The War for Texas Independence began with the first shots fired in October, 1835 when the citizens of Gonzales refused to return a cannon to the Mexican Army. From then until May, 1836 Texan fighters and the Mexican Army had several battles. The capture of Santa Anna resulted in a treaty and ended the fight for Texas freedom.
The most famous battle was at a former mission turned Fort called the Alamo. The Texans, lead by Col. William B. Travis, Col. James Bowie, and David Crockett gathered in the Alamo when the Mexican Army, under Mexican President Antonio Lopez Santa Anna, arrived on February 23, 1836. The Mexican Army lay siege, and Mexican artillerymen started knocking down the walls. The siege lasted until March 6, when Santa Anna ordered his men to storm the Alamo. At 5:00am they attacked, were thrown back by heavy artillery and rifle fire, regrouped, and attached again. 90 minutes later, the battle ended after heavy hand-to-hand fighting within the walls of the Alamo. As many as seven defenders survived the battle, but Santa Anna ordered their summary execution. All had died before 8:00.
189 defenders appear on the official list of Texan fighters although there may have been as many as 257. Of the 1800 Mexican assault troops under Santa Anna, 600 were killed or wounded. The women, children, and slaves in the Fort were released by Santa Anna. They were each given $2.00 and a blanket and allowed to go where they chose.
The sacrifice of Travis and his command animated the rest of Texas and kindled a righteous wrath that swept the Mexicans off the field at San Jacinto. Since 1836, Americans on battlefields have responded when they hear, "Remember the Alamo!"
The Alamo is located in downtown San Antonio, Tx. at 300 Alamo Plaza. Parking can be found in one of several pay parking lots in the area, street parking is hard to find unless you arrive very early. You can find more information at their web site:
http://www.thealamo.org/main/index.php