What is the Alamo?
The Alamo is an old Spanish mission in downtown San Antonio, Texas. It was built in 1718. In 1836, about 200 men held it for 13 days before Santa Anna's army stormed it. Today it is a museum and part of the only World Heritage Site in Texas.
How Did the Alamo Begin?
The Alamo started as Mission San Antonio de Valero in 1718. Spain built missions to spread its faith and hold land in Texas.
In 1724, a storm forced the mission to move. It landed on the spot where it stands today. Over time, priests and mission workers built the stone church and the walls around it.
How Did the Mission Become a Fort?
In the early 1800s, Spanish soldiers moved into the old mission. Many came from a town in Mexico called Alamo de Parras. That may be where the name came from. Álamo is also the Spanish word for a cottonwood tree.
Over the years, Spanish, Mexican, Texan, and U.S. troops all used the site. By the 1830s, its walls had been built up into a fort.
What Happened at the Battle of the Alamo?
In early 1836, Texas was fighting to break free from Mexico. A small group of Texian and Tejano men held the Alamo. They faced General Santa Anna's much larger army.
- February 23, 1836Santa Anna's army arrives, and the 13-day siege begins.
- March 6, 1836Before dawn, the army storms the walls. The fight lasts about 90 minutes.
- The defendersAbout 200 men are killed, including James Bowie, Davy Crockett, and William B. Travis.
- April 21, 1836At San Jacinto, Sam Houston's army shouts “Remember the Alamo!” and wins in about 18 minutes.
The win at San Jacinto won Texas its freedom. “Remember the Alamo” is still a call to courage.
What Can You See at the Alamo Today?
The Alamo still stands on Alamo Plaza downtown. It is a shrine and a museum. The Alamo says about 1.6 million people visit each year.
U.S. landmark
The Alamo was named a National Historic Landmark in 1960.
World Heritage Site
In 2015, it became part of a World Heritage Site, the only one in Texas.
Free church entry
It's free to enter the Alamo Church. Some tours cost extra.
Plan ahead
Check thealamo.org for hours, tickets, and events.
What Else Is Near the Alamo?
History is all around downtown. A short walk or drive takes you to:
The River Walk
Shops and restaurants along the river, a few blocks away.
Market Square
Shops, food, and live music west of downtown.
Spanish Governor's Palace
A home from the 1700s near Market Square.
The other missions
Four more old missions to the south, now part of a national park.
Hungry after your visit? See our La Fogata guide.
Thinking About Moving to San Antonio?
Our Moving to San Antonio guide covers the main areas, buyer tips, and moving steps. You can also look at nearby cities:
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Questions About the Alamo
When was the Alamo built?
The Alamo began as Mission San Antonio de Valero in 1718. In 1724, after a storm, it moved to the spot in downtown San Antonio where it stands today.
Why is it called the Alamo?
The name likely came from Spanish soldiers from Alamo de Parras, Mexico, who lived there in the early 1800s. Álamo is also Spanish for cottonwood tree.
What happened at the Battle of the Alamo?
In 1836, about 200 Texian and Tejano defenders held the Alamo for 13 days. On March 6, 1836, Santa Anna's army stormed it. The defenders, including James Bowie, Davy Crockett, and William B. Travis, were killed.
What does “Remember the Alamo” mean?
It was the battle cry at San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. Sam Houston's army won in about 18 minutes, which secured Texas independence.
Is the Alamo a World Heritage Site?
Yes. In 2015, the Alamo became part of the San Antonio Missions World Heritage Site. It is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas.
How many people visit the Alamo each year?
According to the Alamo, about 1.6 million people visit each year. It is one of the most visited places in Texas.
Does it cost money to visit the Alamo?
It's free to enter the Alamo Church. Some tours cost extra. Check the Alamo's website for hours and tickets before you go.
What else is near the Alamo?
The River Walk, Market Square, the Spanish Governor's Palace, and the other San Antonio Missions are all close by.
I'm a San Antonio REALTOR® thinking about a change. Who do I contact?
Book a private strategy call with Jeremy Williams, call or text 281-387-7689, or email jeremy@omniaelevate.com. The call is confidential.
Sources: The Alamo (thealamo.org); National Park Service; UNESCO. Facts reviewed October 2026. Check the Alamo's website for current hours and tickets.