The original roof line was flat which was just inches above this portico. You can see a slight change in the stone detail that was used by the US Army in the 1850-60's when a hipped roof was actually put onto the structure which included adding the destinctive arched looked to the top of the ALAMO. So when the battle occured in 1836 the top line of the structure was flat. They believe that this was more of a multicourtyard type structure with open roof and that there would have been some sort of walkway on the inside of each wall near the roof line. Cherokee Indians were still quite prevelant in the area during the time of the battle.