Gregg County Courthouse Dedicates Alamo Letter Plaque
A new bronze plaque featuring the historic Travis letter was installed in Longview to honor Texas history.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Do you support your local government displaying historical plaques on public property?
Gregg County officials held a dedication ceremony on October 20, 2026, for a new bronze plaque at the Longview courthouse. The artifact contains the text of the famous 1836 letter written by William B. Travis.
Why it matters
The donation serves the mission of The Alamo Letter Society, which seeks to educate the public about Texas history by installing historical markers in courthouses across the state.
The bronze plaque weighs over 200 pounds and measures 2 feet wide by 3 feet tall. The display features the full 220-word text of the letter written by William B. Travis.
The players
The Alamo Letter Society
This nonprofit organization is dedicated to educating the public about Texas history through the donation of plaques to courthouses.
William B. Travis
He was a commander at the Alamo who penned a famous letter requesting aid during the siege in 1836.
Marshall Roberts
He is the private donor who paid $4,500 to fund the production and installation of the bronze plaque.
Gregg County Courthouse
This facility serves as the local government hub in Longview and is the site where the new plaque is displayed.
The details
The plaque was funded by a $4,500 donation from Marshall Roberts and installed on the fourth floor of the Gregg County Courthouse in August 2026. The dedication ceremony featured an honor guard, a formal speech from the county judge, and a public recitation of the historic letter.
Timeline
February 24, 1836: William B. Travis wrote the letter at the Alamo.
March 6, 1836: William B. Travis and his men were killed.
April 21, 1836: Texas independence was won.
Early August 2026: The bronze plaque was installed at the courthouse.
October 20, 2026: County leaders held the formal dedication ceremony.
Market Landscape
This project expands the reach of historical philanthropy in public spaces, mirroring the state's ongoing commitment to institutionalizing heritage. It positions local courthouses as key nodes in a broader educational network meant to secure public interest in regional history.
Residents and visitors to the courthouse can now view the historic text on the fourth floor of the building. The permanent installation serves as an accessible educational resource for the local community.
The takeaway
The installation of this plaque underscores the role of private donations in enhancing public historical education. Residents can engage with this piece of state history by visiting the courthouse during regular operating hours.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to support history in Longview Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Longview News-Journal.
Live Poll
Do you support your local government displaying historical plaques on public property?
