March 6, 1836: The Fall of the Alamo

On March 6, 1836, the Alamo fell.  All having the spirit of liberty compelling them, several dozen had been born in Europe, two were believed to be Jewish, and two were believed to be black.    A minority of them were actually native-born Texans, with a good representation being immigrants from other American states and other being of Hispanic heritage.  They were a diverse band of rebels.

Below is the eulogy for the Alamo martyrs:

“Companions in Arms!! These remains which we have the honor of carrying on our shoulders are those of the valiant heroes who died in the Alamo.  Yes, my friends, they preferred to die a thousand times rather than submit themselves to the tyrant’s yoke.  What a brilliant example!  Deserving of being noted in the pages of history, the Spirit of Liberty appears to be looking out from its elevated throne with its pleasing mien and point to us saying: ‘There are your brothers, Travis, Bowie, Crockett, and others whose valor places them in the rank of my heroes.’ Yes, soldiers and fellow citizens, these are the worthy beings who, by the twists of fate, during the present campaign delivered their bodies to the ferocity of their enemies; who, barbarously treated as beasts, were bound by their feet and dragged to this spot, where they were reduced to ashes.  The venerable remains of our worthy companions as witnesses, I invite you to declare to the entire world, ‘Texas shall be free and independent or we shall perish in glorious combat.’”

Colonel Juan N. Seguin

Commandant San Antonio, Bexar, Texas

Army of the Republic of Texas

How thoroughly has the Spirit of the Alamo been discarded for the unfortunate acts that now emanate from the city of Austin, even on this day?