The Alamo, San Antonio

Just steps from the River Walk and right in the heart of downtown lies a symbol of Texas: Mission San Antonio de Valero, better known as the Alamo or "cottonwood" in Spanish. this is the most recognized building in the city (and the state, for that matter). The former mission is surrounded by Alamo Plaza, a site that is at one time historic and hysterical, the ultimate shrine to Texas history alongside shrines to the Texas tourist. This one-block area is the home of the Alamo, the mission that represents the fight for freedom and the spirit of Texas. It's a place where tones are hushed and respectful, a destination to which every true Texan makes a pilgrimage at least once in his or her life.

Although today it is primarily known as the Alamo, the mission began as San Antonio de Valero. The name comes from military occupation. The mission was abandoned in 1793 and the buildings began to fall to ruin. Troops from San Jose y Santiago del Alamo Parras in northern Mexico converted the building to a fort in 1801, and it took the name of that troop.

The Alamo was originally a large compound. Today all that remains of the mission is the original church and the Long Barrack. When you enter the Alamo, you'll be struck by the quietness of the structure. It retains a chapel-like atmosphere in spite of the hundreds of thousands of visitors who tour the park annually. The Alamo operates under the care of the Daughters of the Alamo, a conservation group that protects the mission and guards it, many say, as fiercely as the Texian troops did a century and a half ago.

Most first-time visitors budget about two hours for a look at the chapel and its displays, the barrack, and the film about the story of the historic battle. Gardens behind the chapel are also well worth a visit.

Built in 1718, the mission was abandoned in 1793 and the buildings began to fall to ruin. During the Texas Revolution the site was used as a fort by the Texian troops. Here 189 defenders met their death against the army of Mexican General Santa Anna in 1836 in the bid for Texas freedom; even today the site is known as the "Cradle of Texas Liberty."

Visitors who are in San Antonio on March 6 every year can watch an early morning reenactment of the fateful battle.

The Alamo is open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM and Sunday, 10 AM to 5:30 PM. The facility is closed December 24 and 25. Admission is free. Photos are not allowed inside the Alamo or in the adjacent buildings.

Location: 300 Alamo Plaza