Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Travis House
Photographed by James Hulse, August 18, 2026
1. Travis House Marker
Lt. Col. William Barret Travis
Born: 9 Aug. 1809 Died: 6 Mar. 1836
As commander of the Alamo garrison, Travis answered Santa Anna’s demand for surrender with a cannon shot. Telling his men he intended to fight to the last, he unsheathed his sword and drew a line in the earth, saying, “Those who will stay step over to me.” Colonel Travis was killed in the last hours of the Battle of the Alamo.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • Notable Buildings. A significant historical date for this entry is March 6, 1836.
Location. 29° 26.698′ N, 98° 27.925′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in Fort Sam Houston. It is on Staff Post Road west of Liscum Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2001 Staff Post Rd, Jbsa Ft Sam Houston TX 78234, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South Texas. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mitchell (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sam Houston House (about 400 feet away); UH-1B Utility Helicopter (about 600 feet away); M-5 Antitank Gun 3″ Towed (about 700 feet away); M-59 Armored Personnel Carrier (about 800 feet away); The Quadrangle and the Staff Post (approx. 0.2 miles away); M-48 Medium Tank 90mm "Patton" (approx. 0.2 miles away); Belgian Transit of Venus Observation Site (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.
Other markers no longer nearby. M-1905 Field Gun (was about 700 feet away but has been permanently removed); Ft. Sam Houston Quadrangle and Staff Post (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
More about this marker. Fort Sam Houston is an active military installation. Appropriate identification is required for access.
Also see . . . William B. Travis. Wikipedia
William(Submitted on August 21, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)Barret "Buck" Travis (August 1, 1809 – March 6, 1836) was a Texian Army officer and lawyer. He is known for helping set the Texas Revolution in motion during the Anahuac disturbances and defending the Alamo Mission during the battle of the Alamo.Photographed by James Hulse, August 18, 20262. Travis House and Marker
During the Mexican siege of the Alamo, Travis wrote a letter pleading for reinforcements that became known as the "Victory or Death" letter. When Travis and the defenders were defeated, killed, and burned by Santa Anna's army, it made him a martyr, and battle cry, for the cause of Texas independence. It is considered one of the most notable last stands in history. The battle cry of "Remember the Alamo" became the official motto of Texas from 1836 to 1930 and remains on the state seal. The Alamo is the number one tourist destination in Texas, a National Landmark, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Public Domain via Texas State Library and Archives Commission and Wikipedia Commons, circa 1836
3. William Barret Travis portrait
Painting of William Barret Travis, who died at the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, by painter Henry McArdle.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 16 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 21, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
