Posted on 11/10/2004 2:50:36 PM PST by nascartex
Writings Of Less Famous Names Uncovered At Shrine
SAN ANTONIO -- Those who left their mark on the Alamo are getting a closer look from researchers at the shrine of Texas independence. Travis, Crockett and Bowie usually come to mind. But historic graffiti dating back to the 1830s includes the writings of Billy Water, L.B. Wood and Leonard W. Groce.
"He's connected with Groce's Plantation," Winders told the San Antonio Express-News in Tuesday's editions. "That's a place on the Brazos where Sam Houston's army camped for two weeks before the Battle of San Jacinto."
Studying the graffiti, signatures, dates and other writings carved into the mission's limestone walls, helps historians fill in gaps at the landmark.
Campbell, who is to graduate next month with a master of science in historic preservation from the UT architecture department, is studying the evolution of the Alamo's structures.
Many markings are from the period of 1846 to 1876, when the grounds served as a U.S. Army quartermaster depot, where goods were stored before being shipped west.
"We've got this stuff everywhere -- some of it is real obvious, some of it isn't," Winders said.
The researchers believe that the initials "E.B.B," prominently carved into the wall in one of the shrine's side rooms, belong to Edwin Burr Babbitt, a major in the Army's quartermaster corps who was responsible for having a roof put on the Alamo many years after the famous 1836 battle for Texas independence.
"It's one of those things that's made us more interested in the graffiti and see who we could identify," Winders said. "Discussion of the graffiti humanizes the story," Winders said. "Instead of it being impersonal, you realize these were real people here. It shows the layers of human interest in the Alamo."
Santa Anna wears bloomers.
"Here I sit cheeks a flexin', giving birth to another Texan." - David Bowie
I went to the Alamo once. I remember.
:)
I meant - Jim Bowie...
Not very nice.....Texans don't take kindly to such humor...:(
David Bowie flexed his cheeks for other reasons....
Take care to keep The Alamo uppermost in your thoughts.
Anything from Deaf Smith?
Bump.
IF you are going to do a crass and vulgar joke like that, you ought to get the subject right.
Second...
I've never met a Texan I didn't like.
I think you are screwed up and jealous.
You and David Bowie can come to Texas and say that if you'd like. However, I can't guarantee that you'll leave in the same condition as when you arrived (or at all).
That was supposed to be a Joke.... Were you born without a humor gland? Go to any bathroom in Colorado and you'll see that in the stalls....
"I am alive and I got the money. DB Cooper"
Hey, skikvt, shove it up your ass
It was simply crass and tasteless.
Appropriate for the Fourth Grade.
(if that)
You want to come down here to Texas and say that to my face, bub?
(Make damned sure your insurance is paid up. You'll be needing it)
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