It originates from the Battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution, when Texas separated from Mexico (it became a free country for 10 years before being annexed by the US
…in 1846). The Mexican army surrounded a group of Texans who took refuge in the Alamo Mission, a derelict church. It was a decisive but awkward victory for the Mexicans, as half of General Santa Anna's 1,500 men were killed or injured during the 13-day siege. The Texans were completely massacred, but there were only 250 of them. The battle encouraged many men to join the Texan Army, and the Texans soon got their revenge. At the Battle of San Jacinto, 900 of them ambushed Santa Anna's army while they were having a siesta (without any sentries on guard), shouting "Remember the Alamo!" They also shouted "Remember Goliad!", a reference to a Mexican war crime the previous year. Half of the 1,300 Mexicans were killed and the other half were captured, including Santa Anna, who was forced to recognise Texas as being independent. Only 9 Texans died. The Alamo is a church which was built by Spanish missionaries, but had been deserted for many years at the time of the battle. The building survives and is preserved as a museum, and is located in downtown San Antonio. (MORE)