The end of February marks the anniversary of one of the most famous battles in the history of the US and a cultural and culinary legacy that continues to inspire people across the globe.
It’s believed 179 people were killed defending the fortress known as the Alamo in a siege that began on 23rd February 1836. It wasn’t until 6th March that it finally fell to the might of the Mexican army which lost around 1,500 soldiers in the process.
They had won the battle, but not the war as “remember the Alamo” became a rallying cry for freedom and just a few weeks later the Mexican army, heavily depleted by the Alamo, was decisively defeated, driven back across the border and Texas claimed its independence.
The portrait that has been painted of a handful of rebels holding out against the might of invaders is one that has inspired ever since and “Remember the Alamo” is a song that has been covered by numerous artists from Jonny Cash to Donovan.
Meanwhile, in London’s swinging sixties, an aspiring musician decided to change his name so as not to be confused with Davy Jones of the pop group the Monkees. Inspired by the daring deeds of Jim Bowie, one of the 179 who perished defending the Alamo, he became David Bowie and the rest is history.
Davy Crockett also died at the battle of the Alamo and his heroics became the basis for a longstanding TV series of the fifties “King of the Wild Frontier.”
Phil Collins remembers as a child being awestruck by the black and white series and how it sparked a lifelong fascination with the legend of the Alamo. So much so, the drummer with Genesis, solo artist and actor has built up a collection of Alamo artefacts worth millions, including Bowie’s famous knife and Davy Crockett’s buckskin gunpowder pouch and rifle.
Fighting alongside Bowie and Crockett were a number of Tejans – citizens of Spanish descent who had settled in Texas and opposed Mexico’s attempt to colonize the state.
The Alamo became a symbol of this link between the settlers from US in the North and Mexico in the South united in their common desire for freedom. As the surrounding village of San Antonio rebuilt after the battle of the Alamo it became a magnet for families looking to build a new life.
The cultural melting pot of individual ancestry and shared future has seen San Antonio boom and the city is now one of the fastest growing in the States. The past is respected with the Alamo project looking to preserve what remains of the original stronghold – including a museum that will house the Alamo collection donated to San Antonio by Phil Collins.
The fusion of US and Mexican culture that found a home and has thrived in San Antonio has been recognised by UNESCO. The Alamo has been declared a World Heritage Site and San Antonio a City of Creativity for Gastronomy because of the rich heritage, diversity and sustainability of its food.
SK’s Tex-Mex range is inspired by this culinary diversity combining Mexican flavours such as jalapeno, chipotle and lime with American smoked pulled meats and barbeque in a mouth-watering range that includes burritos, enchiladas and dirty fries – a perfect way to remember the Alamo and its lasting legacy.
About Sean Flint
Development & Innovation Chef of SK Foods.
Your food. Our Passion.
