Happy Friday, dudes.

🗓️ Today in History

May 30, 1806: Andrew Jackson Settles an Argument the Old-Fashioned Way

Before he was president, Andrew Jackson was just a fiery lawyer with a thin temper and a thicker ego. On this day, he met Charles Dickinson in a field to settle an argument like a gentleman. By which we mean they tried to kill each other.

Dickinson shot first and hit Jackson in the chest. Jackson barely moved. He stood there, aimed, and dropped Dickinson with a single shot. Then he turned around and went home with a bullet lodged inches from his heart. He kept it there for the rest of his life.

❓ Trivia

What’s the Deal with the Alamo?

If your knowledge of the Alamo begins and ends with “Remember the Alamo,” congratulations, you are like most of us. Here is what actually happened so next time you are out drinking with your buddies, you can blurt it out with confidence. 

The Setup
It’s 1836. Texas isn't a U.S. state yet. It’s a rebellious chunk of Mexican territory full of Americans who moved in, didn’t feel like following Mexican laws, and then got mad when Mexico reminded them they were still technically Mexico.

One of those rebels was a 4-foot-tall firecracker named William B. Travis. Another was Davy Crockett. Yes, the raccoon-hat guy. He hated Congress, got voted out, and headed west like a true Main Character. Third wheel? James Bowie. Pronounced “BOO-ee.” Knife guy. A hell of a trio. 

They were holed up in an old Spanish mission called the Alamo with about 180 dudes.

Enter: Santa Anna

General Antonio López de Santa Anna shows up with 1,500 soldiers and zero interest in negotiating. He’s the Mexican president and part-time dictator who’s extremely not into this whole Texas Revolution thing.

He gives them a choice: surrender or die.

Travis replies with cannon fire.

Bad move? Maybe. Depends on how into martyrdom you are.

The Siege
The Mexican army lays siege for 13 days. Inside the Alamo, it’s grim. No reinforcements, not enough food, and morale is practically non-existent.

On day 13, Santa Anna sends in the full force. The defenders are overwhelmed in about 90 minutes. Almost everyone dies. Travis, Crockett, Bowie. All killed. No glory shots. No slow-motion heroism. Just smoke, blood, and the sound of history being written. 

So Why Do We “Remember” It?
Because a few weeks later, Sam Houston (leader of the Texian army) used the slaughter at the Alamo as motivation. His troops, fueled by vengeance and probably a lot of whiskey, defeated Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto in 18 minutes. Yes, minutes.

Texas gets independence. The myth is born.

Was It Worth It?
Depends who you ask.

Historically? It was a loss. Strategically? Kind of dumb to hole up in a half-finished fort without reinforcements. But symbolically? The Alamo became the thing you yell about when you’re outgunned but not backing down.

It’s not a clean story. But it is a dude story.

Bravado. Bad odds. Questionable planning. And a legacy that refuses to shut up.

TL;DR:
A bunch of guys picked a last stand in the name of Texas. They lost. But their death turned into a rallying cry that helped win the war. America loves that kind of thing.

Just don’t forget—Davy Crockett probably wasn’t wearing the raccoon hat when he died.

Or maybe he was.

Remember the Alamo.