<Li> In the United States , the phrase is most commonly associated with Texas history surrounding the Battle of the Alamo , as it is attributed to Colonel William Travis , commander of the Alamo defense forces . In the waning days of the Battle ( somewhere during March 3 -- 5 , 1836 ) , with Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna having the Alamo completely surrounded , Santa Anna sent a messenger to Travis demanding surrender , or else everyone in the compound would be killed . According to the legend , Travis called the Alamo defenders together , explained that defeat was almost certain , and read the letter of surrender ; Travis then ( having chosen to die instead of surrender ) reportedly pulled his battle sword , used it to draw a line in the ground of the Alamo , and asked for volunteers to cross over the line and join him , understanding their decision would be irreversible . The legend states that all but one of the defenders ( including Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett ) joined Travis on his side of the line ; Moses Rose was the only defender choosing to leave the compound . Travis then responded to Santa Anna 's letter with cannon fire , whereupon Santa Anna replied by playing El Degüello . </Li>
<Li> In the United States , the phrase is most commonly associated with Texas history surrounding the Battle of the Alamo , as it is attributed to Colonel William Travis , commander of the Alamo defense forces . In the waning days of the Battle ( somewhere during March 3 -- 5 , 1836 ) , with Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna having the Alamo completely surrounded , Santa Anna sent a messenger to Travis demanding surrender , or else everyone in the compound would be killed . According to the legend , Travis called the Alamo defenders together , explained that defeat was almost certain , and read the letter of surrender ; Travis then ( having chosen to die instead of surrender ) reportedly pulled his battle sword , used it to draw a line in the ground of the Alamo , and asked for volunteers to cross over the line and join him , understanding their decision would be irreversible . The legend states that all but one of the defenders ( including Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett ) joined Travis on his side of the line ; Moses Rose was the only defender choosing to leave the compound . Travis then responded to Santa Anna 's letter with cannon fire , whereupon Santa Anna replied by playing El Degüello . </Li>
who drew a line in the sand at the alamo
who drew a line in the sand at the alamo
Colonel William Travis
Colonel William Travis