Sam Houston was one of the most colorful and controversial figures in Texas history. He was a sometimes volatile and often contradictory man who played a crucial role in the founding of Texas. How much do you know about this Texas hero?
1. Houston was the first elected president of the Republic of Texas.
2. He was born in Rockbridge County, Virginia.
3. He was the only American elected governor of two different states- Tennessee and Texas.
4. Houston ran away from home in 1809 to dwell among the Cherokees. He later became an honorary member of the Cherokee Tribe.
5. Houston defeated the Mexican army in just 18 minutes.
6. He attacked a congressman walking down Pennsylvania Avenue with a cane.
7. He was married three times. Third time was the charm to Margaret Lea Houston.
8. The city named in his honor was the original capital of Texas.
9. Houston opposed the secession of Texas to the Confederacy.
10. He’s buried in Huntsville, Texas.
11. The tallest statue of an American hero depicts Sam Houston on I45 in Huntsville, Texas.
12. His Birthday is the same day as Texas Independence Day.
QUOTES FROM SAM HOUSTON
“Texas will again lift its head and stand among the nations. It ought to do so, for no country upon the globe can compare with it in natural advantages.”
“All new states are invested, more or less, by a class of noisy, second-rate men who are always in favor of rash and extreme measures, but Texas was absolutely overrun by such men.”
“Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may.”
“I am aware that in presenting myself as the advocate of the Indians and their rights, I shall stand very much alone.”
“I preferred measuring deer tracks to tape – that I liked the wild liberty of the Red men better then the tyranny of my brothers.”
“I beseech those whose piety will permit them reverently to petition, that they will pray for this union, and ask that He who buildeth up and pulleth down nations will, the mercy preserve and unite us. For a Nation divided against itself cannot stand. I wish, if this Union must be dissolved, that its ruins may be the monument of my grave, and the graves of my family. I wish no epitaph to be written to tell that I survive the ruin of this glorious Union.”
“To secede from the Union and set up another government would cause war. If you go to war with the United States, you will never conquer her, as she has the money and the men. If she does not whip you by guns, powder, and steel, she will starve you to death. It will take the flower of the country — the young men.”
“In the name of the constitution of Texas, which has been trampled upon, I refuse to take this oath. I love Texas too well to bring civil strife and bloodshed upon her.”
“I declare that civil war is inevitable and is near at hand. When it comes the descendants of the heroes of Lexington and Bunker Hill will be found equal in patriotism, courage and heroic endurance with the descendants of the heroes of Cowpens and Yorktown. For this reason I predict the civil war which is now at hand will be stubborn and of long duration.”
“Texas, to be respected must be polite. Santa Anna living, can be of incalculable benefit to Texas; Santa Anna dead, would just be another dead Mexican.”
“It is a matter of great satisfaction to me to hope that my children will be in circumstances to receive a good education. Mine was defective and I feel the inconvenience, if not the misfortune of not receiving a classical education. Knowledge is the food of genius, and my son, let no opportunity escape you to treasure up knowledge.”