Who was William Barret Travis?
Written By By Shriyaa Narayanan & Nate Aleshire
William Barret Travis was an American lawyer and served in the Battle of the Alamo. He was an important figure who died in action during the Texas Revolution. Travis took multiple risks because of his belief that Texas should become a part of the United States and independent of Mexico. As a result, he wholeheartedly became a part of a lengthy journey. Travis was not always a revolutionary, because the majority of his life consisted of a multitude of struggles with scorn and praise from other people, which led to his stance. He gained notoriety for his efforts to bring Texas to the United States.
At the age of 12, William Barret Travis' grandfather immigrated to the Americas and spent the next 10 years working as an indentured servant. This was not how he expected to be in America, considering his grandparents were extremely wealthy. Travis’ grandfather moved to South Carolina and started a family. Once Travis was born, he moved his family to Alabama, where he’d spend his entire childhood there.
He would later get married and have children with Rosanna Cato. He experienced many different types of financial burdens that drastically affected his life. Sadly, Travis started a newspaper company, although his business didn't go as planned. Since his business venture did not generate enough revenue, Travis was unable to support his family through these difficult times.
Travis decided that he needed a more stable job, and began to study law in, which he passed his law exam. In spite of this, he managed to make things worse by trying to change his situation. He thought that buying slaves would help him improve his financial situation. Unfortunately, he realized that much of the money went into the care and maintenance of the workers. Consequently, this placed greater economic hardship on his family. Travis understood that he was unable to improve his situation and moved to Texas in order to start over and build a better life. He would send money to his wife and children from his new home.
Travis then purchased land from Stephen F. Austin, who appointed him as U.S. counsel. He established a law practice in Anahuac and tried to form a militia against Mexican rule. Due to this, he gained notoriety as a pivotal person in the movement and was ultimately imprisoned for his deeds. He was well-liked by the Texians as a result of his deeds and was credited with leading the revolution. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the Legion of Cavalry and served as the new Texas army's Chief Recruiting Officer. Travis used a company of soldiers to reinforce the Texians at San Antonio’s Alamo Mission. Later, he was recognized as the Alamo Garrison's formal commander. Santa Anna authorized the attack on the Alamo on the morning of March 6, 1836, Travis' last day alive after a thirteen-day siege. Travis died fighting to the very end, and his body was burned along with the rest of the other defenders. He is now remembered and praised in the United States as a Texian revolutionary who fought during the Battle of the Alamo. Areas like Travis County and Travis Park were named as a tribute to him, all because of his proud commander status in the Republic of Texas.
At the age of 12, William Barret Travis' grandfather immigrated to the Americas and spent the next 10 years working as an indentured servant. This was not how he expected to be in America, considering his grandparents were extremely wealthy. Travis’ grandfather moved to South Carolina and started a family. Once Travis was born, he moved his family to Alabama, where he’d spend his entire childhood there.
He would later get married and have children with Rosanna Cato. He experienced many different types of financial burdens that drastically affected his life. Sadly, Travis started a newspaper company, although his business didn't go as planned. Since his business venture did not generate enough revenue, Travis was unable to support his family through these difficult times.
Travis decided that he needed a more stable job, and began to study law in, which he passed his law exam. In spite of this, he managed to make things worse by trying to change his situation. He thought that buying slaves would help him improve his financial situation. Unfortunately, he realized that much of the money went into the care and maintenance of the workers. Consequently, this placed greater economic hardship on his family. Travis understood that he was unable to improve his situation and moved to Texas in order to start over and build a better life. He would send money to his wife and children from his new home.
Travis then purchased land from Stephen F. Austin, who appointed him as U.S. counsel. He established a law practice in Anahuac and tried to form a militia against Mexican rule. Due to this, he gained notoriety as a pivotal person in the movement and was ultimately imprisoned for his deeds. He was well-liked by the Texians as a result of his deeds and was credited with leading the revolution. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the Legion of Cavalry and served as the new Texas army's Chief Recruiting Officer. Travis used a company of soldiers to reinforce the Texians at San Antonio’s Alamo Mission. Later, he was recognized as the Alamo Garrison's formal commander. Santa Anna authorized the attack on the Alamo on the morning of March 6, 1836, Travis' last day alive after a thirteen-day siege. Travis died fighting to the very end, and his body was burned along with the rest of the other defenders. He is now remembered and praised in the United States as a Texian revolutionary who fought during the Battle of the Alamo. Areas like Travis County and Travis Park were named as a tribute to him, all because of his proud commander status in the Republic of Texas.
Trivia facts:
- William Barret Travis was the Chief Recruiting Officer of the new Texas Army and a key player for Texas in the Battle of the Alamo.
- William Barret Travis was a descendant of the Travers of Tulketh Castle in Preston, England, where he received his medical training before the Battle of the Alamo.
- William Barret Travis fled to Texas because the area provided a suitable location to escape arrest for not paying his debts.