Meet Big Sam,

an awe-inspiring 67-foot tribute to one of Texas’ greatest heroes, standing tall on a 10-foot Texas sunset granite base. Created by Huntsville-born artist David Adickes, the Sam Houston Statue is the tallest figure of an American hero in the world and a beloved landmark for travelers along Interstate 45. Visible for more than six miles from the south, this towering figure proudly welcomes visitors to the heart of Sam Houston Country.

Your visit begins at the Sam Houston Statue & Huntsville Visitor Center, where you’ll find everything you need to plan your time in Huntsville: friendly local ambassadors, maps and brochures, short videos sharing our history, and a gift shop full of Texan souvenirs and collectibles inspired by Sam Houston’s legacy. Stop in, grab a photo, and begin your Huntsville adventure here!

Sam Houston Statue 5 x 7

How Big Sam Came to Be

Adickes envisioned the giant statue as a monumental celebration of Sam Houston’s 200th birthday in 1993, though construction extended into the following year. With 30 tons of concrete and steel, no blueprints, and a bold dream, the artist got to work in 1992 on a farm north of Huntsville provided by Sam Houston State University.

The statue was built in sections — each carefully measured, sculpted, reinforced, and layered with white concrete and a protective seal. The head, sculpted in extraordinary detail, required its own multi-step molding and casting process to capture General Houston’s iconic features.

Once completed, cranes transported each section to the current site, where they were secured to a foundation reinforced by three steel tubes running through the legs and cane.

Big Sam’s enduring strength is as impressive as his height — it’s artistry, engineering, and Texas determination all in one.

David Adickes standing with the Sam Houston Statue in the background

About the Artist: David Adickes

A world-traveled artist with a Huntsville heart, Adickes studied art in Paris after graduating from Sam Houston State University with degrees in math and physics. His sculptures appear across Texas and the world — but Big Sam remains his most beloved and recognizable work.

He is also known for:

  • The Virtuoso — a 36-ft sculpture in Houston

  • The Stone Trumpet — Galveston’s Strand

  • The Winds of Change — Bush Intercontinental Airport

His creativity and Texas pride live on through every detail in this monument.

A Community Effort: Stand With Sam

To make the project possible, local leaders formed the Stand With Sam Committee, launching a brick paver program to help fund the statue’s installation and granite base.

Today, the pavers at the statue’s base form a walkway filled with stories:

  • Families commemorating loved ones

  • School groups contributing coins to join history

  • Presidents George H.W. Bush & George W. Bush

  • Travelers who chose Huntsville as part of their story — and yes, even a marriage proposal hidden among the tiles.

Visitors still have the chance to purchase a personalized brick and forever be part of this Texas landmark.

Brick Dimension Price Number of Characters
4 x 8 $100 2 lines with 12 characters per line
5 x 8 $250 3 lines with 12 characters per line
6 x 12 $500 4 lines with 14 characters per line
12 x 12 $1,000 5 lines with 14 characters per line
16 x 16 $5,000 12 lines with 20 characters per line
 
Brick Dimension
Message to inscribe on brick?