Samuel Houston – Texas President
Samuel Houston, a name synonymous with the rugged spirit of the 19th century American frontier, stands as a towering figure in the history of Texas. A statesman, politician, and soldier, his life was a tapestry woven with threads of ambition, adventure, and unwavering dedication to the causes he championed. His story is not merely a recounting of events, but a vibrant portrayal of a man who shaped the destiny of a nation. He was a key figure in the Texas Revolution.
Born on March 2, 1793, near Lexington, Virginia, at Timber Ridge Church, Samuel Houston‘s early life was marked by both promise and hardship. His father, Major Houston, a veteran of the American Revolution, instilled in him a sense of patriotism and duty. However, tragedy struck when young Samuel was just 14 years old. Following his father’s death, his mother made the arduous decision to relocate the family to the then-frontier lands of Tennessee, seeking new opportunities and a fresh start.
His formal education was limited in both Virginia and Tennessee, but Samuel Houston possessed an insatiable thirst for knowledge. He immersed himself in books, devouring literature and history, cultivating a sharp intellect and a commanding presence. Initially, he worked in his older brother’s store, but the confines of mercantile life proved stifling to his adventurous spirit. At the age of 16, he famously declared that he "preferred measuring deer tracks to tape" and struck out on his own, seeking a life beyond the counter.
His journey led him southwest, to the lands inhabited by a band of Cherokee people residing on the Hiwassee River, upstream from its confluence with the Tennessee River. Here, he embarked on a transformative experience, living among the Cherokee for several years. He was embraced by the tribe, becoming an adoptive son to their chief and receiving the Cherokee name Colonneh, meaning "the Raven." He immersed himself in their culture, learning their language fluently and gaining a deep understanding of their customs and traditions. This period profoundly shaped his worldview, fostering a lifelong respect for Native American peoples.
In 1812, at the age of 19, Samuel Houston returned to Maryville, Tennessee, where he demonstrated his commitment to education by founding a one-room schoolhouse, the first of its kind in the region. He dedicated himself to teaching for a couple of years, before the call of duty beckoned once more. He enlisted in a Tennessee Volunteer Regiment, quickly rising to the rank of ensign. His military prowess was soon put to the test under the command of General Andrew Jackson during the War of 1812.
The Battle of Horseshoe Bend, fought on the Tallapoosa River in Alabama, proved to be a pivotal moment in Houston’s early military career. In this fierce engagement against the Red Stick Creek Indians, he displayed extraordinary courage and leadership. Despite being severely wounded by an arrow and struck by two bullets in his right shoulder, he continued to fight with unwavering determination, earning the admiration of his fellow soldiers and solidifying his reputation as a hero.
After recovering from his wounds, Houston’s connection to the Cherokee Nation led to his appointment as an agent, representing their interests in Washington, D.C. However, feeling that his contributions were not adequately recognized by the government, he resigned his commission and returned to Tennessee. He then pursued the study of law in Nashville. After being admitted to the bar, he embarked on a successful legal and political career, serving as district attorney and later as a major-general of the state militia. In 1822, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Tennessee.
His political star continued to rise, and in 1827, he chose not to seek re-election to Congress, instead setting his sights on the governorship of Tennessee. He won the election and assumed the state’s highest office. During his time as Governor, Houston’s personal life took a dramatic turn. On January 22, 1829, at the age of 35, he married 19-year-old Eliza Allen. However, the marriage was short-lived and shrouded in mystery. The reasons for their separation remain unclear, as Houston resolutely refused to publicly discuss the matter. Eliza left him shortly after their marriage.
The abrupt end of his marriage triggered a profound shift in Houston’s life. He resigned as governor in April 1829 and sought solace and a renewed sense of purpose by returning west, once again finding himself among the Cherokee in Arkansas Territory. He was officially adopted as a citizen of the Cherokee Nation that year. Under Cherokee law, he married Diana Rogers Gentry, a woman of Cherokee descent. The couple lived together for several years. During this time, he actively participated in Cherokee councils and traveled to Washington on behalf of the tribe in 1830 and again in 1832, advocating for their rights and interests.
In December 1832, Samuel Houston made a momentous decision that would forever alter the course of his life and the future of Texas. He moved to Texas, which was then a part of Mexico. His Indian wife, Diana, declined to accompany him and later remarried. He was quickly drawn into the turbulent political landscape of the region, where growing tensions between Anglo settlers and the Mexican government were fueling a burgeoning movement for independence.
Houston’s military experience and natural leadership qualities quickly propelled him to the forefront of the Texas independence movement. In November 1835, the Texas Army commissioned him as Major General. At the convention held in March 1836 to declare Texan Independence, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Texas forces. However, the early days of the revolution were marked by tragedy and setbacks.
The Battle of the Alamo, a brutal and iconic clash between Texan defenders and the overwhelming forces of General Santa Anna, cast a dark shadow over the fledgling republic. A small band of Texan volunteers, including legendary figures like William B. Travis, David Crockett, and James Bowie, made their last stand in an old mission. The defenders were ultimately overwhelmed, and every Texan within the walls was killed.
While the Alamo was under siege, James W. Fannin and his force of about 350 men were ordered to reinforce the Alamo. Fannin, however, turned back his troops at the San Antonio River, failing to assist Travis and his men. Houston then ordered him to retreat to Victoria. En route, they were attacked by the Mexican Cavalry on March 19, 1836. After a fierce fight known as the Battle of Coleto, the Texans were overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of Mexicans and surrendered the next day. They were escorted back to Goliad as prisoners. Santa Anna ordered that they be executed. On March 27th, the soldiers were divided into three groups, marched onto the open prairie, and shot.
Despite these devastating losses, Houston remained undeterred. He strategically retreated, buying time to train and organize his forces while Santa Anna pursued him across Texas. The decisive moment came on April 21, 1836, at the Battle of San Jacinto. Houston launched a surprise attack on Santa Anna’s army during their afternoon siesta. The Texan forces, fueled by a burning desire for revenge and independence, routed the Mexican army in a stunning victory that lasted less than 18 minutes. Santa Anna was captured, and in exchange for his freedom, he was forced to sign the Treaty of Velasco, granting Texas its independence.
Following the victory at San Jacinto, Samuel Houston briefly remained in Texas to oversee negotiations before returning to the United States to seek treatment for a wound he sustained to his ankle during the battle. His role in securing Texas independence cemented his status as a national hero.
On September 5, 1836, Houston was elected President of the Republic of Texas, a position he held for two terms. As president, he focused on establishing a stable government, fostering economic growth, and navigating the complex relationships with Mexico, the United States, and various Native American tribes. He pursued a policy of diplomacy with the Native American tribes. He eventually succeeded in persuading the United States to annex Texas.
While serving as President of Texas, Houston married for a third time on May 9, 1840, to the 21-year-old Margaret Moffette Lea. They had eight children together.
After Texas was admitted into the Union, Houston served as a United States Senator and later as Governor of the new state. However, his commitment to the Union placed him at odds with the growing secessionist sentiment in the South. Although a slaveholder and opponent of abolitionism, he held strong unionist convictions and opposed Texas’s secession from the United States.
When the Civil War broke out, he refused to swear allegiance to the Confederacy and was removed from his position as governor. Despite being offered a Union army to suppress the Confederate rebellion in Texas, he declined, seeking to avoid bloodshed and further conflict. Instead, he retired to his home in Huntsville, Texas, where he died on July 25, 1863.
Samuel Houston‘s legacy is complex and multifaceted. He was a man of contradictions, a frontiersman and a statesman, a soldier and a diplomat, a slaveholder and a unionist. However, his unwavering commitment to the causes he believed in, his courage in the face of adversity, and his pivotal role in shaping the destiny of Texas have secured his place as one of the most important figures in American history. He was the Texas President.