William B. Travis
Travis High School
William Barret Travis will always be remembered as the Texas commander at the Battle of the Alamo. After arriving in Texas in 1831, Travis obtained land from Stephen F. Austin and set up to practice law in Anahuac, and later in San Felipe. When friction developed between Texas and Mexico, Travis was one of the first to join the Texas forces. When Mexican General Martin Perfecto de Cos demanded the surrender of the Texan's cannon that resulted in the Battle of Gonzales, Travis was one of hundreds to come to its defense. On orders from Provisional Governor Henry Smith in January 1836, Travis entered the Alamo with about 30 men. He later found himself in command, when then commander James C. Neill took family leave. Travis commanded the Texas defenders during the Siege and Battle of the Alamo. His Appeal from the Alamo for reinforcements has become an American symbol of unyielding courage and heroism. Although a few reinforcements arrived before the Alamo fell, Travis and over 180 defenders gave their lives for Texas independence on March 6, 1836.