On February 24, 1836, with the garrison surrounded and the Texan Army at the Alamo outnumbered, one of the most famous letters in American history was written by William B. Travis. Addressed, “To the People of Texas and All Americans in the World,” this letter was a passionate plea for aid for the Alamo garrison. He ended the letter with “Victory or Death” – the only outcome this battle could have.
We invite you to view the original Travis Letter during its historic return to the Alamo. The Travis Letter has traveled from Austin with DPS escort to return to the Alamo, the place where it was written. Make plans to see this state treasure, back at the Alamo for the first time since 2013! The letter will be on display from February 23 through March 24, 2024 at the Alamo Exhibit at the Ralston Family Collections Center, loan courtesy of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Become a member of Friends of the Alamo today to enjoy daily free admission and expedited entry!
Bring back the magic of handwriting and access our Travis Letter activity at home! This guide walks you through the different components of an 1800s letter including some 1800s slang to make things your letter more authentic to the time.