Sam Houston, for whom this chapter is named, was an American soldier and politician and is remembered for his role in Texas history. He was born in 1793 in Rockbridge County, Virginia, but grew up in Tennessee. At the age of 21, he enlisted in the Army and joined General Andrew Jackson’s command at The Battle of Horseshoe Bend in Alabama. After serving in the Army, he studied law and set up a practice in Tennessee. He became very active politically, serving as a congressman (1823-1827), and later as Governor of Tennessee (1827-1829).
Sam Houston came to Texas in 1832 and became Commander of the Texan Army in the Texas War for Independence. Texas independence was secured four years later when, on April 23, 1836, Houston led the attack at San Jacinto against the Mexican Army commanded by General Santa Anna.
Houston was the first President of the Republic of Texas. After Texas became a state in 1846, he served as a U. S. Senator and later as the governor of the state until 1861, at which time Texas seceded from the Union against his will.
Sam Houston died July 26, 1863, a broken and discouraged man, wondering what would become of the state he helped create. The city of Houston, Texas, is named for him.