Historical Comparisons

[Rsmyth]

In another thread, the meaning of history was discussed. Is history the absolute occurrence of events (if a tree fell in the forest…) or the recording of the event by a historian and that interpretation? If the latter, which I believe is the case, then history is subject to change or even forgotten.
Let’s look at the case of two groups of Americans fighting for freedom. Davey Crockett and his group at the Alamo and John Brown and his at Harpers Ferry. Both events ended in the deaths of the leaders and the majority of the group they fought with.
Why has the Alamo been raised to cult status and Harpers Ferry a footnote in history books?
I would be interested in the thoughts of the people on this board. Thank you.