Boulder’s neighbor, Mexico, includes Mexico City, the country’s capital. Mexico City sits at 7,350 feet, 2500 meters in altitude. That puts it right in the same range as many of our mountain towns. Perched  2000′, 600 meters, higher than the City of Boulder and 1000′ or 300 meters below Nederland, Mexico City is the capital of Mexico. Mexico is a federal republic made up of 31 states and one autonomous city.  While our shared border along the Rio Grande is fraught with challenges, our relationship with our Mexican neighbors has a long and colorful history. Our story takes place in San Antonio, Texas.

Which brings me to the Alamo! What’s all the fuss about anyway? Did famous people really die there? While I believe that the word iconic is seriously over-used, the image of the Alamo is truly iconic!

The Alamo: A Stand for Freedom That Shaped a Nation

The Alamo, a small, mission-turned-fortress in San Antonio, Texas, holds a monumental place in American history. It is not only the site of a pivotal battle in the Texas Revolution but a symbol of defiance, sacrifice, and the enduring human spirit. The story of the Alamo, especially its final battle, reverberates through time as an emblem of the fight for independence.

In 1836, Texas was still part of Mexico, but there was a growing desire for independence among settlers, many of whom were of American descent. The Mexican government, led by General Antonio López de Santa Anna, sought to quell this rebellion. The Alamo itself, originally built as a Spanish mission in the 18th century, became a strategic location for the Texian forces (those fighting for Texas independence) to defend.

The final battle at the Alamo took place after a 13-day siege that began in February 1836. The defenders of the Alamo, numbering around 180 to 250 men, were vastly outnumbered by Santa Anna’s forces, which swelled to over 1,800 troops.  That’s roughly TEN TIMES the troop strength favoring Santa Anna. Despite the odds, the defenders refused to surrender, fully aware of the grim outcome awaiting them. Their mission was to delay Santa Anna’s army long enough to allow other Texian forces time to prepare for battle elsewhere. The phrase “cannon fodder” comes to mind.

Davy Crockett, Killed While Defending The Alamo

The Alamo became famous not only for the military significance of the battle but for the figures who died there. Among the most well-known were David “Davy” Crockett, a former U.S. congressman from Tennessee; James Bowie, known for his legendary knife-fighting skills; and William B. Travis, the young commander who led the Texian forces. Their deaths immortalized them as heroes of the Texas Revolution.

In the early hours of March 6, 1836, Santa Anna ordered his troops to storm the Alamo. The defenders fought bravely, but by sunrise, the battle was over. All of the Texian defenders were killed, though some historians suggest a few were taken prisoner and executed afterward. Santa Anna’s forces suffered significant losses, with estimates of around 600 Mexican soldiers killed or wounded. Despite the defeat, the Alamo’s defenders succeeded in their mission to delay Santa Anna. Just over a month later, on April 21, 1836, Texian forces led by Sam Houston defeated Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto, securing Texas’ independence.

What makes the Alamo even more significant is how its memory was used to inspire future generations. The battle cry “Remember the Alamo!” became a rallying point in the Texas Revolution, symbolizing the resolve to fight against oppression and for freedom. The site itself is now a monument to the spirit of resistance and a reminder of the high cost of liberty.

The Alamo endures as one of the most important landmarks in the United States. Its legacy reaches far beyond the borders of Texas, representing a universal struggle for freedom and the sacrifices made to achieve it.

Lenny Lensworth Frieling

Shared Knowledge Is Power!

Leonard Frieling Pen Of Justice

• Multi-published and syndicated blogger and author.
• University lectures at University. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels. Numerous lectures for the NORML Legal Committee
• Former Judge
• Media work, including episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
• Life Member, NORML Legal Committee, Distinguished Counsel Circle.
• Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
• First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
• Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
• Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
• Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
• Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML, and prior chair during legalization, as well as pre and post legalization
• Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
• Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
• Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
• http://www.Lfrieling.com