Hood County Honors the Alamo

On Saturday, April 20, the Hood County Historic Courthouse on the 188^th anniversary weekend of the Battle of San Jacinto, celebrated the famous words written by William Travis at the Battle of the Alamo. Thanks to the Alamo Letter Society, Senator Brian Birdwell, the David Crockett Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, and Judge Ron Massingill, the Hood County Courthouse was one of the first of 254 Texas courthouses that will be getting a plaque of the Travis Letter. An idea that started as a conversation between Slone McNutt and her dad Bill McNutt after seeing the Travis Letter in person, Slone wanted all Texans to be able to see and honor these words. On Saturday, people from all over Hood County and Texas gathered in the courthouse for a dedication ceremony and the unveiling of Hood County's plaque in front of the courthouse. 

Travis' Letter 

Commandancy of the The Alamo

Bejar, Feby. 24th. 1836

To the People of Texas & All Americans in the World-

Fellow Citizens & 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, & 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 & 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 to his own honor & that of his country - Victory or Death.

William Barret Travis.

Lt. Col.comdt.

P. S.  The Lord is on our side - When the enemy appeared in sight we had not three bushels of corn - We have since found in deserted houses 80 or 90 bushels and got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves.

Travis