TexasCHLforum.com

On this day in 1836 the siege at the Alamo ended when 2,000 Mexican soldiers of Santa Anna's 3,100 assembled forces began their predawn attack killing all but a few noncombatants and a slave named Ben. The final moments of some of the defenders is contested, but the notion that some surrendered was refuted by a contemporary interview of Ben. This event triggered what became known as the "Runaway Scrape" as civilians and Sam Houston's army began an eastward trek. Santa Anna allowed the survivors to leave thinking they would tell of the battle and put fear into any who entertained furthering the rebellion. Of course history shows that didn't work out and Houston's retreat ended with the Battle of San Jacinto, which is but a short drive from my home. "Remember the Alamo" and "Remember Goliad" were the battle cries of that battle which was over in only 18 minutes with victory for the Army of Texas.