The Alamo

1. Buildings at The Alamo

• What is the Church or Shrine at the Alamo?
  • The Church or Shrine is the most widely recognized structure of the Alamo. Originally built for use in the Spanish Missions, it has also served as a depot warehouse for the army. Today, it is a memorial to the 200 fallen Texas Rebels from the battle of 1836, called the Shrine.
• What is Campo Santo?
  • Campo Santo was originally designed as a cemetery during the Spanish Missions period, where many converted Native Americans were buried.
  • When the U.S. Army occupied the Alamo, the grounds were incorporated into Alamo Plaza and used as street space in front of the church.
  • In 1935, the cemetery was paved with flagstone and a lawn was created.
• What is the history of the Long Barrack?
  • Long Barrack was originally built as a two-story living quarters for Spanish Missionaries.
  • It became the site of the epic last stand of the Texan Rebels in 1836 when they retreated here against Santa Anna’s army.
  • The building has since undergone many changes, being used by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and incorporated into the Hugo Schmeltzer Store.
• Is the Alamo Gift Shop part of the original Alamo?
  • The Gift Shop is often mistaken as part of the original Alamo, but it was actually built in 1937 as one of nine centennial buildings honoring the 100th anniversary of Texas independence.
  • It was originally a museum that held historical artifacts until the Daughters of the Republic of Texas converted it into a souvenir shop to fund their mission work.
  • The building was completely renovated in 2012 and now houses the Alamo Gift Shop.
• What is Alamo Hall?
  • Alamo Hall was built in 1922 and originally served as a firehouse.
  • In 1937, the structure was deeded to the State of Texas, and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas removed the second floor to repurpose the building for various needs.
  • Today, it is available for rent for different occasions, though rentals are currently on hold until renovation and preservation projects are completed.
• What is the Arcade?
  • The Arcade was built in the early 1930s as part of a beautification project by the Works Projects Administration to provide jobs.
• What is the Alamo Research Center?
  • The Alamo Research Center, formerly the DRT Library, opened in 1950 and still houses the Daughters of the Republic of Texas’ collection of books, documents, and photographs related to early Texas history, particularly San Antonio.
  • The building is not open to the public, but research can be conducted by appointment only.

2. Tours and Exhibits at The Alamo

• What is the Battlefield Tour?
  • The Battlefield Tour is the first thing visitors should do when coming to The Alamo. This guided tour follows the path of the epic battle of 1836, showing the original fort and plaza while discussing the history of The Alamo.
  • Visitors are taken to the North wall where Colonel Travis spent his final moments and where the legend David Crockett fought.
  • The tour lasts one hour and is recommended for ages 13 and up.
• What is the VIP Tour?
  • The VIP Tour is a small group experience where a guide takes a 5 to 20-person group through the buildings and grounds of The Alamo, providing a detailed history lesson.
  • Tours must be booked at least one week in advance and are not available during summer months.
• What is the After Hours Tour?
  • The After Hours Tour is a unique experience for groups of at least 20 people.
  • After the last visitors leave, the group is taken through the Shrine and The Long Barracks by a history interpreter.
  • The tour lasts one hour and must be booked at least one week in advance.
• What is the Phil Collins Collection?
  • The Phil Collins Collection was donated by music legend Phil Collins in 2014.
  • The collection consists of Alamo and Texarkana artifacts that Collins spent a lifetime collecting.
  • He donated weapons, relics, documents, and many other historical objects to the Texas General Land Office.
  • The entire collection will soon be on display in a museum that is currently under construction.
• What events take place at The Alamo?
  • Many events are hosted at The Alamo year after year, drawing huge crowds of visitors from all over the world. Events range from ceremonial to educational and are suitable for all ages.
• What is First Saturday at The Alamo?
  • First Saturday at The Alamo is a special day on the first Saturday of every month where visitors receive free admission and take part in an interactive history event.
  • The event depicts life in Texas as far back as the mission days, featuring live firing events with black powder, costumed interpreters, and more.
• What is the Battle Anniversary/Dusk at The Alamo?
  • Battle Anniversary/Dusk at The Alamo is a ceremonial two-week-long event held every year from February 23rd through March 6th.
  • The event concludes with the lighting of the funeral pyres of the Alamo soldiers, just as General Antonio López de Santa Anna did in 1837.

3. Plan Your Visit to The Alamo

• How is the Fourth of July celebrated at The Alamo?
  • Fourth of July at The Alamo features a live reading of the Declaration of Independence, along with fireworks and activities for the public to enjoy.
• What is Fall at The Alamo?
  • Fall at The Alamo is a period craft show held on the second Saturday of October every year since 1998.
  • The event is entirely set up by volunteers and features a different theme each year.
• What are History Talks?
  • History Talks are lecture groups held every day throughout the day.
  • Each session lasts 20 minutes and discusses different aspects of The Alamo’s history. These lectures are free with admission.
• What is San Antonio Founders Day?
  • San Antonio Founders Day is one of the most anticipated events of the year.
  • Held on the third Saturday of October, many historical groups gather at The Alamo to commemorate the history of Texas and San Antonio.
• What is Summer Camp at The Alamo?
  • Summer Camp at The Alamo is a fantastic opportunity for children ages 9-13 to become immersed in history.
  • Kids participate in soldier school, period cooking, fire-starting, and historical games and toys.
• What is the Crockett Fiddler Fest?
  • Crockett Fiddler Fest has been held for three consecutive years in March and is a day filled with fun and music.
  • Local musicians perform western swing, bluegrass, and old-time country, while food trucks from across Texas line up along Crockett Street.

There are very strict rules ones must adhere to in order to be granted admission to The Alamo. Visitors should familiarize themselves with these rules before going so as not to be surprised.

Men cannot wear hats inside the shrine.

No food, beverage, or open containers are allowed in any of the buildings.

Photography, camera, or cell phone use is not allowed inside the buildings.

Unless marked for interactive content, no touching displays or walls of the Shrine.

No animals unless Service animals.

NO obscene language or clothing will be tolerated.

One must speak in a low voice.

No bikes, or skateboard.

No unauthorized weapons, state issue carry license required to carry a weapon.

300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, Texas 78205, Phone: 210-225-1391, Map

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