The Alamo Monument on the grounds of the Texas State Capital in Austin, Texas, on the Great Walk, just before you reach the Capital steps. This monument was erected in 1891 and replaced a smaller limestone monument which was destroyed when the Capital burned in 1881. The four columns list the names of the defenders of the Alamo, who all perished in the Battle of the Alamo between Feb. 23 and Mar. 6, 1836.

 

Inscription on the south face of the Alamo Monument. This quote is from a letter dated Feb. 24, 1836 written by Lt. Colonel William B. Travis, Commander of the Alamo.

"To the people of Texas & All Americans in the world - Fellow citizens and compatriots

I am besieged by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna, I have sustained a continual bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & have not lost a man. The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken. I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, and our flag still waves proudly from the walls.

I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of liberty, of patriotism & everything dear to the American character to come to our aid with all dispatch. The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily and will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days.

If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due his own honor & that of his country.

Victory or death
William Barret Travis
Lt. Col. Comdt."

The west face of the Alamo Monument.

 

The inscription on the west face of the Alamo Monument.

 

The north face of the Alamo Monument. The Confederate Monument is seen through columns the Alamo Monument in the background.

(All photos © 2009 Michael W. Pocock
and MaritimeQuest all rights reserved)