Sam Houston provided leadership for more than 25 years in Texas, commanding the army, and serving as president of the Republic, U.S. senator, and then governor. He was already a notable American when he cam to Texas in 1832. Born in Virginia, he lived for several years in Tennessee learning from the Cherokee. He served in the army under the command of General Andrew Jackson. After his military service he was a representative to the Tennessee Congress and served as governor. Because of his knowledge of and appreciation for the Cherokee, he often represented the United States in attempts to settle disputes. Upon his arrival in Texas, Houston's experience with federal and state government proved valuable as delegates to the Texas Convention of 1836 worked to draft a constitution and declare independence from Mexico. Houston left the convention early to command the Texas army against Santa Anna's advancing Mexican troops.
Texans proclaimed Houston the hero of the Battle of San Jacinto during which Santa Anna was captured and his Mexican army routed. The Treaties of Velasco resulted. Afterward, Houston became the firsst elected president of the Republic of Texas in 1836 and was reelected in 1841. Houston struggled to solve the problem of a growing national debt. Eventually the Republic sought support from the United States and Houston supported annexation of Texas by the United States. Others wanted Texas to remain a republic. Texas became the twenty-eighth state in late 1845. Sam Houston served as a U.S. senator from Texas and then was elected governor in 1859. He opposed secession from the union and left the governor's office after Texans voted overwhelmingly to secede in January 1861.
Additional Information Can Be Found At...
Handbook of Texas Online: Houston, Samuel