Ride for Texas Independence re-enacted at Alamo

Ceremony begins events marking 180th anniversary of Texas Revolution

SAN ANTONIO – A ceremony marking the day on which Col. William Barrett Travis wrote his famous "Victory or Death" letter was marked Wednesday at the Alamo.

The event was the first of many that will take place through March 6 to commemorate the 180th anniversary of Texas independence.

The letter, which was read before a crowd of people at the Alamo, was an impassioned plea from Travis for reinforcements at the Texas shrine.

After the reading, the start of the famous ride by courier Albert Martin to deliver the letter to Gonzales was also recreated.

Among the people attending the event were Mayor Ivy Taylor and Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush.

"Texas doesn't just have history, we have legend, and right here is where that legend was born where flawed men were redeemed by their service to a cause greater than themselves," Bush said.

The ride will conclude on March 5 at the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site.

Following is a list of events that are scheduled at the Alamo marking Texas independence.

Daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., re-enactors will read a daily overview of events, including letters and historic speeches from those who were there in 1836.  The readings will take place in front of the Alamo Church. Additionally, living history demonstrations will take place on the grounds from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Feb. 24: Ride for Texas Independence (events start at 10 a.m.)
Feb. 27: "The Alamo" movie night (starts at 6:30 p.m.)
March 4: An Evening with Heroes (starts at 6:30 p.m. -- tickets are required)
March 5: Third annual Crockett Fiddler's Fest (performances start at 10 a.m.)
March 6: Dusk at the Alamo (starts at 6 p.m.)


About the Authors:

Ben Spicer is a digital journalist who works the early morning shift for KSAT.

David Ibañez has been managing editor of KSAT.com since the website's launch in October 2000.