Rod Chase has painted one of the Lone Star State's most famous and revered monuments, the Alamo.  Few events have defined the bravery of the early Texans as the battle for the old mission.  Chase's dramatic, night scene is an outstanding image of this symbol of the people of Texas and their heritage. 
The Alamo was originally a mission named Mission San Antonio de Valero.Construction on the present site commenced in 1718 in what was the Spanish province of Tejas (Texas).  In 1805, the first (military) hospital in Texas was located at the Alamo. 
In 1793, the Spanish authorities divided several districts and delegated the mission to the remaining Indian residents in the Mexican region.  These people farmed the surrounding land for several years.  In the early 1800s, a Spanish cavalry unit was stationed at the mission.  The soldiers were from Alamo de Parras, Coahuila; they referred to the mission as the Alamo (Spanish for "cottonwood").  After a long struggle, Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821.
The Alamo was prominent is Mexico's fight for its independence from Spain.  San Antonio and the Alamo were also important in the Texas revolution.  After General Santa Anna rose to power, many Anglo colonists and Tejanos feared the general's harsh reign and wanted independence from Tejas.  Conflict rose between the Mexican government and the colonists.  In 1835, Texians and Tejanos fought and successfully routed Mexican troops quartered in the city.  Their victory led to their occupation and control of the Alamo. On Febraury 23, 1836. General Santa Anna led his army and confronted the Texians and Tejanos.  Prior to the general's arrival, a small band of brave men had come to San Antonio to defend the Alamo. For 13 days, William Travis, Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett, and others defended the Alamo.  On March 6, 1836, Santa Anna and his troops, which vastly outnumbered the small group, made their final assault and overwhelmed the band of brave men, killing everyone defending the Alamo.
Since the historic battle, the Alamo has been a symbol for the heroic struggle against impossible odds where brave men were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.  It will always be remembered by the people of Texas. 


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