Travis, William Barrett

Related Category: U.S. History: Biographies

(trăv´ĭs), 1809–36, hero of the Texas Revolution, b. Edgefield co., S.C. He moved to Claiborne, Ala., where he practiced law. Travis later moved (1831) to Texas and soon acquired local prominence. He was ardent in urging the revolt of the American settlers against Mexican rule. In the Texas Revolution he served as a colonel. After the Texans had taken the Alamo, he was sent to reinforce them and became commander of the fort. The little force was beset by the Mexican army of General Santa Anna (Mar., 1836). The Alamo fell, and all of its defenders, among them Travis, James Bowie, and David Crockett, were massacred. The defense became a symbol of heroism.