The Alamo is the ultimate symbol of Texas's distinct identity. And while that's so, the history of the battle that took place there is a universally applicable testament to honor and loyalty to community.
It had been established as a mission in the late 1700s. In the 1830s, it was still surrounded by wilderness; the village of San Antonio was a few miles away.
After Mexico became an independent nation in 1821, it had not paid much attention to its far-northern territory. US citizens from places like Tennessee had been moving there in greater numbers for years. By the 1830s, however, Mexican general and dictator Santa Ana was showing interest in exerting greater control of settlements in the area.
To make a long story short, scouts had gone out from The Alamo and come back reporting that Santa Ana's forces were on their way and were in fact about two days away.
One evening after supper, William Barrett Travis, the leader of the militia formed among the compound's menfolk called for the others to join him in the courtyard. He unsheathed his sword and drew a line in the dust. He invited the rest to cross the line, symbolizing their decision to defend their home. There was one lone holdout. Travis respectfully acknowledged his choice and bid him good luck.
When Santa Ana arrived, a bloodbath ensued. Every last man died defending the compound.
Weeks later, General Sam Houston's rallying cry at the Battle of San Jacinto was "Remember The Alamo!'
That spirit is still strong.
Pray that there's not more trouble, because it wouldn't take much for all hell to break loose.
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