The Alamo is one of the most important historical sites in the United States and a must-see attraction if you are visiting San Antonio. The Alamo was part of the mission station established here in 1718, its church built by Franciscans in 1744. In 1836, the Battle of the Alamo, one of the most famous battles in US history, played out here, when a small force entrenched themselves in the Alamo against a Mexican army of 3,000. All the defenders were killed, including legendary figures Davy Crockett and James Bowie, in a battle that some estimate may have lasted only twenty minutes. The Alamo soon became the cradle of Texan independence, and the phrase "Remember the Alamo!" became a battle cry. The former mission is now a National Monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Get thee to one of America's -- and certainly, Texas's -- most famous battle sites. It's time to "Remember the Alamo!" at the Spanish Colonial-style fort where in an epic 13-day siege during the Texas Revolution in 1836, Mexican troops defeated a dedicated group of 189 Texas volunteer soldiers fighting for autonomy from Mexico.Visitors to the historic site can pay homage to the men who fought the battle, including famous defenders such as Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, in exhibits that detail the fort's role during the war as well as its past as the Mission San Antonio de Valero, and a Native American burial ground.Many of the complex's original buildings are gone, though it's possible to visit the Long Barrack, which now houses a museum detailing Texas history, and the mission church where visitors will find displays of battle artifacts like paintings and weapons. The Daughters of the Republic of Texas have helped preserve the Alamo since 1905, and admission to the site and museum are free.

Originally named Mission San Antonio de Valero, the Alamo served as home to missionaries and their Indian converts for nearly seventy years. Construction began on the present site in 1724. In 1793, Spanish officials secularized San Antonio's five missions and distributed their lands to remaining Indian residents.These men and women continued to farm the fields, once the mission's but now their own, and participated in the growing community of San Antonio.More than 2.5 million people a year visit the 4.2 acre complex known worldwide as "The Alamo." Most come to see the old mission where a small band of Texans held out for thirteen days against the Centralist army of General Antonio López de Santa Anna. Although the Alamo fell in the early morning hours of March 6, 1836, the death of the Alamo Defenders has come to symbolize courage and sacrifice for the cause of Liberty.

Find out why the story of the Alamo can rouse a Texan’s sense of state pride like few other things. For many, it’s not so much a tourist attraction as a pilgrimage – you might notice some of visitors getting downright dewy-eyed at the description of how a few hundred revolutionaries died defending the fort against thousands of Mexican troops. The main chapel building is now known as the Shrine. From here you can set off for a free history talk in the Cavalry Courtyard, hearing one of many perspectives on the actual events – which are somewhat in dispute – or browse the museum in the Long Barrack, which served as a residence for the Spanish priests and later as a hospital for Mexican and Texan troops. There's also a 17-minute film, which not only gives you another perspective on the battle, but is an excellent place to escape the heat. If you're interested in walking the front perimeter of the old fort, which extends beyond the chapel, and learning more details about the battle and its participants, join the one-hour guided Battlefield Tour. A 33-stop audio tour is self-guided and takes about 45 minutes.

Not all defenders of the Alamo wielded swords and muskets during battle. In recent years, some defenders of the feline species have used their claws and fangs to protect the hallowed ground. Mice beware! There’s much to see at the Alamo, a UNESCO World Heritage Sight. While admiring the picturesque chapel, weapons from the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, and original maps and letters, it would be easy to miss one of the site’s smaller attractions. But peek into the back courtyard, and you’ll find a couple of gravestones honoring cats. Ruby and C.C. were two stray cats that took shelter in the Alamo compound. Ruby arrived in in 1981 and passed in 1986. C.C. took up the cause in 1996 and died in 2014. Both cats were cared for by the staff during their years at the site and were quick to become beloved residents. Ruby had a children’s book written about her. C.C. was supposedly bilingual, answering to kitty calls in English and Spanish. Caretakers of the Alamo are more than willing to point out the graves and give what information they can about them. Currently, there is a new cat in town named Bella who has picked up where Ruby and C.C. left off.

You haven’t truly experienced Texas until you’ve visited the hallowed grounds of the Alamo. Established in 1718 as the Mission San Antonio de Valero, the building is best known as the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, a 13-day siege under Mexican president General Antonio López de Santa Anna that ultimately killed nearly all of the Texan defenders. To stroll past the limestone facade and envision the battle that played out here is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For a real treat, book an after-hours tour and get the Texas landmark all to yourself as you walk in the footsteps of the fallen soldiers. By Kristin Finan, AFAR Local Expert