Sam Houston -- Texas State Archives, Austin TX - Smithsonian Art Inventory Sculptures on Waymarking.com

The statue of Sam Houston in his Masonic apron and attire stands on the north side of the main entry doors to the State Archives.

It was donated to the State of Texas by the Grand Masonic Lodge of Texas. Houston was the chairman of the convention that organized the Lodge, which is why he holds a gavel. Houston is shown in his full masonic regalia, complete with ceremonial attire. He stands proudly, perhaps at the moment that he gaveled the Grand Lodge into existence.

It appears that this is a life-size statue.

The statue was made by sculptor Raoul Jossett. It is bronze over pewter, and stands on an pink granite base whose inscription reads as follows:

"General Sam Houston
(1793-1863)
President of the Republic of Texas
Chairman of the Convention of Freemasons that established the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas, A.F. & A. M, in the Senate Chamber of the Capitol, Houston
December 20, 1838" [end]

From the book A Comprehensive Guide to Outdoor Texas Sculpture by Carol Morris Little, page 70 a little more information:

"GENERAL SAM HOUSTON

Sculptor: Jossett, Raoul (1898-1957)

Style: Portature, life-size, bronze

Location: DeZavala TX State Archives Building, Austin TX

Funding: Donated to the state 1961 by the Masonic Lodges of Texas

Comments: Jossett died during the completion of this statue, and his guild finished the work in his name. It was cast in pewter and covered in bronze in Italy. An identical statue is installed inside the Grand Masonic Lodge Library in Waco." [end]

Sam Houston is a giant figure in Texas -- literally. See (visit link)

TITLE: Sam Houston ARTIST(S): Raoul Jossett/unknown DATE: 1961 MEDIUM: bronze CONTROL NUMBER: IAS 75007887 Direct Link to the Individual Listing in the Smithsonian Art Inventory: [Web Link] PHYSICAL LOCATION: 1201 Brazos Austin TX DIFFERENCES NOTED BETWEEN THE INVENTORY LISTING AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH: name of sculptor, although he died before it was completed, so the casting of the statue was completed by his guild

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