Photo credits: Midland County Sheriff’s Office

What happened: Midland County officially unveiled a bronze plaque featuring Lt. Col. William B. Travis’s historic “Victory or Death” letter from the Alamo. Installed at the base of the courthouse flagpoles, the permanent display gives residents and visitors a chance to read one of the most significant documents in Texas history while honoring the values of courage, sacrifice, and liberty that shaped the state’s founding.

The big picture: The unveiling ceremony included the presentation of colors by the Midland County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard and a recitation of the Travis letter by Errol Flannery, the fourth-great-grandson of Davy Crockett, dressed in period attire.

Quinn Stonehouse, a student at Young Women’s Leadership Academy, also read her winning essay on the continuing importance of the Alamo. Elected officials, historical organizations, and community members attended the ceremony.

Midland’s top stories. One quick email. Free, every Friday.
Get Midland Wrapped, our free weekly email for busy Midland residents. Each Friday, we break down the week’s most important local stories — what happened, why it matters, and what to watch next — so you can stay informed without the noise.

 

A press release by Midland County noted that the installation is part of a statewide initiative by the Alamo Letter Society to place replicas of Travis’s famous 1836 letter at courthouses across Texas, helping preserve the legacy of the Alamo and ensuring future generations can encounter one of the defining documents of Texas history.

What they’re saying: “We are grateful to the Alamo Letter Society and to Marshall Roberts for making it possible for Midland County to have this permanent display at no cost to county taxpayers,” Midland County Judge Terry Johnson said in the release.

“The Travis letter belongs to all Texans,” Dr. Danny Reeves of the Alamo Letter Society said. “By placing it at county courthouses, we are helping ensure that this message of resolve, faith, and sacrifice remains accessible to the public for generations to come.”

What’s next: The public can visit the Midland County Courthouse to view the plaque at any time. The unveiling was in conjunction with Midland Celebrates America’s 250th, a monthlong celebration leading up to the 250th anniversary of American independence.