Jim Bowie

Jim Bowie, who was usually referred to during his lifetime by his full name, James Bowie, was born in 1796 in Kentucky and died in 1836 at The Alamo. He spent his youth in Louisiana, later becoming a successful land speculator, and serving in the state legislature. Bowie was commissioned Colonel of the Texas Volunteers at the start of the Texas Revolution in 1835. He was ill with an unknown disease, probably typhus or pneumonia, The Alamo. Reports of his death vary, from his dying in the battle after being carried from his room on a cot, to dying in a gunfight in his room, to being bayoneted unaware in his bed. He is interred at the Alamo in San Antonio.

Bowie Knife

• Although Jame's Bowie's name has long been associated with the Bowie Knife there is documentation that indicates the knife was actually commissioned by his brother, Rezin Bowie. The Bowie name became linked to the knife when Jim allegedly used it in 1827 in Natchez, Mississippi during a fight that killed the sheriff of Rapides Parish. There is debate about the historical accuracy of the account, but it has become one of the most well known legends about Bowie.

Slave Trade

• James and his brother Rezin took advantage of a law that paid a bounty to individuals who informed on slave smugglers. They worked with pirate Jean Lafitte, who brought the slaves over from Africa. When the slaves arrived, James and Rezin would pick up the slaves, and deliver them to the customs officials, where they were then promised a bounty of half what the slaves sold for at auction. The customs department then auctioned the slaves, the Bowie brothers purchased them, received back half what the paid, and had clear title to the slaves, who they then could legally resell.

Fast Facts:

1. Full name: James Bowie
2. Born 1796 in Kentucky
3. Fought in War of 1812
4. Commissioned as a Colonel during the Texas Revolution
5. Died at The Battle of The Alamo

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