The Alamo is Texas' most prominent historic icon and a National Historic Landmark. In the 19th century, the mission was used as a fortress and was the scene of several military actions, including most notably the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, one of the pivotal battles between the forces of the Republic of Texas and Mexico during the Texas Revolution.
None of the defenders survived the battle. The official List of Alamo Defenders lists 189 names although there may have been as many as 257. Most of the defenders died during the battle, seven survivors were executed and all were burned on site.
Today, the Alamo Monument marks this spot. The south side of the main shaft shows the 25-foot tall bas-relief figure "Spirit of Sacrifice." The north face has a female figure representing Texas. The east and west faces have larger-than-life statues of various Alamo defenders. notably mentioned are Bowie and Bonham on the east side and Travis and Crockett on the west side.
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