1. He was born in Virginia, but raised in Tennessee. Sam Houston was born on March 2, 1793, in Timberville, Virginia. His family moved to Tennessee when he was a child, and he grew up in the frontier town of Knoxville.
2. He served in the War of 1812. Houston enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 18 and fought in the War of 1812. He was wounded in battle at Horseshoe Bend in present-day Alabama.
3. He was elected governor of Tennessee. After the war, Houston returned to Tennessee and became involved in politics. He was elected governor of the state in 1827, serving until 1829.
4. He led the Texas Revolution. In 1835, Houston was appointed commander of the Texan army in the fight for independence from Mexico. He led the Texans to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836, and Texas won its independence.
5. He was the first president of the Republic of Texas. After Texas won its independence, Houston was elected as the first president of the Republic of Texas. He served two terms, from 1836 to 1838 and again from 1841 to 1844.
6. He was a U.S. senator. After Texas was annexed by the United States in 1845, Houston was elected to the United States Senate. He served in the Senate from 1846 to 1859.
7. He was the governor of Texas. Houston was also elected governor of Texas twice, from 1859 to 1861 and again from 1861 to 1863. He served during the American Civil War, and he opposed secession from the United States.
8. He died in Huntsville, Texas. Houston died on July 25, 1863, in Huntsville, Texas. He is buried at the Sam Houston State University campus.
9. He is a Texas folk hero. Houston is considered a folk hero in Texas. He is remembered for his leadership in the Texas Revolution and for his devotion to the state of Texas.
10. There are many memorials to Houston. There are many memorials to Houston throughout Texas. The Sam Houston State University is named after him, and there is a statue of him in the United States Capitol.