TEASER
March 2, 1793-Sam Houston was born in Virginia
March 2, 1836-Texas declared independence from Mexico
When we first moved to Virginia, we visited the capitol in Richmond where we discovered a bust of Sam Houston.
Surprised, I thought a memorial such as that only resided at the Texas Capitol, and perhaps in Tennessee.
What did Houston do in Virginia?
BIRTHPLACE IN ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Driving to Rockbridge County, Virginia for some sightseeing, we pulled over to a picnic spot where Sam Houston was born.
Most appropriately, we found a huge chunk of Texas granite (donated by Texas) to commemorate Sam Houston’s birthplace.
While taking pictures, I spied a Texas flag atop a house with Lone Stars across the roofline! (see header photo)
That house was calling our names!
Finding the road that must lead to the house, Sam Houston Way, we followed it to a barn where the image of a commemorative US postage stamp of San Jacinto marked the spot.
I remember using that stamp on my snail mail when it was issued in 1986, for the sesquicentennial of Texas Independence.
Having lived most of my life in San Antonio, Texas, I loved celebrating Fiesta the week of Sam Houston’s victory at San Jacinto every year.
On this land Sam Houston was born in a log cabin in 1793 to Scottish-Irish descendants, whose ancestors joined other such immigrants in settling the Blue Ridge.
His father served under Daniel Morgan as paymaster for his light infantry sharp shooters division. (Interesting factoid considering his son would one day meet Tennessee sharp shooter Davy Crockett at the Alamo.)
MOVING TO TENNESSEE
After his father died in 1806, thirteen-year-old Sam Houston helped his mother and siblings move to Tennessee.
Reading classic books like Virgil from his father’s bookcase, Houston enjoyed exploring the outdoors.
By the age of sixteen, Houston chose adventure over the family business of farming and shop keeping.
While Houston lived with a Cherokee family and learned their language, he was nicknamed the Raven.
At the age of nineteen Houston journeyed on and taught in a one-room school for a term, after which he attended Porter Academy.
WAR OF 1812
Enlisting in the US Army during the War of 1812, Houston so impressed his commanders that he was promoted to 3rd lieutenant, with a later promotion to 2nd lieutenant.
When asked to help with the removal of the Cherokee to the west, Houston wore Cherokee dress to advocate for them, which ultimately ended his military career.
Forced to relocate to the Arkansas Territory, the Cherokee relied on help from Houston.
TENNESSEE POLITICAL CAREER
Apprenticing with a judge in Nashville, Houston soon passed the bar.
Houston’s political career in Tennessee grew from serving as district attorney in Nashville, major general of the Tennessee militia, Congressional term from 1823-1827, and governor from 1827-1829.
After four months of marriage (it’s alleged that his wife left him for another man), Houston resigned as governor and returned to the Cherokee.
Knowing Houston’s influence with President Jackson, the Cherokee asked Houston to advocate for them, which he pursued.
For his faithfulness to the tribe, the Cherokee bestowed tribal membership to Houston.
Houston unsuccessfully requested rations for the remaining Cherokee who were forced to move west.
Accusations from Congress led to heated discussions, including Houston hitting his accuser with a cane.
In 1832, Congress convicted Houston with a 106 to 89 vote with reprimands and fines.
So…Houston went to Texas to help fight their battles.
GENERAL SAM HOUSTON LEADS TEXAS TO INDEPENDENCE
During the four years of turmoil in Texas while they dealt with tyranny from Mexico, Houston settled in East Texas, while joining the revolutionary discussions.
Houston established a peace treaty with the Cherokee in East Texas, which allowed focus on the invading Mexican army from the West.
Serving as delegate at Washington-on-the-Brazos, Houston signed the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836, Houston’s birthday.
On March 4, Houston was appointed commanding general of the Texas forces.
After the infamous thirteen-day siege, the Alamo fell on March 6.
General Sam Houston captured Mexican General Santa Anna in April 21, 1836, securing Texas Independence.
Under the Texas flag Sam Houston served as President of the Republic of Texas.
Under the American flag, Sam Houston served as governor.
On the eve of the Civil War, Houston voted against secession from the Union, which ended his political career.
CHURCH HILL AT TIMBER RIDGE
Although this lovely inn on 75 acres of rolling hills, Church Hill at Timber Ridge, was built long after Sam Houston and his family moved to Tennessee, it holds a history of its own…and you might have seen it in the Civil War movie, Gods and Generals.
My son cleverly planned his t-shirt for the day!
Those who know their Texas history will easily make the connections between the Come and Take it cannon and the Sam Houston birthplace.
EPILOGUE 2024
It is my hope and dream to one day stay at this lovely inn, which even plays George Strait CDs every day! Stay tuned!
For more photos, check my Flickr set.
For more photos, check my Flickr set.
