Description
James Bowie was born in Kentucky but spent most of his life in Louisiana where he worked as a land speculator. He developed large estates and engaged in smuggling and selling slaves. His rise to fame began with reports of the Sandbar Fight in 1827. In 1830, he moved to Texas where he became a Mexican citizen marrying the daughter of the Mexican vice-governor. James Bowie played a prominent role in the Texas Revolution where he joined the Texas militia and led forces at the Battle of Concepción and the Grass Fight. In 1836, he arrived at the Alamo where he commanded the volunteer forces until an illness left him bedridden. Bowie died at the Battle of the Alamo along with the soldiers, however, most of the non-combatants in the fort, including Bowie’s relatives, survived.
Sandbar Fight
In 1827, Sam Wells and Thomas Maddox met on a sandbar in the Mississippi River to fight a duel. They each shot and missed twice, then shook hands and resolved their differences. However several of the men who were supporters of the duelists had previously engaged in duels or fights. A brawl broke out killing two men and injuring four others. The most famous person involved in the bawl was Jim Bowie who was hit over the head, shot, and stabbed in the chest with a sword cane by Norris Wright. Bowie drew his sheath knife and killed Wright by pulling him down upon the point of the knife. Jim Bowie was badly wounded but survived. The event made the knife he used famous and was referred to as the Bowie Knife.
This James “Jim” Bowie History Mug is part of our Western Series which includes many unique individuals.
The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history. The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton. He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia-tone. The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont.
- Mugs are food and microwave safe.
- To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing.
- Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.
