Phil Collins was one of the most successful musicians globally. He is best known as the drummer and lead singer of the rock band Genesis before he pursued a solo career in 1981. But did you know Collins had a grand collection of Alamo artifacts?
Phil Collins has the largest collection of Alamo artifacts. He started his collection in 1994 and after publishing a book about the collection, he donated everything else to a new Texas museum in 2014.
Why Did Phil Collins Start Collecting Alamo Artifacts?
When Collins was five years old he saw the Disney production of Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier. He fell in love with the Alamo’s inspiring story and claims he was re-enacting the Battle of the Alamo while other kids were off playing cops and robbers or other childhood pastimes.
Eventually, collecting Alamo artifacts, weaponry, antiques, and actual documents became his passion. But he started his official collection in 1994 after receiving an artifact from his wife.
There are hundreds of Alamo artifacts in Collins’ incredible collection. As part of the Alamo’s restoration, work on establishing a museum for these items has begun, allowing us to perceive the Alamo’s whole story in more detail than ever before.
Collins’ Alamo fascination runs so deep that he even authored the 2012 book The Alamo and Beyond: A Collector’s Journey. He also discussed his historical passion during an interview with Rolling Stone.
I started drumming around the same time I came across this part of American history, but there seemed to be a way forward playing drums. There didn’t seem to be a way forward being fascinated by a piece of history. I’ve bought pretty much every book ever written about the Alamo, and I talk to my friends that I’ve made over the past 15, or 20 years. It’s just a constant learning and fascinating thing for me.
Phil Collins
(Source: Texas Monthly)
Why Did Phil Collins Donate His Collection?
Collins has donated a large portion of his renowned Alamo relic collection to a new museum for history in San Antonio, Texas. The said Phil Collins Alamo Collection is valued at $100 million and features several rare items, including a rifle owned by soldier-frontiersman Davy Crockett which is one of four remaining in existence, a fringed leather pouch carried by Crockett, and an original Bowie knife held by Jim Bowie during the 1836 battle between Texas settlers and the Mexican Army.
When I got older and became successful, I decided to spend my money on original items from the Alamo rather than on Ferraris. This completes the journey for me. These artifacts are coming home.
Phil Collins
Are the Artifacts Ready for Viewing?
As of March 3, 2022, the Alamo Archaeology at the Shrine of Texas Liberty is available for viewing. Admission is free, and you do not need a timed-entry ticket. However, access to the Phil CollinsS collection is accessible until April 24, 2022, and would cost $5 to $9. (Source: San Antonio Report)