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Sam Houston: Our University Namesake

Leader. Statesman. Texan. Sam Houston’s life of service, courage and conviction inspires SHSU’s mission to educate, empower and serve communities.

Sam Houston, 1793-1863

Sam Houston was a soldier, statesman and a defining leader in the story of Texas. His commitment to service, principled leadership and the public good reflects the values of Sam Houston State University. From his early years in Tennessee to the Battle of San Jacinto and his later service as senator and governor, Houston’s life offers a model of courage, integrity and civic responsibility.

Legacy and Service

  • U.S. Senator Texas Representative
  • Governor Texas
  • President Republic of Texas

A Life of Service and Strength

  • Born March 2, 1793, to Major Sam Houston and Elizabeth Paxton Houston.
  • Raised on a farm near Baker Creek, Tennessee.
  • As a young man, lived among the Cherokee, an experience that shaped his worldview and diplomacy.
  • Enlisted as a private in 1813; demonstrated notable courage in combat.
  • Gained the respect of General Andrew Jackson.
  • Resigned his U.S. Army commission in 1818 following false accusations regarding slave trading.
  • Appointed Adjutant General of Tennessee with the rank of colonel.
  • Passed the bar (1818) and began practicing law.
  • Served as Attorney General of the Nashville District (1819–1821).
  • Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives (Democratic Party) in 1823 and 1825, each with unanimous support in his district.
  • Elected Governor of Tennessee in 1827; resigned in 1829.
  • After a brief marriage to Eliza Allen, Houston separated and moved west.
  • Became a Cherokee citizen in 1829.
  • Married Tiana (Diana Rogers Gentry) in 1830.
  • Received land approval in Texas from Stephen F. Austin.
  • Delegate to the Second Convention seeking separation from Coahuila y Tejas.
  • Named Major General of the Texas Army in 1835.
  • Attended the 1836 Constitutional Convention; Texas declared independence the next day—on his 43rd birthday.
  • Led about 800 Texans to victory over a force of ~1,400 at the Battle of San Jacinto (April 21, 1836) in a decisive, ~20-minute engagement.
  • With Santa Anna captured, an armistice followed.
  • Elected first President of the Republic of Texas (Sept. 5, 1836).
  • Married Margaret Lea in 1840 and was reelected President in 1841.
  • Purchased property in Huntsville and built the Woodland Home (1847).
  • Sworn in as U.S. Senator from Texas (1848); served three terms (1848–1859).
  • Supported the Compromise of 1850, speaking in favor multiple times.
  • Lost the 1857 gubernatorial race to Hardin R. Runnels; defeated him in 1859 to become Governor of Texas.
  • In 1861, after Texas seceded from the Union, refused to take the Confederate oath and was removed from office.
  • Died of pneumonia at the Steamboat House in Huntsville (1863).
Exterior of museum

Learn More About Sam Houston

Learn more at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library.

Contact

Sam Houston State University

1905 University Avenue
Huntsville, TX 77340
936.294.1111 | 866.BEARKAT