Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 85: Texas Revolution Military Uniforms
 
Bright colors, big hats, and tall plumes: the military uniforms of the Texas Revolution are about as opposite as you can get from modern-day khaki and camouflage.
 
We reveal the practical reasons behind the ornate military fashion, how these intricate uniforms fostered morale within the ranks, and the uniforms that survived battles and time to be on display, right here at the Alamo. Featuring the Alamo's Director of Interpretation Tom Castanos, Alamo Living Historian Cameron Lyman, and the Alamo's Collections Manager Misty Lanham.

Photo of the Mexican military helmet in the Phil Collins Collection: https://www.facebook.com/EmilyBaucumSATX/posts/765435258278892
Photo of Santa Anna's uniform from the Huffines Collection: https://www.facebook.com/EmilyBaucumSATX/posts/1088124519343296
Video of Sam Houston and Santa Anna's uniform accessories from Huffines Collection: https://youtu.be/cWYVFvsD5gk?si=1L8iYAUEvByqr8yy
Plan your visit to the Alamo Exhibit: https://www.thealamo.org/plan-your-visit/

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 84: The Mexican Army's Final Days At The Alamo
 
By May 1836, the news of Texas independence has spread, and the Alamo will once again change hands.
 
We reveal the Mexican Army’s final days at the Alamo, the orders sent from on high to tear down reinforcements, and the literal fire left behind inside the Alamo Church. Featuring the Alamo's Senior Researcher & Historian Kolby Lanham.

Essay on the Alamo after the Battle: https://officialalamo.medium.com/bexar-after-the-battle-pt-1-bf06e6f299fe
Essay on the Alamo and the Republic of Texas Era: https://www.thealamo.org/remember/military-occupation/the-alamo-the-republic-of-texas

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 83: The Alamo Rangers
 
It is National Police Week in the United States. This year, the Alamo Rangers mark 50 years as the official security force of the Shrine of Texas Liberty. The role is steeped in the responsibility of protecting the Alamo Church and Long Barrack – the original mission’s two surviving structures – along with priceless artifacts, and the millions of people who visit the historic site.
 
We reveal the history of the Alamo Rangers, how the force has evolved over the decades, and the front row seat to history the Rangers have, as both guards and ambassadors of the Alamo. Featuring the Alamo's Senior Historian Ernesto Rodriguez, the Alamo Rangers Chief Gerald Ramirez, Alamo Ranger Sgt. Xavier Flores, and Alamo Ranger Sgt. Daniel Ramirez.

Watch for Alamo Ranger job openings: https://www.thealamo.org/alamo-trust/join-the-team/jobs

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 82: Cinco De Mayo
 
This week, the world celebrated Cinco de Mayo - a holiday that’s gained notoriety throughout the years, with themed parties and restaurant specials. But what really happened on that fateful May 5th?
 
We reveal the origins of Cinco de Mayo, and how our story here at the Alamo intersects with the historical path that led to this day. Featuring the Alamo's former curator Dr. Bruce Winders.

Read more on Cinco de Mayo: https://officialalamo.medium.com/what-do-you-mean-cinco-de-mayo-isnt-mexican-independence-day-3e42f35c8df8
Read about the previous Mexican War of Independence: https://officialalamo.medium.com/san-antonio-and-the-alamo-in-the-mexican-war-of-independence-2db481c718db

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 81: Preserving Precious Alamo Artifacts
 
As the calendar turns to May, the Alamo celebrates Preservation Month. Our responsibility to preserve Texas history includes the preservation of precious artifacts.
 
We reveal the latest artifacts to be added to the Alamo’s vault, how our team of experts finds artifacts of interest, and why the Alamo is always on the lookout for new treasures. Featuring the Alamo's Director of Curation Nathan Jones.

View photos of newly-acquired artifacts: https://www.thealamo.org/podcast/episode-81
Donate your artifacts to the Alamo: https://www.thealamo.org/artifacts

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 80: San Jacinto's Infamous Prisoner
 
The 18-minute Battle of San Jacinto proved to be a decisive victory for Texas, ensuring its independence and the establishment of a Republic. But in its wake, some unfinished business remained: what to do with a prisoner of war who happened to be the opponent’s President and General?
 
We reveal the events that unfolded 189 years ago this week when Santa Anna became a prisoner of war, and his attempts to stay alive and escape during his seven months as San Jacinto’s Infamous Prisoner. Featuring independent author and historian James Bevill, and the Alamo's former curator Dr. Bruce Winders.

Read Dr. Winders' essay on Santa Anna's capture: https://officialalamo.medium.com/the-capture-of-santa-anna-83454a5ffdc5
James Bevill's book "The Paper Republic:" https://www.amazon.com/Paper-Republic-Struggle-Credit-Independence/dp/1933979259

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 79: San Jacinto - Brief Battle, Long Legacy
 
The Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836, lasted just 18 minutes. The brief battle leaves a long legacy as the decisive win gained Texas its hard-fought independence.
 
We reveal the battle from a descendant historian’s perspective, and the impact of San Jacinto on both world politics and the ordinary people living in its wake. Featuring the Alamo's Senior Researcher & Historian Kolby Lanham.

Bonus Rewind Episode ⏮️  "The Battle Of San Jacinto" - https://youtu.be/gEfEu8D69Yo?si=FcoeTIXC7lmwmOZR
Join our Friends of the Alamo "Battle of San Jacinto Fireside Chat:" https://www.thealamo.org/visit/battle-of-san-jacinto-fireside-chat
More on San Jacinto Day Celebration at battle site: https://www.sanjacinto-museum.org/Visit/Calendar/San_Jacinto_Day_Celebration/

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 78: Why The Alamo?
 
There are places around the world that become part of the cultural zeitgeist. You hear the name and instantly understand its importance. The Alamo is one of those places.
 
We reveal why - why the Alamo, over and over and over through the centuries, found itself in the crossroads of history. Featuring the Alamo's Senior Curator, Historian & Lecturer Ernesto Rodriguez.

Plan your visit: https://www.thealamo.org/plan-your-visit/
Join Friends of the Alamo: https://www.thealamo.org/membership

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 77: Inside The Archaeology Lab
 
The largest continuous archaeological excavation on Alamo grounds is now complete. For the past year and a half, our archaeology team has combed the earth outside the Long Barrack and discovered around 250,000 artifacts.
 
We reveal what’s now happening inside the archaeology lab, the rare finds giving us a fresh glimpse at frontier life, and a sneak peek at the upcoming work to find even more unearthed history on Alamo grounds. Featuring the Alamo's Director of Archaeology Dr. Tiffany Lindley and Alamo Staff Archaeologist and Material Culture Specialist Kat Jenkins.

Follow the Alamo's archaeology updates: https://www.thealamo.org/support/preservation/updates
Watch how artifacts are cleaned inside the archaeology lab: https://youtu.be/V-ljUPAbGAA?si=-lVnVLnutHCkxBC1

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 76: The Goliad Massacre
 
Three weeks after the stunning defeat at the Alamo, the Texas revolutionaries suffered another gut-wrenching loss. On this day 189 years ago – March 27, 1836 – hundreds of Texas soldiers were executed, in what would become known as the Goliad Massacre.
 
We reveal the unease Mexican leaders felt before carrying out Santa Anna’s execution orders, the heartbreaking hope the Texans felt right up until their deaths, and how “Remember Goliad” became forever linked to the battle cry, “Remember The Alamo.” Featuring Presidio la Bahía director and historian Scott McMahon.

Visit Presidio la Bahía: https://thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/presidio-la-bahia

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 75: The Battle Of Coleto Creek
 
With Texans reeling from the fall of the Alamo, the front lines of battle shift about 90 miles southeast of San Antonio to the town of Goliad. After two days of fighting, the Texas troops - under a leadership wracked with indecision - surrender.
 
We reveal how the Battle of Coleto Creek unfolded 189 years ago today, as the troops who tried to come to the aid of the Alamo now faced their own fight. Featuring the Alamo's Senior Curator, Historian & Lecturer Ernesto Rodriguez and Presido la Bahía Director & Historian Scott McMahon.

Plan your visit to Fannin Battleground: https://thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/fannin-battleground

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 74: The Runaway Scrape

The Alamo has fallen. Panic grips the frontier. People of all ages, all walks of life – from landowners to shopkeepers, family men to politicians – flee their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs and what they can carry, struggling to beat the Mexican Army east.

We reveal the origins of the Runaway Scrape, the desperate conditions its refugees encountered on flooded roads, and how this fight for survival helped forge the Texas identity now recognized around the world. Featuring historian and professor Dr. Stephen Hardin, author of the new book "Texian Exodus."

Bonus Rewind Episode ⏮️ "After The Battle" - https://youtu.be/QZ18944OJe4?si=EwuAAO66VPF-jQJh

More on Dr. Hardin and his books: https://stephenlhardin.com/

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 73: The Battle Of The Alamo's Survivors
 
Today is March 6, 2025 - the 189th anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo. That’s one year for every known Defender who sacrificed everything for Texas freedom. Among those Defenders were people caught in the crossfire who survived, and whose lives were spared.
 
We reveal the vivid memories of these eyewitnesses to history and how they were sent to tell a story of defeat, but instead shared the accounts that ensured people the world over would always Remember The Alamo. Featuring the Alamo's Former Senior Director of Interpretation, Volunteers & Living History Sherri Driscoll and Alamo History Interpreter Summer Frazier.

Bonus Rewind Episode ⏮️ "The Battle Of The Alamo" - https://youtu.be/2hEZ4NoLlWI?si=3GCm5ncqoX6ZCT7K

Read Joe's account of the Battle of the Alamo: https://www.thealamo.org/remember/battle-and-revolution/joes-account
Learn more about Susanna Dickinson: https://www.thealamo.org/remember/stories-of-texas-women/susanna-dickinson
Learn more about the Navarro Sisters: https://www.thealamo.org/remember/stories-of-texas-women/navarro-sisters

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 72: Behind The Alamo's Walls

Imagine being inside the Alamo compound 189 years ago this week. The Alamo is under siege with regular cannon fire from Mexican soldiers, a form of both physical and psychological warfare.
 
We reveal what life was like behind the Alamo’s walls in the weeks, days, hours and minutes leading up to the fateful Battle of the Alamo. Featuring the Alamo's Researcher Thomas Ledesma.

Bonus Rewind Episode ⏮️ "The Siege Of The Alamo" - https://youtu.be/EqTzpbwM4Jk?si=S9N4iNQ9QtgOJ6Ip

Join the Alamo for Commemoration events: https://www.thealamo.org/remember/commemoration

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 71: Digitizing The Alamo's History

The Alamo has roughly 4,500 artifacts in its collection, including hundreds of rarely-seen documents that are a treasure trove of rich historical detail.

We reveal the Alamo’s groundbreaking efforts to digitize this history, the technology that will make it possible for Alamo enthusiasts from around the world to view it, and how you can be among the first to unlock these secrets from the past. Featuring the Alamo's Vice President of Collections, Curation, Conservation, & Archaeology Dr. Tyler Taylor; the Alamo's Digitization Project Archivist Viviana Guajardo; and the Alamo's Collections Manager Misty Lanham.

The Alamo's Digital Archive: https://5164.lucideahost.com/argus/final/Portal/Default.aspx?lang=en-US

The Alamo's 2025 Commemoration schedule: https://www.thealamo.org/remember/commemoration

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 70: The Texian Military Establishment

In February 1836 - 189 years ago this week - Santa Anna’s Mexican Army is marching closer and closer to San Antonio, where bands of militia men and citizen volunteers are days away from defending the Alamo.
 
Wee reveal the origins of the Texian military establishment, how shifting attitudes toward service shaped both the Texian and Mexican militaries, and how these attitudes impacted who won or lost the Battle of the Alamo and the Texas Revolution as a whole. Featuring the Alamo's former curator Dr. Bruce Winders.

Dr. Winders' related book: https://www.tamupress.com/book/9781933337760/sacrificed-at-the-alamo/

Bonus Rewind Episode ⏮️ "Before The Siege" - https://youtu.be/O0Naqwvo0dI?si=UoDKhXn80VIg5BGl

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Calling all "Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast" fans!

The Alamo's fireside chat "The Revolution Continues" on February 27 will feature two of our most distinguished podcast guests: Senior Curator Ernesto Rodriguez and former Curator Dr. Bruce Winders. These historians bring a combined nearly 50 years experience of guiding the Alamo site and sharing its story with millions of visitors from across the world.

The fireside chat about the Siege and Battle of the Alamo and the ensuing Runaway Scrape will be be moderated by Emily Baucum, the Alamo's Associate Director of Public Relations, host of the Stories Bigger Than Texas podcast, and EMMY® and Associated Press award-winning storyteller.

"The Revolution Continues" is a free, exclusive event for Friends of the Alamo members in gratitude of their support. Join us for beer, wine, light appetizers, and riveting conversation on Thursday, February 27, at 6 p.m.

If you're not a Friends of the Alamo member, there is still plenty of time to join and reserve your spot for "The Revolution Continues!"

More on "The Revolution Continues:" https://www.thealamo.org/visit/revolution-continues-fireside-chat
Join Friends Of The Alamo: https://www.thealamo.org/membership

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 69: The Real Santa Anna

Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna reportedly called himself “The Napoleon of the West.” His opponents called him a dictator. By all accounts, he was a complicated and controversial figure who relished leading an army and clung to power by becoming Mexico’s president multiple times.

We reveal the real Santa Anna: the survivor’s instinct that saw him change political sides and overcome exile, and what popular culture gets wrong about the general who is so central to the Alamo’s story. Featuring Professor Will Fowler from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

More on Will Fowler's research: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/modern-languages/people/spanish/wmf1/

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 68: The Alamo Livestock Roundup

Calling all Texans: it is once again time to come to the aid of the Alamo. We are launching the public phase of our fundraising campaign for the Alamo Plan through the Alamo Livestock Roundup, part of the larger Alamo Statewide Stampede.

We reveal how the ranching industry is spearheading the initiative, how it’s all kicking off in the Alamo’s newest public space, and how we are sending a strong signal throughout Texas that the Alamo Plan is moving full steam ahead. Featuring Alamo Trust, Inc. Executive Director Dr. Kate Rogers; Remember The Alamo Foundation Board Member Phil Bakke; and Texas entertaining legend and rancher Red Steagall.

Participate in the Alamo Livestock Roundup and Alamo Statewide Stampede: https://www.thealamo.org/livestock
Join the Alamo at Saddle Up! on March 29: https://www.thealamo.org/saddle-up

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 67: Horses Of The Texas Revolution 

Perhaps no animal is more central to the Alamo story than the horse. Couriers on horseback brought word Santa Anna’s Army was approaching San Antonio, and spread the grim news throughout Texas that the situation at the Alamo went from dire to deadly.

We reveal how the horses of the Texas Revolution got to the Lone Star State, what we’ve learned from old newspaper ads about how they were used, and the artifacts on display now at the Alamo to tell their story. Featuring the Alamo's Senior Researcher & Historian Kolby Lanham.

More on Rodeo Round Up: https://www.thealamo.org/visit/calendar/rodeo-round-up
More on the Alamo Livestock Roundup: https://www.thealamo.org/livestock
How to attend Saddle Up: https://www.thealamo.org/saddle-up

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 66: STEAM Education At The Alamo

More than 155,000 school-aged children visit the Alamo each year. While we hope all of them leave with a newfound love for history, we know not all of them will grow up to be historians. But there’s a good chance many of them will choose careers in STEAM fields. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

We reveal how the Alamo is becoming a leader in STEAM education, the different ways our Alamo experts work in STEAM every day, and how the rich history here at the Alamo is helping forge the jobs of the future. Featuring the Alamo's STEAM Education Specialist Morgan Oldham; the Alamo's Conservator Pam Jary Rosser; the Alamo's Director of Archaeology Dr. Tiffany Lindley; and the Alamo's Researcher Thomas Ledesma.

More on the future Texas Cavaliers Education Center: https://www.thealamo.org/support/alamo-plan/education-center
More on the upcoming Teach The Alamo: STEAM: https://www.thealamo.org/educators/workshops-for-credit/teach-the-alamo-steam
Watch Boat Building activity at local elementary school: https://youtu.be/W1olNbjHPe0?si=eRlkIRwKN9K74673
Watch Excavation activity at local elementary school: https://youtu.be/_yunckKe1HY?si=VDW7Dz1LxZLxVqN6
Educator request form for STEAM Kits: https://forms.office.com/r/i2LWPh6tcj

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 65: The Battle Of New Orleans

Here at the Alamo, we believe all history is connected. That’s why we’re taking you to Louisiana where 210 years ago this week, some two decades before the Battle of the Alamo, a struggle between two nations helped set the stage for conflicts to come.

We reveal what led to the Battle of New Orleans, what the American victory there represented for what would become the State of Texas, and the fireside chat taking place this week at the Alamo to bring this history full circle. Featuring the Alamo's Senior Curator, Historian, & Lecturer Ernesto Rodriguez.

Join Ernesto for fireside chat at the Alamo: https://www.thealamo.org/visit/battle-of-new-orleans-fireside-chat
American Battlefield Trust's synopsis of Battle of New Orleans: https://www.battlefields.org/learn/war-1812/battles/new-orleans

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 64: The Real James Bowie

As we turn the calendar to a new year, we remember an Alamo Defender who also used the new year to forge a fresh start. On January 1, 1830, James Bowie officially moved to Texas.

We reveal the real James Bowie: how he became internationally known as a fearless knife-fighter, his marriage into a prominent San Antonio family, and what we know about his final moments from his sickbed defending the Alamo. Featuring the Alamo's former curator Dr. Bruce Winders and historian, reenactor, and author Jack Edmondson.

Read Dr. Bruce Winders' essay on Bowie: https://www.thealamo.org/remember/james-bowie
Read Dr. Bruce Winders' essay on Bowie's San Saba mine search: https://www.thealamo.org/remember/james-bowie/bowies-silver
See James Bowie statue at the Alamo: https://www.facebook.com/EmilyBaucumSATX/posts/1166784951477252

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 63: Plaza De Valero

As we close out a year of unprecedented growth at the Alamo, we are celebrating a major milestone in the Alamo Plan: this week, the pedestrian-friendly Plaza De Valero will be open for the community and visitors to enjoy.

We reveal what you’ll see at Plaza De Valero, why this community space is so vital, and how it will become the premiere gathering space in the heart of downtown San Antonio. Featuring Alamo Trust, Inc., Executive Director Dr. Kate Rogers.

More on Plaza De Valero: https://www.thealamo.org/visit/whats-at-the-alamo/plaza-de-valero
More on the Mission Gate & Lunette Exhibit: https://www.thealamo.org/visit/whats-at-the-alamo/mission-gate-and-lunette

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Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast
Episode 62: Hurricane Recovery - David Crockett Birthplace State Park

In late September 2024, Hurricane Helene bore up the United States eastern seaboard. As the deadly storm moved inland, devastating rain stalled over Tennessee, washing away much of the state park that marks the birthplace of David Crockett.

We reveal the extent of damage at David Crockett Birthplace State Park, the powerful parallel it draws to Crockett’s own life, and how you can help recover and preserve this foundational piece of Alamo history. Featuring Thomas Batchelor and Fred Bloom, interpretative rangers at David Crockett Birthplace State Park in Limestone, Tennessee.

David Crockett Birthplace State Park website: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/david-crockett-birthplace
David Crockett Birthplace State Park on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@DavidCrockettBirthplaceStatePark/
Friends of David Crockett Birthplace State Park: https://www.facebook.com/groups/479055350053156

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