Alamo, San Antonio (must see)

The Alamo, originally known as Misión San Antonio de Valero, is a historic Spanish mission and fortress in San Antonio. Founded in the 18th century by Roman Catholic missionaries, the mission was intended to convert local Indigenous populations to Christianity. Secularized in 1793, it was later abandoned and repurposed as a military fortress by the Second Flying Company of San Carlos de Parras, who gave it the name "Alamo," likely referencing the nearby poplar trees.

The site gained iconic status as the location of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution. Here, a small group of Texian defenders, including legendary figures James Bowie and Davy Crockett, held out against Mexican forces led by General Santa Anna before being overwhelmed on March 6, 1836. This pivotal event became a symbol of Texian resistance and sacrifice. After the Mexican Army's retreat, much of the Alamo was destroyed.

The Alamo evolved from a military garrison to a U.S. Army depot before falling into neglect. Preservation efforts began in 1905 with the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, leading to state ownership. In 2015, the Texas General Land Office took over, ensuring its protection as a cultural landmark. That year, the Alamo and nearby missions became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today, the Alamo is one of the most visited historic sites in the United States, drawing over four million visitors annually. The site features the iconic chapel and the Long Barracks, which house a museum showcasing artifacts, weapons, and paintings from the Texas Revolution. Visitors can also view a detailed diorama recreating the compound as it appeared in 1836, along with the Wall of History mural, which chronicles the site's evolution from its mission days to modern times.