8 | WELCOME TO HUNTSVILLE 2024
Huntsville referenced to as the Mt . Vernon of Texas
City leaves massive impact on Texas history
Sam Houston ’ s family homestead
BRIAN BLALOCK | TRIPLE B PHOTOGRAPHY
Huntsville was the leading cultural center of Texas prior to the Civil War , with leaders in law , education and business flocking to the community . Because of its cultural influence and status as the home of one of Texas ’ greatest heroes and first president Sam Houston , the area became known as the “ Mount Vernon of Texas .”
Walker County and Huntsville were a cradle of learning and education in early Texas . The history of Texas from its first settlement in 1685 to its annexation to the United States in 1846 , was chronicled by Walker County pioneer Henderson Yoakum .
8 | WELCOME TO HUNTSVILLE 2024
The earliest school in Huntsville was the Huntsville Academy , known as the “ Brick Academy ,” which was founded in 1845 . Austin College , which is now located in Sherman , was founded in Huntsville in 1849 by Presbyterian minister , Daniel Baker , and Sam Houston was one of the first trustees . Andrew Female College , a pioneering institution for educating women , was founded in 1852 by the Methodist Church .
Sam Houston Normal Institute , now known as Sam Houston State University , was founded in 1879 on the former site of the Austin College .
George Washington Baines , Jr ., great-grandfather of President
Lyndon Johnson , was a Baptist minister in Huntsville and later President of Baylor University . Additionally , Joshua Houston , who was Sam Houston ’ s slave , was freed in 1862 but remained in Huntsville where he became a successful businessman and leading citizen .
Walker County was also an early leader in law , with three of the four largest law firms in Houston being co-founded by natives of Huntsville .
Today , the history of Huntsville can be explored at the Gibbs- Powell home , which is both a Texas Archaeological Landmark and a recorded Texas Historical Landmark . It is operated by the Walker County