by Olivia Discon
On Saturday, July 26, LEAP attended the final event in the Sam Houston Memorial Museum’s Saturday Spotlight series for the summer. Fittingly, it landed on the anniversary of Sam Houston’s death in 1863.
To mark the occasion, museum staff and other dedicated historians wore period clothing and guided visitors through the Steamboat House—where Houston spent his final days. It’s a somewhat of a hidden gem in Huntsville, but a key piece of its history, nonetheless. After being forced out of public life, Houston moved to Huntsville because its rolling, wooded hills reminded him of Tennessee. The Steamboat House wasn’t glamorous, and he didn’t own it. He and his wife rented the home when money was tight.
At the age of 70, Sam Houston—a two-time governor, president, and Texas hero, died of pneumonia. Walking through the house, costumed interpreters shared details about his death and funeral. A few facts stood out: Houston’s coffin was made by inmates at the Walls Unit, and the funeral was held upstairs in the home. Reports differ, but it seems the funeral was sparsely attended, likely due to the short notice and limited communication at the time. Seven of his eight children were in attendance, with the exception of Sam Jr.
After his death, his family split across the state of Texas, though many were ultimately buried together in Independence, Texas. Margaret Houston died of yellow fever in the midst of the epidemic. It was so feared at the time that not even her pastor would pray over her body at the funeral, as they believed that the fever was contagious even after death.
Although the summer is coming to a close, the Sam Houston Memorial Museum will continue hosting historical demonstrations throughout the month of August. The beautiful museum grounds and the rich history of Huntsville are just some of the many things that distinguish Sam Houston State University from the rest.
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