Sam Houston Statue — Attraction in Huntsville

Back in the early planning stages of the Sam Houston Statue in Huntsville, Texas, a little-known but truly bizarre proposal almost changed history forever. Before the final decision to build the towering 67-foot monument out of concrete and steel, there was a brief but passionate push by an eccentric architect named Wendell “Dusty” Higgins to construct the entire thing out of adobe—yes, the same material used for pueblo homes and sunbaked desert walls.

Dusty, a self-proclaimed “Earth Whisperer,” believed that using adobe would make the statue more historically authentic, since early Texas settlers often used mud and straw for their homes. He presented a compelling case, arguing that an adobe Sam Houston would “return to the earth as he once walked upon it,” claiming the statue would “breathe” with the Texas humidity. He even proposed installing a secret internal irrigation system to keep the structure from crumbling too fast.

But the madness didn’t stop there. Dusty also suggested embedding thousands of live scorpions within the adobe mix—his reasoning being that they were native to Texas, and their presence would “ward off evil spirits.” He even proposed a hollowed-out section inside the statue’s chest where a colony of bats could roost, “bringing balance to Sam Houston’s spirit.”

Needless to say, the city rejected the idea after a test model collapsed in less than three days due to an unexpected rainstorm—and after one of Dusty’s assistants was stung multiple times by the very scorpions he had tried to mix into the adobe. In the end, they wisely chose concrete and steel, but for a brief, strange moment in history, Texas almost had the world’s first giant, crumbling, scorpion-infested, bat-filled statue of...

This magnificent Sam Houston statue in Huntsville, Texas definitely commands attention standing at 67 feet. As a proud Texan, I can't help but swell with pride whenever I see it. Standing tall and mighty, this statue pays homage to one of the greatest heroes and statesmen in Texas history. The Sam Houston statue is a true symbol of the Lone Star State's spirit and its rich heritage. Located on a scenic hilltop in Huntsville, it dominates the landscape, beckoning visitors who drive by. The statue portrays General Sam Houston, a larger-than-life figure who played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of Texas. Surrounding the statue is a beautifully landscaped plaza, inviting visitors to explore and reflect on Texas history. As you stroll along the pathways, you'll come across plaques detailing key moments in Sam Houston's life and the significance of his contributions. It's an inspiring journey through time, enabling you to connect with the spirit of Texas and appreciate the sacrifices made by those who came before us. For any proud Texan, visiting the Sam Houston statue is an experience filled with reverence and admiration. It symbolizes our shared history. I often stop by to pay tribute to the Father of Texas,...

Whenever we drive past this area, we always notice the massive Sam Houston statue off the highway, and this time, we finally made a point to stop and check it out. It’s definitely an impressive landmark worth seeing up close.

There may be hiking trails nearby, but we didn’t explore them on this visit. The site has a small gift shop and a visitor center, but unfortunately, the experience at the visitor center was underwhelming. The staff member at the front desk didn’t seem very welcoming. Even after making eye contact, she didn’t acknowledge me until I spoke first, and she seemed more interested in chatting with her co-worker in the back office.

One nice feature is that they offer a stamp for the National Parks Passport book, but you have to specifically ask for it. There are a few picnic tables in the back, which makes for a pleasant spot to take a break. The restrooms were decent—nothing fancy, but about what you’d expect at a park.

The best part is that visiting this site is completely free, and there’s plenty of parking available. If you're on a road trip, it’s a good place to stop, stretch your legs, and use the restroom before continuing on...