American Historical Ephemera and Photography

CDV vignetted portrait of Sam Houston wearing a plaid vest and dark jacket. Though a different pose or version from other photographic images of Houston we have seen, this image is likely after an original likeness taken during a sitting with Mathew Brady, based on Houston's attire and physical appearance.

Houston is one of the more colorful characters of the Civil War era. Born in Virginia, he ran away to Tennessee at a young age, where he later passed the bar exam and was ultimately elected Governor in 1827. In 1829, however, he resigned his governorship because of the dissolution of his short-lived marriage to Eliza Allen. Houston then went to Indian Territory, becoming a citizen and marrying a Cherokee woman. His history with Texas began with an attempt to secure land for the Cherokee from Mexico, still in control of Texas in 1832. Within a few years he was living in Texas and led the army in the revolution against Mexico. He became the first president of the Republic of Texas, and a US Senator after annexation. He ran and was elected as Governor of the Lone Star State out of concern for secessionist tendencies in 1859. In spite of his efforts, Texas seceded and Houston was forced out of office in March of 1861. He died in his Huntsville home two years later.