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Organization Overview
The Sam Houston Memorial Museum is part of Sam Houston State University and is dedicated to preserving the memory of Sam Houston (1793-1863) and his times. A soldier, statesman, politician, and the only man to serve as governor of two states, Sam Houston led the fight for Texas’ Independence. He then served as President of the Republic of Texas, United States Senator, and Governor of Texas.
The fifteen-acre museum complex is located on the site of the homestead of General Sam Houston. The Houstons lived on the property from about 1848-1859. In 1905, faculty and students of Sam Houston Normal Institute organized a drive to purchase the Houston’s land. In 1911, the debt was paid, and the property deeded to Sam Houston Normal Institute. With community support, the museum grew, and in 1936, the state legislature granted funds to build the rotunda building. Today the rotunda, or Memorial Museum, houses the permanent exhibits of the museum; the largest collection of Houston artifacts and memorabilia to be seen anywhere. Also onsite are two homes the Houstons lived in- including the Woodland Home (a National Historic Landmark), Sam’s law office, period cabins, the locally famous duck pond, and picnic tables on the beautiful grounds.
The fifteen-acre museum complex is located on the site of the homestead of General Sam Houston. The Houstons lived on the property from about 1848-1859. In 1905, faculty and students of Sam Houston Normal Institute organized a drive to purchase the Houston’s land. In 1911, the debt was paid, and the property deeded to Sam Houston Normal Institute. With community support, the museum grew, and in 1936, the state legislature granted funds to build the rotunda building. Today the rotunda, or Memorial Museum, houses the permanent exhibits of the museum; the largest collection of Houston artifacts and memorabilia to be seen anywhere. Also onsite are two homes the Houstons lived in- including the Woodland Home (a National Historic Landmark), Sam’s law office, period cabins, the locally famous duck pond, and picnic tables on the beautiful grounds.