Head and Shoulders Above the Rest

As you travel I-45 north of Conroe, it’s impossible to miss the imposing statue of one of the most central figures of Texas history, Sam Houston (The Raven).  Like most people, I certainly recognized the statue as a landmark in my journeys up the highway, but had never thought to stop and really examine the monument.  However, I’ve discovered that just a 30 min. stop to tour the park and visitor center is more than worth the time invested.

Soldier, legislator, governor, adopted member of the Cherokee nation, military commander, and president, Sam Houston embodied the larger than life persona so often associated with Texas.  It’s fitting that his statue would tower over the highway leading to his final hometown of Huntsville.  It’s well known that Sam Houston was the general who defeated Santa Anna to win our independence from Mexico.  But, did you know that he was president of the Republic of Texas twice and served in the U.S. Congress after Texas entered the United States as a state?  How soon we forget those who did so much for us.

From the large breezy porch of the visitor center to the quiet tree lined paths, the memorial creates a tranquil and reverent atmosphere that seems to obscure the fact that this small park is located directly adjacent to a major highway. Standing next to the statue, you get a true sense of the height of this monument. At 67 feet plus a 10 foot high base, it is an appropriately impressive display for a larger than life character like Sam Houston.  However, what struck me most was what he had to say.  On the side of the base is a plaque with this quote, “The great misfortune is that a notion obtains with those in power that the world, or the people, require more of governing than is necessary. To govern well is a great science, but no country is ever improved by too much governing…most men think when they are elevated to position, that it requires an effort to discharge their duties, and they leave common sense out of the question. Govern wisely and as little as possible.”  Wisdom never grows old or tired and Sam Houston’s philosophy of government is just as relevant today as it was in his time.  That’s why I used his quote and this location in my book, “The Second Coming-The Republic of Texas”.  

Now that I’ve hopefully piqued your curiosity, you may be wondering how to get to the visitor center.  The best way I found is to take the next exit north of the statue leading to Huntsville and turn right on the feeder road (State highway 75) and head back south.  The visitor center will be on your right. There is ample parking and clean restrooms at the site.  So the next time you drive by, slow down a little, smile up at ol’ Sam and thank him for everything he did to enable the great life we live today.  Hope you enjoy a little Texas History Thru My Back Door!