A frontiersman, gambler, businessman, colonel in the Texas Revolution and Alamo hero, Bowie is one of the more colorful characters in Texas history. Bowie was known as General Sam Houston’s “trouble shooter.” On January 19, 1836, Bowie arrived in San Antonio de Bexar , then known simply as Bexar, with orders from Houston to destroy the fortifications. After surveying the situation, Bowie decided to defend the Alamo due to its strategic location. He shared command with Travis, until his health failed. Legend has it that although he was sick, he managed a gallant fight to the death at the Alamo.