Join the Walker County Historical Commission, Sam Houston Memorial Museum, and the City of Huntsville Tourism Department for the annual Texas Independence Day and General Sam Houston’s Birthday celebration on March 2nd!
Every year, the day kicks off with a coffee reception at the Walker County Museum: Gibbs-Powell House at 9:15am. From there, guests meet at Oakwood Cemetery to honor the life of Sam Houston on his birthday at 11:00am. Members of the student body, faculty, staff and administration of Sam Houston State University follow the university’s ROTC members in the traditional march to Sam Houston’s grave from the Old Main Pit, located near Austin Hall on the campus grounds.
The gravesite ceremony will also include the SHSU ROTC Color Guard and Rifle Team, special musical selections and speakers, the laying of the wreaths by decedents of Sam Houston, and the much anticipated “Baptized a Texan” ceremony. Participants of the “Baptized a Texan” event kneel in front of Sam Houston’s memorial and receive pond water across their forehead and receive a commemorative gift bag from the City of Huntsville Tourism Department.
Immediately following the gravesite ceremony is a luncheon hosted by the Walker County Historical Commission and a “Toast to Texas” and birthday cake sponsored by the City of Huntsville Tourism Department.
To receive a letter or email from about how to participate in these events, please contact the staff at the Sam Houston Statue Visitor Center at 936-291-9726 or vcenter@huntsvilletx.gov.