Fire Striker

Heroes of the Texas Revolution: William Barrett Travis- Originally from South Carolina, Travis is most well known for drawing a “Line in the Sand” (which is where the saying today comes from) at the Alamo shortly before the last battle, knowing it likely meant death for all who crossed. Travis was in command over the regulars at the Alamo, and after James Bowie fell ill, he took command of the entire post. Travis’ “Victory or Death” letter, calling for reinforcements to help the Alamo defenders became a rallying cry after the Alamo’s fall, with Sam Houston later reading the letter to his army before their climactic victory at San Jacinto. Travis died at the Alamo with his men on March 6th, and like all of them, fought ‘till the end. Davy Crockett- Originally of Tennessee, the King of the Wild Frontier came to Texas not looking for a fight, but for land and a new start. He quickly found himself within the Alamo’s walls though, and resolved to join the Texians in their fight against the Mexican Army. Crockett too would meet his end at the Alamo, and by all accounts was one of, if not the last man standing on March 6th. Some reports claim that he survived the fight and was killed as a prisoner after. Crockett’s legend still lives on today as one of the greatest Americans to ever live, and a shining example of American resolve and bravery in the face of insurmountable odds. Juan Seguin- Born in the then Mexican province of Texas, Seguin was one of the many Mexican, or “Texian” supporters of the Texas cause for independence. Present at the Alamo but sent out before the final battle to try to recruit reinforcements, Seguin was motivated by his compatriots fall to see the Revolution through and help win Texas her freedom. Seguin was present at the Battle of San Jacinto, and eventually went on to become a Senator in the new Republic. Jim Bowie- Born in Kentucky and famous for his invention “The Bowie Knife,” Bowie was a legend well before he made his way to the Alamo. Arriving in 1828, Bowie quickly become involved in Texas politics. In 1835, he led a charge to secure a Texian victory at the Battle of Concepción. At the Alamo, he was ill with an undiagnosed condition, but still fought to the end from his bed. His mother famously said of him after learning of his death; “I’ll wager no wounds were found in his back.” She was right. Sam Houston- Houston, a Virginian, had served in the War of 1812 and arrived in Texas in 1832, and in 1833 represented Nacogdoches, petitioning Mexico for statehood. In 1835 when the Revolution broke out, Houston was an immediate leader. He, along with Stephen F. Austin, helped organize the provisional government of Texas. After the fall of the Alamo, Houston was in command of the last remaining Texian forces. Instead of attacking swiftly, he spent weeks retreating and repositioning around Santa Anna’s army, waiting for the ideal opportunity, knowing that failure meant the end of the cause. On April 21st, 1836, Houston ordered the attack on Santa Anna’s superior force, and within 18 minutes, the Battle of San Jacinto, and Texas Independence, was won. Houston would go on to become the 1st and 3rd President of Texas, as well as its 7th Governor. Stephen F. Austin- Also a native Virginian but raised in Missouri, Austin arrived in Texas in 1821 and led the political charge throughout Texas’ early years and into the Revolution, campaigning for American support and courting support in New Orleans for the opportunity Texas provided. After the War, Austin would go on to become the Republic’s 4th Secretary of State. The capitol of Texas as well as Stephen F. Austin University are both named in his honor.