Remembering the Alamo

The Gonzales flag, on display at capitol visitor center, was first flown at the Battle of

Gonzales in 1835. The flag came to symbolize Texas pride.

Yesterday marked the 178^th anniversary of the fall of the Alamo (also known as Mission San Antonio de Valero). The mission remained under siege for 13 days as Texians, fighting to restore constitutional rule in their sovereign nation of Mexico, and Mexican troops, commanded by Mexican President General Antonio López de Santa Anna, played out their historic drama. To Santa Anna, the battle amounted to little more than a skirmish with rebels resisting his dictatorship. To the Texians and others who would rally under the cry “Remember the Alamo!” it would open one of the more dramatic chapters in Texas' history.

Ultimately, the Republic of Texas would gain its independence from Mexico and become part of the United States of America.

Two lessons I've learned about Texans: 1) they are proud to be Texans; and 2) they know how to throw a great party!

Our month-long stay in San Antonio gave Leonard and me a chance to see and learn more about the Alamo, an experience made somewhat more meaningful to me by that fact that one of my ancestors fought in the Mexican-American War and was bivouacked for a time at the Alamo. Our studies of the events of 1836 included watching a film at a nearby IMAX theater. Sitting there, I couldn't help but wonder what great-great-great Grandpa Andrew Jackson Finney would think of my walking where his footsteps fell so many years ago.

 

In addition to learning about the Alamo, we also took advantage of our proximity to Austin to visit the state capitol. While touring the capitol grounds, the sound of canon fire alerted us to the fact that something unusual must be going on. (We're kind of sharp that way.) A few cannon blasts later, and we realized that we had stumbled into Austin's annual Texas Independence Day parade winding its way through downtown. It was great fun, and a terrific way to wrap up our time in south central Texas.

 

We look forward to more adventures in the Lone Star State, including our upcoming driving tests to acquire Texas licenses. Yes, we'll have to take both written and road tests. This ordeal is part of shifting domicile from South Dakota to Texas (more on that in an upcoming post).

 

For now, I'll leave you with some images from our day trip to Austin. Enjoy, y'all!

 

The State Capitol in Austin stands as one of the city's most beautiful architectural works.

Everyone gets into the act when it comes to celebrating Texas independence, even these antique car buffs!

  

No Texas parade would be complete without caballeros!

 

Lots of veterans marched in the parade, including one who apparently returned from the grave. (Douglas, is that you?)

The capitol grounds features several monuments, this one dedicated to the state's early white settlers.