Grammy award winning rock legend Phil Collins has donated his extensive private collection of artifacts connected to the Battle of Alamo to the state of Texas.
On Tuesday, Oct, 28, Collins brought what is believed to be the biggest private collection of Alamo artifacts in the world to San Antonio, donating it to a museum. The collection will temporarily be housed in a building near the Alamo. A center that will display the Alamo collection is being built and will be named in Collins' honor.
"These artifacts are coming home," said Collins.
Located in downtown San Antonio, the Alamo is one of the biggest tourist haunts in Texas. It attracts nearly 2.5 million visitors each year.
Collins became enamored with the Alamo when watching the TV show "Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier" as a child in London.
As Collins became older and a successful singer, he chose to invest his money on items from the Alamo "rather than on Ferraris" and amass an enviable collection.
In 2012, Collins was visiting San Antonio to zero in on a museum which would be keen to keep his Alamo collection. At the time, the Texas General Land Office which was overseeing the running of the Alamo suggested that Collins donate his private collection to the Alamo itself.
"God bless you, Phil Collins," Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson said as he accepted the donation.
The prized collection from the 63-year-old British singer includes some remarkable objects like Jim Bowie's fabled knife, Davy Crockett's fringed leather pouch and one of the only four remaining guns, as well as notes from Commander William Travis.
Collins has retained a handful of artifacts at his Switzerland home as his son too is captivated by the Alamo.
Texas' Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson revealed that the people were "deeply indebted" to the ex-Genesis band member.
"He is giving us back our heritage. Now these Texas treasures need a home where all can see them and study from them and learn about how Texans won our liberty," said Patterson.
