William Groneman
William Groneman was born in New York and grew up in the New York City. He  joined the New York City Fire Department in 1977 and served for 25 years in the ranks of Firefighter, Fire Marshal, Lieutenant, and Captain. He retired from the fire service in 2002 to continue his writing career. His nonfiction books include histories of David Crockett, the Alamo, and a memoir of his experiences during 9/11 with FDNY.
Latest from William Groneman
The American West – Writing Advice From John Steinbeck
People often lose sight of John Steinbeck as a Western writer. Born in California, half of his published books take place in his native state or in Mexico. Some feature the theme of Westering – traveling toward the goal of California.
William GronemanMarch 02, 2025
The American West: Is This The Alamo’s Commander William Barret Travis?
Without the sketch attributed to Wiley Martin we have no verified authentic likeness of the commander at the Alamo, and therein lies its greatest value. But it takes a history sleuth to determine if the sketch is authentic.
William GronemanFebruary 16, 2025
The American West: Like A Soldier -- Col. William Travis Fulfills Pledge Made At Alamo
William Barret Travis wrote to “The people of Texas and all Americans in the world,” on February 24, 1836, the second day of the siege at the Alamo, that he would “die like a soldier who never forgets what is due his own honor & that of his country.”Â
William GronemanFebruary 04, 2025
The American West: Things We Get Wrong About Davy Crockett
What have historians gotten wrong about Davy Crockett? Almost everything, including: what to call him, his size, his work ethic, he abandoned his family, and he kept a journal. They were right, however, about his choice of hat.
William GronemanDecember 08, 2024
The American West: A Wink to Davy Crockett’s Vest
Davy Crockett’s buckskin vest on display at The Alamo is of special interest to visitors because it's something he wore. But no one really knows if the garment was actually Crockett's. But that hasn't stopped them from promoting it.
William GronemanNovember 16, 2024
The American West:Â The Many Ways James Bowie Died At The Alamo
James Bowie either died: as a murder victim; a suicide; a battle casualty; or of sadistic torture. He may have died fighting from his sickbed; died helplessly in his sickbed; or died of illness before Mexican soldiers did the job. He may have been killed by swords, bayonets, gunfire, or fire. Â
William GronemanOctober 26, 2024
