Phil Collins to donate Alamo treasures to Texas
Written by Matt Joyce, published June 25, 2014

English rock star Phil Collins, a dedicated Alamo history buff, is donating his treasure trove of Alamo Battle and Texas Revolution artifacts to the State of Texas, the Texas General Land Office has announced.

Collins featured his collection in his 2012 book, "The Alamo and Beyond." The rare artifacts include Jim Bowie's knife, a rifle owned by Davy Crockett, letters written by William B. Travis, and other important artifacts and documents.

"For many of the items, the donation will mean many items will be returning to the cradle of Texas liberty for the first time since the legendary defeat of Texian forces by Mexican troops under Santa Anna in 1836," the Land Office says in a news release.

Collins and Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson will announce the donation at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Alamo.