"Remember the Alamo!" This famous battle cry, which echoes through American history, commemorates a famous event and symbolizes a Texan by a small group against overwhelming attackers. These words bring 2.5 million people a year to pilgrimage in San Antonio, Texas, where the fortress still remains.
The Alamo is a 4.2-acre complex where a small band of Texans fought against Mexican invaders for 13 days in 1836.
The fortress eventually fell, though the memories of its stewards--Jim Bowie, Davey Crocket and William B. Travis--live on.
The compound is open every day except during Christmas and Christmas Eve. It is located at 300 Alamo Plaza in downtown San Antonio. Admission is free.
The Shrine at one of the five entrances commemorates the Alamo's defenders with such exhibits as Travis' ring, Crocket's buckskin vest and period weapons.
Other attractions include a theater that shows a 17-minute film about the Alamo, a museum explaining how the original mission became a fortress, gardens and several cannons from the actual battle.
