"Center of Texas history -- past and present" Top 5 Page for this destination Huntsville by der_geograf

Huntsville Travel Guide: 83 reviews and 224 photos

Sam Houston statue, Huntsville, Texas - Huntsville
Sam Houston statue, Huntsville, Texas
Where I was born and raised . . .

Huntsville is about 70 miles north of Houston. It has a population easing ever-so closer to 40,000. It is the headquarters of the Texas Department of Corrections and boasts five prisons within the city limits (one of which is the "Walls" Unit--the state penitentiary and where Texas executes its Death Row inmates), and four others in the surrounding county. In other words, it's the textbook case of a "prison industrial complex." It was also home to "Texas Hero" Sam Houston, the leader of the Texas Revolution against Mexico, and there is a 67-foot tall statue and museum honoring his life. A college bearing his name, Sam Houston State University, is also located in Huntsville, and has produced a host of notable alumni such as CBS News anchor Dan Rather.

In addition to the statue, museum, and university, Huntsville also has the Texas Prison Museum and Huntsville State Park.

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:Very difficult to get lost, ample space for outdoor activities, beautiful scenery and old homes
  • Cons:Historical markers are a bit difficult to find, but are worth the search. Many prisons, so a lot of 'ex-cons' ;o)
  • In a nutshell:At first glance, it seems like a normal sleepy East Texas town. But it's place in Texas and world history, as the location of the Texas Death Row, adds an unexpected significance to this tiny town.
  • Intro Updated Feb 5, 2006
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Reviews (6)

"Old Main" by Huntsville painter Perlon Roark - Huntsville Ruins of Old Main -- Huntsville's... Off The Beaten Path (2)

The hallmark of Sam Houston State University since its creation in 1876 was Old Main, the ornate structure at the heart... more travel advice

Sam Houston statue, Huntsville - Huntsville Sam Houston Statue and Visitor's Center Things to Do (3)

This is a 67-foot tall statue located on the southern edge of town dedicated to General Sam Houston, the Texas... more travel advice

Sam Houston Memorial Park, Huntsville - Huntsville Sam Houston Memorial Park Things to Do (3)

This park is located on the grounds of the estate of Texas hero Sam Houston, the general who commanded the Texas army in... more travel advice

The Steamboat House, Huntsville - Huntsville Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Park Things to Do (3)

This park is located on the grounds of the estate of Texas hero Sam Houston, the general who commanded the Texas army in... more travel advice

Comments (6)

  • Reply
    Ekahau's Profile Photo
    May 19, 2007 at 7:17 PM

    Thinks for your great tips I went this weekend on a Bar B Q pilgrimage?

  • Reply
    ATXtraveler's Profile Photo
    Mar 5, 2005 at 11:13 PM

    Thanks for the Huntsville Page.. I just went myself.

  • Reply
    croisbeauty's Profile Photo
    Feb 17, 2004 at 12:52 PM

    very usefull fact from the history of the Lone Star

  • Reply
    Jan 29, 2004 at 1:59 PM

    History either takes a back seat in this country, or it is grossly twisted to suite the needs of a particular class of people here in the states. It’s puzzling how a man like Sam Houston, a notorious former slave owner, can be so idolized.

  • Reply
    XenoHumph's Profile Photo
    Jan 20, 2004 at 9:37 AM

    Great page, great tips! I'll have to go back to see more than just the rodeo!

  • Reply
    mtncorg's Profile Photo
    Dec 8, 2003 at 2:23 PM

    Interesting look at the City of David Gale and Sam Houston. Looking vorwarts to more von Der Geograf!

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