Alamo Plaza in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
William Barret Travis
(1809-1836)
— Lawyer, Soldier and Alamo Defender —
Photographed By James Hulse, December 16, 2021
1. William Barret Travis Marker
Travis quickly became involved in opposition to what many saw as tyrannical laws passed by Mexican administrations fearful of unruly American colonists in Texas. In 1832, his behavior sparked a small revolt in the town of Anahuac. Despite his distrust of the Mexican government, Travis became a close associate of Stephen F. Austin and other significant colonists.
Travis welcomed the split with Mexico when it came in 1835. During the Siege of Béxar, Captain Travis captured a Mexican supply train at the Grass Fight. Travis and a small company of men arrived in Bexar in February 1836 to reinforce the Alamo. Travis' definitive cry, "Victory or Death," ensured that Texans remembered the Alamo.
Artist: Glenna Goodacre
Donor: City of San Antonio / Sea World San Antonio
Erected by The Alamo Organization.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, Texas Independence. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1836.
Location. 29° 25.574′ N,
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. James Bowie (a few steps from this marker); Susannah Dickinson (a few steps from this marker); John William Smith, 'El Colorado' (a few steps from this marker); Juan Nepomuceno Seguín (a few steps from this marker); Emily West Morgan (1815-1891) (a few steps from this marker); Alamo Sesquicentennial Monument (a few steps from this marker); Hendrick Arnold (1804-1849) (a few steps from this marker); David Crockett (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.
Regarding William Barret Travis. According to the story that's been passed down, Travis drew a line in the sand of the Alamo courtyard and asked any man willing to stay and fight with him to step across the line.
Also see . . . Travis, William Barret (1809–1836).
Travis arrived in Texas early in 1831, after the Law of April 6, 1830, made his immigration illegal. He arrived(Submitted on December 19, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)at San Felipe de Austin, and on May 21 obtained land from Stephen F. Austin. He listed his marital status as single, although he was still married. He established a legal practice in Anahuac, a significant port of entry located on the eastern end of Galveston Bay. The purpose of the move there was to establish himself in an area where there were few attorneys while he learned the official language, Spanish. He traveled the country doing legal work and became associated with a group of militants who opposed the Law of April 6, 1830. Eventually this group became known as the war party as tension increased between the Mexican government and American settlers in Texas. Source: The Handbook of TexasPhotographed By James Hulse, December 16, 20212. Col. Travis draws a line in the sand at the Alamo
Photographed By James Hulse, December 16, 2021
3. The William Barret Travis statue and Marker at the Alamo grounds
Public Domain - Wyly Martin, circa 1835
4. William Barret Travis
Sketch alleged to be of William B. Travis, who commanded the Texian forces at the Battle of the Alamo. This is the only known drawing of Travis done during his lifetime.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 19, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 369 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 20, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
