the ALAMO

Spanish settlers built the Mission San Antonio de Valero around 1718. In the early 1800's Spanish military troops stationed in the abandoned mission and called it "El Alamo" after the Spanish word for cottonwood because it was in a cottonwood grove. On February 23 1836 mexican troops led by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna began to take over the mission. The 200 Alamo defenders led by James Bowie and William Travis were able to put off their outnumbered opponents for 13 days before the Mexican troops were victorious. For Texans this was a symbol for their resistance to being overthrowed and independence. On april 21 1836 800 texans led by Sam Houston reclaimed the Alamo and were able to end the war.

Reference link : http://www.history.com/topics/alamo