William B. Travis

William B. Travis
William B. Travis in a sketch by Wyly Martin; it is the only known likeness of Travis drawn during his lifetime, although its accuracy has been questioned.[1]
Birth nameWilliam Barret Travis
Nickname(s)Buck[2]
Born(1809-08-01)August 1, 1809
Saluda County, South Carolina
DiedMarch 6, 1836(1836-03-06) (aged 26)
The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas
AllegianceRepublic of Texas
Service/branchTexian Army
Years of service1835–1836
RankLieutenant Colonel
Commands heldThe Alamo
Battles/wars
Signature

William Barret "Buck" Travis (August 1, 1809 – March 6, 1836) was a 19th-century American lawyer and soldier. He is known for helping set the Texas Revolution in motion during the Anahuac disturbances and commanding the Misión San Antonio de Valero (aka "The Alamo") as a lieutenant colonel in the Texian Army.[3]

During the Alamo siege, Travis wrote a letter pleading for reinforcements that became known as the "Victory or Death" letter. It is considered one of the most notable documents in American history. 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.[3] The Alamo is the number one tourist destination in Texas, a National Landmark, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.[4]

Fort Travis, Travis Park, Travis County, Lake Travis, Travis High School, Travis Early College High School, Travis Science Academy, William B. Travis Building (Austin), and 12 elementary schools are named in his honor.[3]

  1. ^ McKeehan, Wallace L. "Gonzales Alamo Relief Defenders". Sons of DeWitt Colony Texas. Texas A&M University. Archived from the original on May 29, 2003. Retrieved January 23, 2009.
  2. ^ Davis 1998, p. 262.
  3. ^ a b c McDonald, Archie (March 24, 2017). "Travis, William Barret (1809–1836)". Texas State Historical Association (TSHA). Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  4. ^ "Texas Top 20 Attractions You Can't Afford To Miss". Attractions of America. Retrieved June 1, 2023.

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