The Texas Revolution
Colonel William Barret Travis
Karson McDonald-6th period Social Studies
EARLY LIFE
William Barret Travis was born on August 9,
1809 on Mine Creek, near the Red Bank
Community, in South Carolina. He was the
eldest son of Mark and Jemima Travis.
He spent his childhood along with another
Alamo defender, James Bonham, in Saluda
County, South Carolina.
Early Life
William Travis moved at the age of 9 to a farm
near Sparta, Alabama. After attending several
schools in the area, he graduated from Sparta
Academy. During his time there, he helped
instruct other students on their studies.
In Claiborne County, Alabama he studied law
and worked for a prominent attorney, James
Dellet.
Adulthood
On October 26, 1928, at the age of 19, William
married Rosanna Cato, whom he met while
helping instruct students during his school.
They did not stay married for long. After
working in the area and having two children, the
marriage ended. It only lasted about 3 years.
Children
William and Rosanna became the proud parents
of Charles Edward Travis on August 8, 1829.
A year later Susan Isabella was conceived, but
before she was born Travis abandoned the
family and left for Texas.
Career
William Travis practiced law right after graduation.
He started a newspaper, the Claiborne Herald,
joined the Masonic Order, and held the position of
adjutant of the 26th Regiment, 8th Brigade, 4th
Division of the Alabama Militia.
After moving to Texas, he purchased land from
Stephen F. Austin and settled residency on May 21,
1831. He went into partnership with Patrick Jack
and practiced law.
Leading up to the American Revolution
Santa Anna overtook the Mexican government
and over turned the Constitution of 1824. This
angered many Americans because they felt their
freedom was at stake. Over the course of the
next four years, Travis played a key role in the
1831 Anahuac Disturbance, 1835 Anahuac
Disturbance and The Battle of Bejar in 1835. He
ordered the Mexicans to surrender and became
a hero already to many of the Americans.
The Beginning of the Texas Revolution
In the fall of 1835, Travis joined Stephen F.
Austin at the Bejar siege, which Santa Anna’s
brother-in-law, who was the Mexican General
Cos, held the city of Bejar captive. Travis led a
raid to gather horses and supplies from the
Mexicans. On December 10th,the city of Bejar
was captured by the Texans and the Mexicans
retreated to the South. But shortly after, they
returned to San Antonio, led by Santa Anna.
Part played in the Texas Revolution
Feb. 3, 1836: Travis joined the garrison at the
Alamo. He reported to Colonel James C. Neill,
leader of the Texas Army. Neill had to leave due
to a family illness and so Travis was left in charge
of the Texas Army. James Bowie was the leader
of the volunteers but got sick and had to leave.
William B. Travis became the main leader of
both the volunteers and the Texas Army.
Part played in the Texas Revolution
One of Travis’ key roles was to recruit men to
defend the Alamo. He had a very hard time
getting men to join the fight. He came with 18
volunteers but was commanded to gather 384
men and create 6 companies. He sent a letter to
officials requesting more help, but only 35 more
men arrived to help. Although more
reinforcements were on the way to help, they
did not arrive in time. He ended up with only
189 men, which included Bowie’s volunteers.
Part played in the Texas Revolution
Travis prepared the Alamo for the arrival of
Santa Anna and his army. Travis strengthened
the walls , built fences, mounted cannons and
stored provisions.
Part played in the Texas Revolution
Upon learning that no more help would arrive,
Travis informed his men. He is well known for
drawing a line in the sand with his sword and
told those that wanted to stay and fight to step
over the line. All but two men stepped over the
line. One was James Bowie who was sick with
Typhoid, but asked the men to carry him over
the line. The only man to flee was Moses Rose,
who stated he was not ready to die.
Death
Pre-dawn on March 6, 1836, Santa Anna and his
men charged the Alamo. They broke and scaled
the walls. William Barret Travis was last seen
defending the North wall. He was shot in the
head but before giving in to death, he shot and
killed a Mexican soldier. At the end of the siege,
Santa Anna burned Travis and his army’s bodies.
The Importance of William B. Travis
William Barret Travis was a great leader who
believed in fighting for what he thought was
right. He commanded the Texas Army by
defending the Alamo. Although they did not
have much help, he stood by his men and fought
until the end. Although they lost that battle, his
part in the Texas Revolution played a key role in
the independence of Texas.
WORKS CITED
http://www.forttumbleweed.net/travis.html
http://blogforindependance.weebly.com/travispart-in-the-revolution.html
http://www.lsjunction.com/people/travis.htm
http://www.quazoo.com/q/William_B._Travis