Huntsville in Walker County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Margaret Moffette Lea Houston
April 11, 1819 - December 3, 1867
Margaret Moffette Lea was born on her family’s farm in Pleasant Valley, near Marion, Alabama. She graduated from Judson Female Institute in Marion in 1837, and in 1839 she met General Sam Houston. Houston, who had completed his term as the first president of the Republic of Texas, was visiting Alabama for business ventures. Despite their 26-year age difference, the two married in 1840. During their marriage, Margaret was successful in curbing the general’s use of alcohol and encouraging him to become a dedicated church member.
The Houston's owned residences in Houston City and in Cedar Point. In 1841, Gen. Houston was elected to his second term as president of the Republic of Texas. For the first time, Texas had a first lady, as Margaret joined her husband at the temporary capital of Washington-on-the-Brazos. During the presidency, the couple had the first of their eight children. After the term, the Houston family moved to a plantation named Raven Hill (14 mi. E). While her husband later served as a U.S. senator, Margaret Houston managed the plantation and participated in church, social and literary activates. She also underwent surgery and treatment for breast cancer.
The family later lived in Huntsville at their Woodland Home and in Independence. Margaret Houston continued to raise her family and, when General Houston became governor, again served as first lady. The couple later moved to the Steamboat House in Huntsville. After her husband died in 1863, Margaret Houston returned to Independence, where she provided for her children until her death from yellow fever in 1867. Today, Margaret Moffette Lea Houston is remembered as a First Lady and the matriarch of one of the most significant families in Texas history.
Erected 2008 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 14506.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Arts, Letters, Music • Churches & Religion • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Industry & Commerce • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.
Location. 30° 42.906′ N, 95° 33.173′ W. Marker is in Huntsville, Texas, in Walker County. Marker can be reached from 19th Street. Marker can be reached from 19th Street near Avenue M. It is on the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Education Center grounds at 1302 19th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Huntsville TX 77341, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Woodland, Home of Sam Houston (here, next to this marker); Law Office (Sam Houston) (within shouting distance of this marker); Roberts-Farris Log Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Joshua's Forge (within shouting distance of this marker); Steamboat House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Austin College Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Main Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Peabody Library Building (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Huntsville.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 28, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 30, 2009, by Buildingshsu of Austin, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,542 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 30, 2009, by Buildingshsu of Austin, Texas. 3. submitted on August 28, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.