Mission Tejas

More Than a Mission Since the beginning of American history, stories of brave individuals and how they have helped shaped the nation into what it has become has been a popular subject. While a large number of stories exist, one must recognize that a few have been twisted into various myths and legends such as the tales of Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill, and John Henry. However, one must also remember that not all stories involving the history of our nation are exaggerated such as the previous examples and that the majority of them are actually historically accurate. Although these stories and events provide entertainment to younger individuals, it is vital to acknowledge that if they had not occurred, then some things may not exists. For example, the Alamo - had it not been for this small mission and the band of rebels whom fought for it, things would surely be a lot different. The Alamo was originally built so that the Spanish Empire could help educate local Native Americans as well convert them to Christianity, but it would also play a pivotal role in helping Texas gain independence (Hutton 38). In addition to the Alamo, the men whom fought in it would also go down in history as great heroes, and some even becoming iconic figures in American history, such as Davey Crockett. Although the Alamo 's story has changed over the years and some parts still unsolved, one thing is certain - without the Alamo, the brave men who fight within its walls, and their firm belief in Texas independence, the United States would be a much different nation than it is today. Before Texas was settled by the Spanish Empire or colonists from the United States, it was home to the Native Americans from the Lipan Apache and their enemies the Comanche (Hively 4). However, when the Spanish arrived they attempted to subdue these Native American forces and gain their trust by giving them education along with Christianity and built missions across Texas. One in particular was located near

Cited: Cohen, Patricia Cline et al. The American Promise: A Compact History. 3rd ed. Vol. 1. New York: Bedford/St. Martin 's, 2006. 291-92. Print. Hively, Todd. "The Alamo." Let 's Take a Look at Texas (2010): 1. Texas Reference Center. EBSCO. Web. 22 June 2010. Hutton, Paul Andrew. "The Battle Of The Alamo." Wild West 1 Feb. 2004: Research Library, ProQuest. Web. 20 Jun. 2010.