Lamar Public Library

Sam Houston is a living legend in 1861. The hero of the Battle of San Jacinto, he had defeated Santa Anna to win independence for Texas back in 1836. He had twice served as president of the Republic of Texas, helped Texas join the Union, and served as senator and governor of Texas. Before settling in Texas, he had been a hero of the Creek War and governor of Tennessee. He had been friends with Andrew Jackson and Davy Crockett, and had been adopted...

"During 1954-1955, John F. Kennedy, then a U.S. Senator, chose eight of his historical colleagues to profile for their acts of astounding integrity in the face of overwhelming opposition. These heroes include John Quincy Adams, Daniel Webster, Thomas Hart Benton, and Robert A. Taft." "Awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1957, Profiles in Courage - now reissued in this handsome hard-cover edition, featuring a new introduction by Caroline Kennedy, as well...

Profiles the life and career of Sam Houston-- as a military leader, president of the republic, U.S. senator, and governor. Houston is known as the Father of Texas, because under his command the Texan army defeated the Mexican army to gain control of this territory.