Remember the Alamo

When I began writing an article about Texas Independence Day on March 2, I learned something new.  In 1961 57th Legislature established an official design for the reverse (back) of the seal. Two of the most visible elements are the Six Flags and the Alamo.

Six Flags

Six nations have flown their flags over Texas.
 
297 Years – Spain: Since the first European exploration of the region by Cortez in 1519, Texas was under the control of Spain 1519 – 1685 and 1690-1685.
 
5 Years – France: Expanding its base from French Louisiana, France planted its flag in Texas (1685-1690) but this did not last long.
 
15 Years – Mexico:  In 1821 Mexico won their independence from Spain and flew its flag over Texas 1821-1836.
 
9 Years – Republic of Texas: March 2, 1836 Texas declared their independence and established the Republic of Texas.
 
4 Years – Texas in the Confederacy: 1861-1865  “The Stars and Bars” of the Confederate States of America was flown over Texas. 
 
174+ Years – United States of America: In 1845, Texas became the 28th state in the USA.

Battle of the Alamo

The 13 day siege at a mission in San Antonio was fought between February 23, 1836 – March 6, 1836.  The Mexican forces of about 4,000 was under President General Santa Anna.  The Alamo was defended by a handful of 180 rebels fighting for Texan independence from Mexico.

General Santa Anna had declared that the Mexican Army would take no prisoners. The rebel Texans knew that they had no hope of winning the siege and that death awaited all of them.

The Battle cry “Remember the Alamo!” was a reminder of the courage and sacrifice of the men who perished at the siege and a rallying cry to all Texans. Ultimately, the Texans defeated Santa Anna’s Army and Texas won it’s independence from Mexico, becoming the Republic of Texas on April 21, 1836.

The phrase “Remember the Alamo” is so important to the history of Texas that it was included with the Six Flags on the back of the Texas Seal.

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