Sam Houston

General Sam Houston was one of the most colorful characters of Texas history. He moved to Texas after serving as the Governor of Tennessee and became involved in the movement for independence from Mexico. After the Battle of Gonzales he helped organize the Texas provisional government and was selected as the top-ranking official in the Texian Army. He led the Texian Army to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, the decisive battle in the war for independence against Mexico. After the war, he served as the President of Texas.  Houston played a key role in the annexation of Texas by the United States in 1845, and in 1846 was elected to represent Texas in the United States Senate. Sam Houston also served as Governor of Texas before his retirement to Huntsville.  Houston is buried in Huntsville, the proud home of Sam Houston State University.