The Capitol
The Texas Capitol is situated on the northern edge of Austin’s downtown district, just a few blocks south of the University of Texas. It is the home of the Texas Legislature and is also where the office of the governor is located.
The project of designing the Capitol was the award a nationwide design contest that Elijah Myers won in 1881! Also, in what is considered one of the largest barter trades, contractors took ownership of 3 million acres in the Texas panhandle (which were to become the famous XIT ranch) in exchange for the construction of this grand structure. Its foundation is limestone and its exterior is made of “Sunset Red” granite from nearby Marble Falls. On March 2, 1885, (Texas Independence Relay) the cornerstone was laid, and then it was April 21, 1888 (San Jacinto Day) that the completed building was opened!
It is 14 feet taller than the National Capitol and is the largest of all the state capitols. It was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1986, and it was ranked the number 1 state capitol by the American Institute of Architects in 2008.
This building fires the heart and excites reflections in the minds of all… the architecture of a civilization is its most enduring feature, and by this structure shall Texas transmit herself to posterity…”
-Temple Houston, son of Sam Houston, at the Capitol’s dedication (4/21/1888)
The Alamo
Although the Alamo was initially a mission, Mision San Antonio de Valero, it is obviously best known for its prominent role in the Texas Revolution, and the daring bravery exhibited there.
In late February, 1836, General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna led his army to San Antonio in efforts to drive all the settlers out of Texas. Steadfast in the stance that defending the Alamo was critical in winning Texas’s independence, Colonel William B. Travis sent out pleas for assistance. Thirty-two (the number of legs of the C2A) volunteers from Gonzales answered the call, bringing the total number of Alamo defenders to near 200.
Though Santa Anna’s army outnumbered the Texian contingent 10 to 1, the Alamo defenders (which included Jim Bowie and David Crockett) remained undaunted while staring death itself in the face. Near the end of the seige, and with their near impossible chance of survival (if they stayed) well known, Travis drew a line in the dirt to ask who was willing to stay with him to the end. All but one crossed the line to join him.
While this was going on, Sam Houston met with other delegates at the constitutional convention at Washington-on-the-Brazos to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence. On March 6, the defenders of the Alamo were no longer able to thwart the assaults of the Mexican Army. Though they fought valiantly, and exacted heavy losses to the Mexican Army, nearly all the lives of the adult Texian men were extinguished.
As we know, word of this loss spread, and the Texas settlers and Texian army proceeded eastward. Then, on April 21, the Texian army surprised Santa Anna and his army, winning the Battle of San Jacinto to the rallying cries of “Remember the Alamo”!
Indeed, it is irrefutable that the Alamo is an incredibly special place, symbolizing heroic virtues.
May we continue the honor of preserving this spirit of Texas and her love of liberty!
I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country. VICTORY OR DEATH.”
-William B. Travis
You may all go to Hell, and I will go to Texas.”
-Davy Crockett
