We all know the basics of the Alamo story - large army under Santa Anna lays siege to take back a mission-turned-fort defended by fewer than 200 men in San Antonio. The Texians were all smoked (literally) and the loss became a rallying point for the remainder of the Texas Revolution. But what happened in the days before the final assault? We unpack the days of the siege in this series.
On the second day, some siege housekeeping was in order, some Texian cannons were dismounted by Mexican artillery fire, James Bowie collapsed, and William Barret Travis wrote his most soul-stirring letter.
Special thanks to James Boddie for permission to use his fantastic 3D renderings of the Alamo compound. Thanks to the best military artist working today, Gary Zaboly, for the use of some of his remarkable illustrations. You both helped bring the story to life.
The primary reference book for the details of the siege was that of COL. Alan Huffines. It may be purchased here: https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Noble-Men-Alan-Huffines/dp/157168892
For a delightfully readable military history of the Texas Revolution, we recommend Dr. Hardin's Texian Iliad: https://www.amazon.com/Texian-Iliad-Military-History-Revolution/dp/0292731027/