Join San Antonio in Honoring the 175th Anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo

SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- San Antonio invites visitors to "Remember the Anniversary" during the 175th Anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo.  This milestone begins with a weekend of events (March 4-6, 2011), and continues with reenactments, special promotions and hotel packages throughout the year.

"The 175th Anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo not only commemorates a significant time for San Antonio, but more importantly for American history," said Dr. Bruce Winders, historian and curator for the Alamo.  "More than Texas history, more than the story of San Antonio, the Alamo is a symbol of standing against unlikely odds for the pursuit of freedom.  When visitors walk through this memorable building just as James Bowie, David Crockett and William B. Travis did in 1836, 'Remember the Alamo!' is ringing in their ears," noted Dr. Winders.  2011 is the time to honor the heroes, retell their stories and remember the Alamo—an important page in the memoir of America.

Located in downtown San Antonio and just steps from the River Walk, the Alamo represents nearly 300 years of history.  It has been named "One of America's Top 10 Historic sites" by the History Channel and welcomes more than 2.5 million visitors each year—making it is a "must see" for all who visit San Antonio.  Learn about customized itineraries, anniversary hotel packages and more at visitsanantonio.com.

Alamo Anniversary Events:

Alamo Education Days

Alamo Plaza; March 3 – 4, 2011, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Alamo Plaza will feature historical walking tours of the original compound and battlefield.  Accompanied by well-known historians, filmmakers and reenactors, the Plaza will come to life as little known areas become a large part of the bigger story.

Roses of Remembrance

Alamo Plaza; March 4 – 6, 2011

At key visitor touchpoints throughout the city, tens of thousands of iconic yellow roses will be distributed during the Alamo's 175th anniversary weekend.  Visitors will have the opportunity to lay their roses on a special, oversized wreath in front of the Alamo, commemorating the historic battle.  

Alamo Artists: Perspective on the Alamo through Art

Emily Morgan Hotel (next to the Alamo); March 4 – 5, 2011

Seven different artists will each showcase three different works themed around the Alamo.  Historic pieces from the Alamo's vault will also be on display.

Remember the Alamo

Alamo Plaza; Saturday, March 5, 2011, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 6, Noon – 5 p.m.

Reenactors fill Alamo Plaza to bring to life the final two days of the 13-day siege.  Participants come from all over the world, just as Alamo defenders did in 1836.

Dawn at the Alamo

Alamo Plaza; Sunday, March 6, 2011, 6 – 7 a.m.

This pre-dawn commemorative ceremony honors the fallen from both sides of the battle with the reading of eyewitness accounts, a candle-lighting ceremony and a reconciliation peace prayer.  

This Hallowed Ground

Alamo Plaza; Saturday, April 9, 2011, 1 – 2:30 p.m.

A walking tour of the original perimeter walls of the Alamo.  Living historians help visitors discover maps that illustrate the original fortress, authentic cannons, main gate locations and other archaeological findings.

First Saturdays at the Alamo

Alamo Grounds; First Saturday of Every Month, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

These living history demonstrations including period cooking, cornhusk doll-making and weapon displays.  On select Saturdays, discussions are offered with authors who have written about the Texas Revolution as well as period music performances.

(Events continue throughout 2011.  Full listing of events available at visitsanantonio.com.)

History of the Alamo

Few stories have the lasting presence of the Alamo.  Originally built as a Spanish colonial mission in 1724, the famous 1836 battle forever transformed it into a symbol of liberty.  It was here that nearly 200 Texians, Tejanos and American volunteers stood bravely against General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna who commanded more than 2,000 Mexican soldiers.  For 13 days, the Alamo stood strong.  On the morning of March 6, however, Santa Anna's soldiers assaulted the Alamo, capturing it after a 90-minute struggle; survivors were rounded up and executed.  Just over a month later, inspired with the emotional battle cry, "Remember the Alamo," Texian and Tejano forces defeated the Mexican army at the Battle of San Jacinto, winning independence for Texas and a place in history.

Planning an Authentic San Antonio Vacation

A special section of visitsanantonio.com is dedicated to sharing the story of the Alamo and making it easy for visitors to plan an authentic San Antonio vacation.  Here, travelers will find:

• The history of the Alamo
• Alamo anniversary hotel packages
• Alamo anniversary festivities
• Customized itineraries
• Information about the Alamo's Texas Revolution exhibit
• Where to find San Antonio's other Spanish colonial structures
• San Antonio's many attractions, restaurants and shops
• Maps of San Antonio and Mission Trail

Hotel Packages:

Over one dozen anniversary hotel packages are available.  They range from a deluxe room for two with complimentary breakfast, parking and Alamo audio tour passes at the Crockett Hotel (located on the actual Alamo battlefield), to special offers from the Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, Hyatt Regency San Antonio and Westin Riverwalk, among others.

Remember the anniversary, remember the Alamo.

visitsanantonio.com

SOURCE San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau