and every student will receive a commemorative gift. Special free tours can be arranged for groups of 15 students or more for the first three schools to call and register at (210) 225-1391 ext. 6001.
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Virtual Alamo
Visit the Long Barrack to see what the Alamo battlefield would have looked like in 1836 with this virtual experience created by James Boddie and the Texas General Land Office.
2 - 3:30 p.m. | Guided Siege Tour
This special guided tour is offered for free to the first 40 visitors who register online, and explores the Alamo battlefield, including main plaza, the original river crossing, and locations of the battle walls and gun placements.
4 - 4:30 p.m. | Voices from the Past
A member of the Alamo garrison reads historic texts that describe what is happening at the Alamo during each day of the siege.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Living History
Interact with live Living History demonstrations exploring the culture and artillery of frontier Texas.
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Virtual Alamo
Visit the Long Barrack to see what the Alamo battlefield would have looked like in 1836 with this virtual experience created by James Boddie and the Texas General Land Office.
10 - 11:30 a.m. | Guided Siege Tour
This special guided tour is offered for free to the first 40 visitors who register online, and explores the Alamo battlefield, including main plaza, the original river crossing, and locations of the battle walls and gun placements.
4 - 4:30 p.m. | Voices from the Past
A member of the Alamo garrison reads historic texts that describe what is happening at the Alamo during each day of the siege.
6:30 - 8 p.m. | Lecture: Gary Zaboly’s Alamo: His Research & Art | Ticketed event
British Rock Star Phil Collins, calls Gary Zaboly one of the foremost graphic artist of Texas history, and there’s no doubt Zaboly has done much to deserve this accolade. With a particular fondness for Alamo related projects, Gary has deftly illustrated some of the most important works on the subject of the Alamo and the Texas Revolution. For the first time, Gary Zaboly will present a once-in-a-lifetime session on his art and research at the Alamo. This special evening will include hors d’oeuvres and beer provided by Alamo Beer. Tickets are available on the Alamo's website. <http://www.thealamo.org/visit/events/commemoration/index.html>
THURSDAY, MARCH 1
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Living History
Interact with live Living History demonstrations exploring the culture and artillery of frontier Texas.
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Gary Zaboly’s Alamo
Celebrated illustrator, and historian Gary Zaboly presents larger-than-life versions of his illustrations that have brought the Alamo to life for generations of Texans.
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Virtual Alamo
Visit the Long Barrack to see what the Alamo battlefield would have looked like in 1836 with this virtual experience created by James Boddie and the Texas General Land Office.
10 - 11 a.m. | The Immortal 32 Arrive!
On March 1, 1836, Travis’ pleas for reinforcements is answered by 32 men from Gonzales, riding through enemy lines to join the woefully undermanned Texas garrison. Witness their arrival with this live living history event.
4 - 4:30 p.m. | Voices from the Past
A member of the Alamo garrison reads historic texts that describe what is happening at the Alamo during each day of the siege.
FRIDAY, MARCH 2
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Living History
Interact with live Living History demonstrations exploring the culture and artillery of frontier Texas.
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Gary Zaboly’s Alamo
Celebrated illustrator, and historian Gary Zaboly presents larger-than-life versions of his illustrations that have brought the Alamo to life for generations of Texans.
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | The Return of the Battle Cannons!
Two Alamo battle cannons return to the grounds after being restored and preserved by Texas A&M University. See the unveiling of the newly-restored cannons, learn about the conservation process, and interact with the cannons and artillerymen of 1830s Texas.
12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m. | Commemoration Ceremony: Texas Independence Day
This program, presented in partnership with the Mission Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, commemorates Texas Independence Day. The event is free and all visitors are welcome.
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Virtual Alamo
Visit the Long Barrack to see what the Alamo battlefield would have looked like in 1836 with this virtual experience created by James Boddie and the Texas General Land Office.
4 - 4:30 p.m. | Voices from the Past
A member of the Alamo garrison reads historic texts that describe what is happening at the Alamo during each day of the siege.
6:30 - 9 p.m. | Movie Night: The Alamo
A special showing of the 1960 movie The Alamo, starring John Wayne, in the beautiful Alamo Gardens. Blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and movie begins at 7 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 3
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Virtual Alamo
Visit the Long Barrack to see what the Alamo battlefield would have looked like in 1836 with this virtual experience created by James Boddie and the Texas General Land Office.
10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Crockett Fiddle Festival
The Alamo’s fifth annual Crockett Fiddle Festival will feature a day full of live music from renowned fiddlers, including the Celtaire String Band, Roadside Libby, Big Joe Walker, the Bret Mullins Band, and Jason Roberts.
4 - 4:30 p.m. | Voices from the Past
A member of the Alamo garrison reads historic texts that describe what is happening at the Alamo during each day of the siege.
6 - 8 p.m. | Fandango
End the day with a special fandango in Alamo Plaza presented by the Alamo Living History team and Tennessee Valley Authority.
SUNDAY, MARCH 4
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Living History
Interact with live Living History demonstrations exploring the culture and artillery of frontier Texas.
10 a.m. | James Boddie's Virtual Alamo
Visit the Long Barrack Theater for a special talk by James Boddie that explores the inspiration and process of creating his incredible 3-D model of the 1836 Alamo.
10 - 11:30 a.m. | Guided Battlefield Tour
This special guided tour is offered for free to the first 40 visitors who register online, and explores the Alamo battlefield, including main plaza, the original river crossing, and locations of the battle walls and gun placements.
2 p.m. | James Boddie's Virtual Alamo
Visit the Long Barrack Theater for a special talk by James Boddie that explores the inspiration and process of creating his incredible 3-D model of the 1836 Alamo.
4 - 4:30 p.m. | Voices from the Past
A member of the Alamo garrison reads historic texts that describe what is happening at the Alamo during each day of the siege.
MONDAY, MARCH 5
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Living History
Interact with live Living History demonstrations exploring the culture and artillery of frontier Texas.
10 a.m. | James Boddie's Virtual Alamo
Visit the Long Barrack Theater for a special talk by James Boddie that explores the inspiration and process of creating his incredible 3-D model of the 1836 Alamo.
10 - 11:30 a.m. | Guided Battlefield Tour
This special guided tour is offered for free to the first 40 visitors who register online, and explores the Alamo battlefield, main plaza, the original river crossing, and locations of the battle walls and gun placements.
2 p.m. | James Boddie's Virtual Alamo
Visit the Long Barrack Theater for a special talk by James Boddie that explores the inspiration and process of creating his incredible 3-D model of the 1836 Alamo.
4 - 4:30 p.m. | Voices from the Past
A member of the Alamo garrison reads historic texts that describe what is happening at the Alamo during each day of the siege.
TUESDAY, MARCH 6
6 a.m. - 7 a.m. | Dawn at the Alamo
In partnership with the San Antonio Living History Association, Dawn at the Alamo describes the events leading up to the morning of the battle. Two youth choirs wil perform followin the program, which will conclude with a musket volley.
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Living History
Interact with live Living History demonstrations exploring the culture and artillery of frontier Texas.
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Virtual Alamo
Visit the Long Barrack to see what the Alamo battlefield would have looked like in 1836 with this virtual experience created by James Boddie and the Texas General Land Office.
10 a.m. | Commemoration Ceremony: After the Fall
This ceremony, presented in partnership with the Sons of the Republic of Texas, commemorates the 1836 Siege and Battle with guest speaker George Nelson, author of the Illustrated History of the Alamo.
Noon - 1 p.m. | Lunch Lecture: Mexican Troop Movement of the Texas Revolution
The Mexican Army’s movement into Texas and the subsequent battles that it spawned are the subjects of this installment of the Alamo’s Tricentennial Lecture Series. John Tyler presents the movement of one of the finest armies of the time across Mexico, ultimately culminating at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. This session is $15 per person and includes a Jason’s Deli lunch box. Tickets are available on the Alamo's website. <http://www.thealamo.org/visit/events/commemoration/index.html>
2 - 3 p.m. | Commemoration Ceremony: Memorial Service for the Heroes of the Alamo
This program, presented in partnership with the Alamo Mission Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, honors the heroes of the Alamo who valiantly fought and died on March 6, 1836. The ceremony features a performance by Fort Sam’s Own 323d Army Band and a roll call of the nations and states where each defender came from.
4 - 4:30 p.m. | Voices from the Past
A member of the Alamo garrison reads historic texts that describe what is happening at the Alamo during each day of the siege.
6 - 7 p.m. | Commemoration Ceremony: Remember the Defenders
This poignant ceremony commemorates the lives of the 189 defenders that died on March 6, 1836 at the Battle of the Alamo and honors the sacrifice they and their families made in the name of Texas’ independence.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Virtual Alamo
Visit the Long Barrack to see what the Alamo battlefield would have looked like in 1836 with this virtual experience created by James Boddie and the Texas General Land Office.
10 - 11 a.m. | Guided Tour: After the Battle
This special guided tour is offered for free to the first 40 visitors who register online, and explores the Alamo battlefield, including what happened after the battle.
4 - 4:30 p.m. | Voices from the Past
A member of the Alamo garrison reads historic texts that describe what is happening at the Alamo during each day of the siege.
6 - 6:30 p.m. | Dusk at the Alamo
The commemoration period concludes with a reading of Juan Seguin’s eulogy speech (presented in both English and Spanish) and a gun salute to the defenders.