Sam Houston

Sam Houston was a prominent American politician and military leader best known for his role in the history of Texas. Born on March 2, 1793, in Virginia, Houston is considered one of the key figures in the founding of the state of Texas and its eventual independence from Mexico.

Houston's early life was marked by significant personal struggles, including running away from home as a teenager and later serving in the U.S. Army during the War of 1812. He eventually became involved in politics, serving as a U.S. Congressman and later as the Governor of Tennessee. However, his career in Tennessee politics was marred by personal troubles, including a scandalous divorce, which led him to leave the state and move to Texas in 1832.

In Texas, Houston quickly became involved in the fight for independence from Mexico. In 1836, he was appointed commander-in-chief of the Texian Army and led them to victory in the Battle of San Jacinto, a decisive conflict that secured Texas’ independence from Mexico. This victory made him a hero of the Texas Revolution, and he was elected as the first President of the Republic of Texas, serving two non-consecutive terms.

Houston’s leadership extended beyond military affairs. As President of the Republic of Texas, he advocated for the annexation of Texas into the United States and worked to stabilize the newly independent nation. His efforts were successful, and in 1845, Texas became a state in the Union. Following this, Houston served as a U.S. Senator for Texas and later as the Governor of Texas.

Houston's political career in the U.S. Senate was marked by his staunch opposition to the expansion of slavery into new territories, and he played a key role in attempting to prevent the Civil War. He was a moderate voice in an increasingly divided nation, and his opposition to secession caused him to be removed from office as governor when Texas seceded from the Union in 1861.

Sam Houston passed away on July 26, 1863, in Huntsville, Texas. His legacy as a military leader, politician, and statesman is firmly established, and he remains a beloved figure in Texas history.

Articles by the author

We now occupy the proud attitude of a sovereign and independent Republic, which will impose upon us the obligation of evincing to the world that we are worthy to be free. This will only be accomplished by wise legislation, the maintenance of our integrity, and the faithful and just redemption of our plighted faith wherever it has been pledged.

Sam Houston

I am aware that in presenting myself as the advocate of the Indians and their rights, I shall stand very much alone.

Sam Houston

Texas, with her superior natural advantages, must become a point of attraction, and the policy of establishing with her the earliest relations of friendship and commerce will not escape the eye of statesmen.

Sam Houston

The benefits of education and of useful knowledge, generally diffused through a community, are essential to the preservation of a free government.

Sam Houston

Nothing can conduce more to the order and stability of a government than the simplicity of the laws, the proper definition of rights, and their impartial and consistent administration.

Sam Houston

We view ourselves on the eve of battle. We are nerved for the conquest and must conquer or perish. It is vain to look for present aid: None is at hand. We must now act or abandon all hope!

Sam Houston

Nothing can be better calculated to advance our interests and character than the establishment of a liberal and disinterested policy, enlightened by patriotism and guided by wisdom.

Sam Houston

We are poor, feeble, and blind mortals when the eye of the Almighty looks through all worlds and by his power executes all things aright, and by his grace, he makes us all rich in Heavenly Gifts. In distress and in bereavements, we can look only to him. From mortals like ourselves we can derive no help.

Sam Houston