Saluda, South Carolina’s Alamo Connection

The small town of Saluda, in the central Piedmont region of South Carolina, has a unique connection to the Battle of the Alamo. Two of its native sons were heroes in that battle, helping Texans gain their independence from Mexico. At the time of their births in the early 19th century, the town was known by the name Redbank. Most of the people in the area lived on small farms, and William Barret Travis and James Butler Bonham were born into well known local families.

Lt. Col. Travis is remembered as the commander of the troops in the Alamo. His cousin and childhood friend, James Bonham, served as a messenger. Twice Capt. Bonham escaped through the Mexican lines to try to recruit reinforcements. Both men died at the Alamo on March 6, 1836.

Nothing is left of the home in which William Travis was born in 1809. The Bonham House, where James was born in 1807, is still standing. It is the only remaining birth home of an Alamo hero. The house, known as Flat Grove, was built in 1779-80 by Jacob Smith, Bonham’s maternal grandfather. The original home, made of hand hewn logs, was a two-story structure consisting of four rooms. It was built in the dog trot style, with a central hall that was later enclosed. A kitchen and rear porch were added in the late 1800s, and the house was sheathed in clapboard siding. Bonham’s mother, Sophia Smith Bonham, inherited the house and land from her father. It was here that James and his seven siblings were born.

The property was deeded to the Saluda County Historical Society in 1989. The home had been vacant for many years and was in a dilapidated condition. Money was raised for the home’s restoration, and today it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Bonham House is open by appointment only at this time. Call the Historical Society at (864)445-8550 for information. To locate the property take Hwy. 178 east of Saluda for 3.5 miles, turn north on SC 328 for .7 miles, and turn east on SC 329 for .2 miles. The house and historical marker are on the left. Just down the road from the house is the historic Smith-Bonham Cemetery.

There are monuments to Travis and Bonham on the lawn of the Saluda County Courthouse. Located next to the courthouse is the Saluda County History Museum. The museum has an Alamo exhibit and diorama, as well as historical information on Travis and Bonham. The museum is open weekdays from 10am-4pm and Saturdays from 10am-1pm.

By: A. Lanteigne

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Ambria Lanteigne is the Director of Sales and Operations at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Newberry SC Hotel. They are conveniently located at exit 76 off of I-26, about 30 minutes north of Columbia and less than an hour south of Greenville, SC. Few other Newberry South Carolina hotels can provide travelers with these perks backed by the reputable name they trust. For more information visit: www.NEWBERRYSOUTHCARO