Ben Milam

"Who will go with old Ben Milam into San Antonio?"


That rallying call from the Texian soldier named Ben Milam still resounds from the pages of Texas history. His motivation inspired 300 volunteers to attack Mexican forces that were holding San Antonio. As a re­sult, the Mexican army there surrendered, allowing Texians to take over the Alamo. He would not live long enough to learn their fate at that famous mission.


This biography for young readers reveals the life story of Ben Milam-silver miner, trader with the Comanches, colonizer, and committed soldier. The Kentucky native originally helped Mexico in its fight for freedom from Spain. But as he tried to organize a colony in Texas, he began to realize the injustice that Mexico was placing on American settlers. He joined the Texian cause and helped capture Goliad before encouraging his fellow Texians onward to San Antonio.


Author Ruth Carnes tells the story of this famous Texan in a style that is personal, riveting, and touching.