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300 Years of History

Embrace San Antonio’s rich history and culture at the Alamo: Part of our San Antonio bus trip, the Alamo represents nearly 300 years of the history of Texas.

Situated on the Alamo Plaza in Downtown San Antonio, the Alamo was a former Roman Catholic mission and fortress compound, home to missionaries and their Indian converts and the scene of a huge battle during the Texas Revolution, the Battle of the Alamo. During the Battle of the Alamo, over 150 Texans died along with Davie Crockett, Jim Bowie and William Barrett Travis.

Today the Alamo is known as one of San Antonio’s leading tourist draws attracting over 2 million visitors each year. At 4.2 acres, you can stroll through the beautiful gardens and explore the compound’s three building’s the Alamo, Long Barrack Museum and the Gift Shop during your one and a half hour tour of Alamo Plaza.
 

The Alamo in San Antonio TX The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas

The Shrine of Texas Liberty

The Alamo
Start your time at the Alamo in the old church. Originally known as the Mission San Antonio de Valero, the Alamo was constructed in white stone and decorated with ornamental stonework on the front façade. Often called the Texas Liberty, the Alamo appears as it did in 1849. Pay your respects to the men who died in the Battle of the Alamo, and uncover remarkable artifacts like David Crockett’s buck skin vest, a 300 year old wooden statue of St. Anthony and an original copy of the Texas Declaration of Independence signed by Sam Maverick.
 
Long Barrack Museum
After you’ve paid your respects to the individuals who lost their lives during the Battle of the Alamo, visit the Long Barrack Museum, the former quarters of military troops. Here see the history of Texas’ mission period unfold before your eyes as you discover the events leading up to the Texas Revolution through the museum’s many exhibits and artifacts. Among the artifacts you’ll find General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna’s original Bowie knife, a shaving kit that belonged to David Crockett and other unique items found during on-site archaeological digs.
 
Long Barrack Theatre
At the south end of the Long Barrack is a theatre. Delight in an enthralling, 17-minute documentary. Produced by the History Channel, the short documentary gives a brief overview of the Alamo’s past and present and can significantly enhance your experience at the Alamo.
 
Shopping in the Gift Museum
Don’t forget to stop at the Gift Museum, whether you’d like to learn more about the Battle of the Alamo, or find that special gift for a loved one; discover everything from Texas literature to Texas themed apparel and accessories.
 
The Grounds
Take the time to explore the grounds at the Alamo, they are just as rich in history as the buildings are. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped grounds and discover ancient canons, a unique wall of history and a large sculpture of a Cenotaph, or “empty tomb.” Don’t miss out on one of the 15-minute history presentations in Calvary Courtyard.  Given by Alamo History Interpreters, the presentations take place throughout the day.
 

Travel Tips

  • Both the Alamo and Long Barrack are handicapped accessible. It is important you let your reservations agent know ahead of time if you, or someone in your party is handicapped, so that they can make sure to accommodate you in the most convenient and comfortable setting. 

 

  • If you would like to see one of the daily history presentations in Cavalry Courtyard, presentations take place every 30 minutes.