Travis’ “Victory or Death” letter to return to the Alamo for first time

Patterson now working to raise $100,000 for once-in-a-lifetime display

AUSTIN — The Texas State Library and Archives Commission voted today to allow the return of Col. Travis’ “Victory or Death” letter to the Alamo in March for the 177^th Anniversary of its writing. Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, custodian of the Shrine of Texas Liberty, made the request for the historic return. 

This is the first time the letter has been at the Alamo since it was written there on February 24, 1836 at the beginning of the famous siege and battle. Col. William Barrett Travis wrote the letter in desperation as the Mexican tyrant Santa Anna’s troops laid siege. His letter — now the crown jewel of Texas history — drew the nation’s attention to the plight the Texians heroic last stand at the Alamo.

“I am honored to be entrusted with the display of this Texas treasure,” Patterson said. “Travis’  ’Victory or Death‘ letter is one of the great, defining documents of American history and will inspire countless Texans who take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see it for themselves.”

Patterson is now working to raise $100,000 in private donations to pay for transportation and security expenses to display the letter. 

“The question all Texans will be asking next spring is: Have you seen The Letter?” said Patterson. “We welcome the world to the Alamo to share in this moment in history.”

For more information on the Alamo, please visit the Texas General Land Office website at glo.texas.gov or the Official Alamo website at thealamo.org.