Travis, William Barret (1809–1836), a commander of the Texas troops at the battle of the Alamo during the Texas war for independence. On February 3, 1836, he led 25 men to reinforce Colonel James Bowie at the Alamo and soon after assumed joint command. He took sole command when Bowie became ill. On March 6, all the defenders were massacred by an overwhelming Mexican force under General Santa Anna.
Travis was born near Red Banks, South Carolina. He was admitted to the Alabama bar in 1829. In 1831 he moved to Anahuac, Texas, and became a leader of the Texans who were seeking independence from Mexico; in June, 1835, Travis led a force that captured the Mexican garrison at Anahuac.
