WHO WERE THE IMMORTAL 32?

Remember The Alamo!

Immortal 32 Centennial Monument in Gonzales, Texas

No doubt, you already know the history about the Battle of the Alamo. In 1836, Mexican forces were victorious in recapturing the Alamo in San Antonio and nearly 200 Texian defenders, including Davy Crockett, brutally died. The Mexican troops outnumbered the defenders by a long shot…. as in more than 5,000 Mexican troops vs. less than 200 Texian defenders. Santa Anna showed no mercy.

The Ultimate Sacrifice

The year was 1836, William Barret Travis sent out a passionate plea for aid for the Alamo garrison. Thirty two men, which included boys, were the ONLY unit of Texian Militia from the Gonzales Ranging Company to answer the call. They saddled up with haste, and those men and boys headed to the Alamo. One of the 16 year olds, William Phillip King, convinced his father to stay with the family and that he would go in his place.

The Immortal 32 left in response from two courier letters sent by William B. Travis on February 22nd, who was the Commandant of the Garrison in the Alamo. This was a last minute request because Col. Travis and others in the Alamo didn’t expect any Mexican troops to enter the area until the middle of March. He assumed that General Santa Anna’s army from Mexico would be delayed due to winter weather and wet ground. But, unfortunately the Mexican army made great time traveling and were close to approaching San Antonio from the southwest by late February. That was 3 weeks earlier than expected.

The dire plea for help, known as the “Travis Letter,” was delivered by Texas Ranger Captain

Albert Martin, who was also from Gonzalez. Ranger Martin knew the area well and had no problem riding the 70 mile distance between Gonzales, the closest city, and San Antonio. At the same time a copy of both letters were also taken to Colonel Fannin in Goliad,Texas. There, 320 Texan men were preparing to also go to the Alamo and immediately respond to Col. William B. Travis’ plea for help. But that didn’t happen.

The Immortal 32 from Gonzales, under the leadership of George Kimble, were waiting to meet up with Col. Fannin, who was bringing the 320 men, with 4 cannons and supplies. However, Fannin had wagon problems and decided to turn back to Goliad within the same day.