8 Quotes & Sayings By Sam Houston

Sam Houston was born in Virginia in 1793. He received his education at the College of William and Mary, then studied law at the University of Pennsylvania. Afterward he practiced law in Tennessee. During this period he served in the Tennessee legislature and served in the Mexican War Read more

When Texas achieved statehood in 1845, Houston was elected its first governor, which position he held for one year. He next went to Texas as a delegate to the Mexican Cession Congress, where he took his seat as a member of Congress in 1849. Then, in 1850, when Texas achieved statehood, Sam Houston became the first President of the Republic of Texas.

In 1859 he moved to Huntsville, Texas where he practiced law and raised cotton and corn until his death on June 2, 1863.

1
We now occupy the proud attitude of a sovereign and independent Republic, which will impose upon us the obligation of evincing to the world that we are worthy to be free. This will only be accomplished by wise legislation, the maintenance of our integrity, and the faithful and just redemption of our plighted faith wherever it has been pledged. Sam Houston
2
We view ourselves on the eve of battle. We are nerved for the conquest and must conquer or perish. It is vain to look for present aid: None is at hand. We must now act or abandon all hope! Sam Houston
3
The soldier who gropes for glory must submit himself to discipline. Subordination gives strength and security to an army. He that will not submit to it when corrected and improved by the experience of ages does not deserve the proud appellation of a soldier. Sam Houston
4
The benefits of education and of useful knowledge, generally diffused through a community, are essential to the preservation of a free government. Sam Houston
5
Nothing can be better calculated to advance our interests and character than the establishment of a liberal and disinterested policy, enlightened by patriotism and guided by wisdom. Sam Houston
6
Texas, with her superior natural advantages, must become a point of attraction, and the policy of establishing with her the earliest relations of friendship and commerce will not escape the eye of statesmen. Sam Houston
7
I am aware that in presenting myself as the advocate of the Indians and their rights, I shall stand very much alone. Sam Houston