It may be easier to say “semiquincentennial” than to try and visit all the historic spots around the US as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our beautiful country. As we enter America’s big year and seek to learn more about its history, we will feature historic locations each month near our campgrounds that may make it easier to celebrate and educate!
We will start with The Alamo, located in San Antonio, Texas. And a true historian might be saying “but wait, didn’t we lose this battle?” And the answer is yes, we did, but “Remember the Alamo” became a rallying cry and served as an emblem of American perseverance.
Before you make the trek to this Texas landmark, book a stay at Thousand Trails Medina Lake, which will put you less than 45 miles from this historic site.
Originally a Spanish Mission that was later abandoned, The Alamo was a military outpost that in 1836 became the site of a 13-day siege in the battle for Texas’ independence against the Mexican Army, led by General Santa Anna. Sadly, the Texian forces were defeated in this battle. Some of the fighters’ names are familiar in American history like Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, who it is said to have used his very large knife, which later became known as the Bowie knife, in the battle. Regrouping under the infamous cry, Texian soldiers caught Santa Anna about a month later and brought him before General Sam Houston. Although he escaped, he was later found hiding in Buffalo Bayou and recaptured.
In addition to historic buildings and artifacts, visitors to The Alamo today can see a living history encampment with reenactments. Don’t miss the Alamo Cenotaph Monument which depicts heroes of the battle and is a site for remembrance. For information about visiting The Alamo, visit thealamo.org.
And while visiting San Antonio, don’t miss the beautiful River Walk, the historic Spanish Missions, and the King William Historic District which has more than 40 historic homes.
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- Explore the Thousand Trails Camping Pass and the Thousand Trails Cabin Pass
- Find more campgrounds at ThousandTrails.com.
