The Battle of the Alamo (1836) in San Antonio, Texas, is celebrated as a battle between a small band of Texas defenders against a large, invading Mexican army. The weapons used were as varied as the combatants.
An Alamo defender wears typical clothing and weapons for the period.
Types
The combatants used two types of hand-held firearms. The more prevalent flintlock released a cock holding a flint to spark the gunpowder. The caplock struck a percussion cap to set off the main charge.
Origins
Both sides predominantly used firearms, like the East India Pattern Muskets and the British Baker rifle, that came from British manufacturers.
Significance
The types of weapons made no difference. Though the defenders boasted 18 cannons, they could not win against the superior numbers of the Mexicans.
Aftermath
Famous weapons of the defenders, such as Davy Crockett's rifle and Jim Bowie's knife, suffered the same end as most battlefield weapons. They were picked up as souvenirs, discarded, if broken, or reused by the victors.
Preservation
Weapons from the battle, along with period artifacts, are displayed in the Alamo Shrine, the Long Barrack Museum and the Alamo Gift Museum, all on the grounds of the Alamo.
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