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outskirts of the city and there organized. Woll attacked the Texans on September 17,
but was ignominiously defeated and retreated to the Alamo. The next day he evacu-
ated San Antonio and returned to Mexico.
In 1845 the Republic of Texas joined the United States and became one of the
many states under the stars and stripes. The Mexican claims to Texas was the cause
of the Mexican war. In their victory the Americans secured a recognition of Texas as
United States territory and since that time Mexico has made no attempt to reclaim her
lost province.
The Alamo church remained neglected and in ruins for years until the United
States had it re-roofed and fixed up for use of the quartermaster's department and it
was so used until Texas seceded from the Union, and then the Confederates used it for the
same purposes. When the civil war was over the United States again took possession
of it and held it until the department was moved to Fort Sam Houston.
Then the famous old church had a further degredation. It was leased to Honore
Grenet, a merchant in an adjoining store and was used as a store house.
The Alamo church property was purchased by the State May 12, 1883, for $20,
000, and placed in the custody of the city of San Antonio on the condition that the city
should take care of it and provide a custodian. Under this arrangement the Alamo was
cleared of the wooden fixings of the U. S. quartermasters, etc., and placed in the clean
condition it is seen today.
The Alamo is open to visitors from 9 a. m. until 12 noon; and from 2 until 5 p. m.
daily except Sunday.
It should be added that by a recent legislative enactment the care of the Alamo
church and grounds adjoining has been placed with the Daughters of the Republic of
Texas.