Probably the best known Houston is General Samuel Houston, more commonly known as Sam Houston. Born in 1793 in Virginia, he was wounded in battle while fighting under the command of Andrew Jackson, was a governor of Tennessee, President of the Republic of Texas, and US Senator from Texas after admission to the Union.
Although his name should rightfully belong among those considered American heroes, his position during the secessionist era preceding the Civil War led to his unpopularity in the South, although he was held in high regard in the North, where his beliefs regarding a unified Nation were mistakenly misconstrued as being pro-North.
His life was adventurous, to say the least, and from the Tennessee Governor's Mansion he left in shame to live among the Native Americans near Fort Gibson in present-day Oklahoma, where he came to be called "Big Drunk" for his battle with alcohol. After ending his self-imposed exile, he speculated in Texas land, then found himself in a position to lead the rebellious Texans against the Mexican Army of Santa Ana. The defeat of the superior force of the Mexicans by Houston's men at San Jacinto is considered one of the greatest of modern military victories.
He served two terms as President of the young republic and fought for a treaty that would bring about US statehood. That achieved, he returned to Washington as a US Senator and later, as Governor of Texas, he refused to swear allegiance to the Confederacy and was voted out of office. He retired from public life and died before the Civil War ended.
SAM HOUSTON
