In 1836, a small group of rebels inside the Alamo stood up against a Mexican army. The rebels, including David Crockett, Jim Bowie, and William Travis, were fighting for the independence of Texas. The group knew time was short and scrambled to prepare for battle. Riders with messages pleading for additional troops snuck out under the night's cloak of darkness. The rebels' courageous defense during the Mexicans' final charge became an inspiration for other Texans fighting for a change, one that eventually led to Texas becoming an American state.