Denton County is set to unveil a historic marker at the Courthouse-on-the-Square lawn on Saturday, featuring a replica of the renowned “Victory or Death” letter. This letter, written by Lieutenant Colonel William Barrett Travis, called for reinforcements during the pivotal siege of the Alamo in 1836. The public is invited to join local officials and members of the Alamo Letter Society for the dedication ceremony at noon.
The bronze plaque, weighing 203 pounds and inscribed with the letter’s 220 words, serves to commemorate a key moment in Texas history. “We gratefully accept this marker that conveys such an important historic event in our state,” stated Denton County Judge Andy Eads. He emphasized the plaque’s role as a reminder of Texas’s struggle for liberty and freedom during the Texas Revolution.
Originally inspired by a seventh-grade student visiting the Alamo, the initiative aims to install 254 replicas of the bronze plaque throughout Texas counties. The letter itself was penned on February 24, 1836, and expressed the defenders’ unwavering resolve to “never surrender or retreat.” It was delivered by Captain Albert Martin to General Sam Houston, highlighting the urgency of their plea for assistance.
The Alamo Letter Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving this piece of history, has already placed markers in counties including Nueces, Nacogdoches, Navarro, and Freestone. The upcoming dedication at the Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square, located at 110 W. Hickory Street, marks another step in this statewide initiative.
For those interested in learning more about the Alamo Letter Society and its mission, further information is available on their official website. The dedication ceremony promises to be a significant occasion for both local residents and history enthusiasts alike, honoring a letter that played a crucial role in the fight for Texas independence.
