The Alamo began in 1718 as the Spanish mission San Antonio de Valero before becoming the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, when roughly 200 Texas defenders held out for 13 days against General Santa Anna’s much larger force during the Texas Revolution.
Today the site in downtown San Antonio includes the historic mission church, the Long Barrack museum, and exhibits on the battle’s defenders, including William Travis, James Bowie, and Davy Crockett. It is San Antonio’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A self-guided visit typically takes 1 to 2 hours, or 2 to 3 hours with a guided tour or the Crossroads of History film. Admission to the grounds and church is free.