Near Lexington in Rockbridge County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Birthplace of Sam Houston

Photographed By Dan Fisher, June 20, 2010

1. Birthplace of Sam Houston Marker

Inscription. On March 2, 1793, the noted soldier and statesman Sam Houston was born in a log cabin on a nearby knoll. Houston served with distinction in the U.S. Army and later as a congressman and governor of Tennessee before moving to Texas in the 1830s. In Texas, he soon became a leader in the revolution against the Mexican government under General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. A signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836, Houston was chosen Commander-in-Chief of the Texan army. On April 21, 1836, he led his forces to victory in the Battle of San Jacinto, which resulted in the independence of Texas.

Sam Houston twice served as President of the Republic of Texas. Later, after Texas became part of the United States of America, he served as U.S. Senator and as Governor. He died at his home in Huntsville, Texas, on July 26, 1863, during the Civil War, a struggle he bitterly opposed.

An able general, a strong political leader, and a friend to the Cherokee Indians who knew him as “The Raven”, Sam Houston represented the true spirit of his native Virginia and his adopted states of Tennessee and Texas.

Erected 1922 by Kiwanis Clubs of Houston, Tx and Lexington, Va.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans

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• Settlements & Settlers • War, Texas Independence • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1941.

Location. 37° 50.578′ N, 79° 21.556′ W. Marker is near Lexington, Virginia, in Rockbridge County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Sam Houston Way (Virginia Route 785) and North Lee Highway (U.S. 11), on the right when traveling north. This marker is located in the Sam Houston Wayside. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lexington VA 24450, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Birthplace of Sam Houston (here, next to this marker); Liberty Hall Academy (within shouting distance of this marker); Timber Ridge Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Church Hill (about 400 feet away); Red House and the McDowell Family (approx. 3.2 miles away); Dr. Ephraim McDowell (approx. 3.2 miles away); McDowell's Grave (approx. 3.2 miles away); Cherry Grove Estate (approx. 3.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lexington.

More about this marker. The small plaque at the bottom reads, "This monument, erected September 11, 1986,

Birthplace of Sam Houston Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dan Fisher, June 20, 2010

2. Birthplace of Sam Houston Monument

replaces the original, erected June 11, 1922. Both were donated by the Kiwanis Clubs of Houston, TX, and Lexington, VA." The fence surrounding the 38,000 pound piece of Texas pink granite, was donated by the Sam Houston Ruritan Club in 1986.

Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 29, 2023

3. Birthplace of Sam Houston Marker

circa 1856

4. Sam Houston

Library of Congress [LC-DIG-ppmsca-09599]

Credits. This page was last revised on August 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,761 times since then and 86 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 21, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on August 20, 2023, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. 4. submitted on June 21, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.