Alamo Force Estimates: ~200 Texians vs. ~1,800 Mexicans

Numbers from the Best Historical Evidence

Exact counts are impossible — no muster rolls survived the fire. Historians converge on these ranges:

Texian / Tejano Defenders

• Most accepted range: 182–257.
• Alamo Cenotaph (1939): Lists 189 names.
• Travis's Feb 24 letter: "145" — likely only combat-ready men.
• Susanna Dickinson (survivor): "About 180."
• Mexican officers' estimates: 180–250.
• Includes: ~13 native Tejanos, ~100 U.S. volunteers, ~40 Tennesseans (Crockett's group), regulars, local settlers.

Mexican Army (Santa Anna's Column at Alamo)

• Total force in San Antonio: ~2,100–2,400 (infantry, cavalry, artillery, sappers).
• Assault force (Mar 6): ~1,800 (four columns + reserve).
• Composition: Veteran battalions (Jiménez, Aldama, Toluca), conscripts (leather jackets), presidiales (frontier troops), Zapadores (sappers).
• Artillery: 8–12 pieces (4–8 lb cannons, howitzers).

Why the Disparity?

• Santa Anna wanted overwhelming force to deter resistance — and to intimidate other rebels.
• Texians were trapped, undersupplied, expecting reinforcements (Fannin) that never came.

Casualty Ratio

~1:3 (Mexican:Texian) killed/wounded — extremely high for attackers, testament to defensive position and Texian marksmanship.