The Texas RevolutionColonel 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.

http://www.forttumbleweed.net/travis.html

http://blogforindependance.weebly.com/travis-part-in-the-revolution.html

http://www.lsjunction.com/people/travis.htm

http://www.quazoo.com/q/William_B._Travis

WORKS CITED