News of the massacre of the surrendered and unarmed Texans at Goliad spread rapidly across the United States. Outrage at Santa Anna’s violation of the chivalrous rules of combat — no summary execution of prisoners of war — convinced many citizens that the Mexican general was ruthless, egotistical, and devoid of humanity.

“Remember the Alamo” and “Remember Goliad” resounded from cities and rural communities, and men from the nearby southern states rallied to join the Texans in their fight for independence. But the next leader to emerge in the fight for Texas was already there. Sam Houston had waited a lifetime for his greatest moment, and it had arrived.

So, who was Sam Houston?

Born in Virginia but relocating to Tennessee with his mother and siblings after the death of his father, Houston had always followed his own counsel. At age 13, he ran away from home and lived among the Cherokee, where he was adopted by Chief Oolooteka, learned to speak the language, and embraced their lifestyles. He thrived in their midst and became known as “The Raven.” He joined the Cherokee Brigade and Andrew Jackson’s army at the Battle of Horseshoe in a victorious fight against the Creeks but sustained a wound that would plague him for the rest of his life.

General Jackson was impressed with the young man’s courage and became his mentor after asking Houston to join his staff in Nashville. Houston practiced law, but, more importantly, with Jackson’s influence and his own natural leadership skills, he was appointed a general in the Tennessee militia.

The next few years witnessed a meteoric rise, and Houston became Tennessee’s attorney general, followed by two terms as a U.S. congressman serving alongside Senator Andrew Jackson. At age 34, Sam Houston was elected governor of Tennessee; his military record, natural charm, intelligence, and wit combined with “friends in high places” made the campaign season pass quickly.

A failed marriage — lasting only three months and ending with his young wife’s return to her father’s home — created rumors, and a depressed Houston resigned his governorship in 1829 and sought refuge once again among his Cherokee friends, now in Arkansas. He was accepted by his “native” family and became active in their fight for peace and fair treatment by the government in Washington. And who was president at that time? Yes! Andrew Jackson, who still considered Houston a friend but had adopted a policy that favored relocation of all native peoples in the southern states east of the Mississippi.

When accused of fraud and attempting to gain wealth through his lobbying for the Cherokee by a member of Congress, Houston tracked him down and beat him severely — with a hickory walking stick. The symbolism could hardly have been lost on President Jackson. Houston was arrested and ordered to stand trial in the U.S. House of Representatives, where his attorney, Francis Scott Key (recognize that name?), defended his action based on the slanderous behavior of the accuser. He was reprimanded, but the story was carried in newspapers across the nation, and Houston found himself ready to return to the fight. Texas was calling his name…

He settled in Nacogdoches, began to practice law, divorced his Tennessee wife, and began to dabble in Texas politics, especially the talk about independence. He represented his district in the Texas Convention of 1833, was later appointed commander-in-chief of the Texan army, and was vocal in the convention at Washington-on-the-Brazos that voted to separate from Mexico.

After hearing the devastating news from the Alamo, Houston began preparing his soldiers for the battle he knew would be coming to him. He consolidated his forces, intensified their training, and then began moving to meet the Mexican troops headed in his direction.

On the 20th of April, Houston and Santa Anna’s forces met at Buffalo Bayou on the San Jacinto. Additional Mexican forces were unable to move forward in support because Erastus “Deaf” Smith, Houston’s favorite scout, had destroyed the only bridge allowing access. Santa Anna “rested” his men, allowing Houston to quietly and strategically move into place. The surprise attack was fueled by the now famous battle cries, and Santa Anna’s forces collapsed and attempted to flee, only to have 600 killed and another 700 captured, including Santa Anna. Houston lost nine men, and the victory was secured in less than 20 minutes.

Santa Anna signed a treaty recognizing Texas as an independent territory, and while the Mexican Congress refused to recognize Santa Anna’s action, the Texans pushed forward. Independence had arrived via Sam Houston and his men’s swift actions.