All Texans know the story of Colonel William Barret Travis and his legendary defense of The Alamo with fewer than 200 soldiers against a much larger Mexican military force numbering in the thousands. The courage displayed by Col. Travis and his troops stands as a testament to the legacy of Texas and the nobility of defending just causes.
Col. Travis’ famous “Victory or Death” letter (see below) was addressed “To the People of Texas and All Americans in the World” shortly before Col. Travis drew his famous line in the sand. His words are an ageless reminder of the price of freedom: “I want every man who is determined to stay here and die with me to come across this line.”
Since 2007, the Collin County Courthouse has been home to an iconic, life-size statue entitled “Colonel Travis – The Line.” Created by celebrated artist James N. Muir, “The Line” is on loan to Collin County through a donation provided by Clyde and Carol Siebman, the lawyers of Siebman Law, and Barbara White Boyd. The statue honors Mr. Bill Boyd, the late husband of Barbara White Boyd, and the late Homer B. Reynolds III, one of the original co-founders of the firm.
On March 6, 2020, the 184th anniversary of the fall of The Alamo, Collin County hosted an unveiling ceremony for “The Line”. Attendees included local government officials, members of the legal community, and other dignitaries across Texas. “It’s important to occasionally remind ourselves that, as Texans, we are standing on the shoulders of giants,” said Clyde Siebman.
“It is an honor to help continue the tradition of “The Line” as a treasured Collin County landmark,” Mr. Siebman continued. “Homer Reynolds was a lifelong friend and one who was always ready to cross the line for a just cause. I deeply respect the important contributions to the legal profession and the rule of law made by Homer and Mr. Boyd throughout their careers.”
Located on the first floor of the Collin County Courthouse, “The Line” has become the go-to gathering spot for local and visiting attorneys who know what it means when someone says, “I’ll meet you at the statue.”
The Line – A Video History with Artist James N. Muir
Col. William Barret Travis – Victory or Death
“To the people of Texas and all Americans in the world – Fellow citizens and compatriots – I am besieged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna – I have sustained a continual bombardment and cannonade for 24 hours and have not lost a man – The enemy has demanded a surrender of 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, and 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 and everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch – The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily and 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 and die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor and that of his country – Victory or Death.”
William Barret Travis
24 February 1836
