Houston and the War of 1812

Sam Houston was deeply impacted by his experiences in the War of 1812.

At 19 years old and already standing well over six feet tall, Houston enlisted in the 39th Infantry Regiment of the US Army. The War of 1812, despite being less-known than the American Revolutionary War or the Civil War, was a significant conflict that pitted the still young United States against Great Britain, Canada, and their Native American allies.

Houston’s involvement in this war shaped his character, political views, and professional life in several key ways. The young Houston’s military aptitude was quickly recognized, and he was promoted to the rank of third lieutenant within months. He served under General Andrew Jackson, who was tasked with confronting the Creek Indians, allies of the British. The Battle of Horseshoe Bend in 1814 was a critical conflict in which Houston displayed immense courage and leadership, despite being severely wounded in the groin by a Creek arrow.

This battle was part of the larger Creek War, a subplot of the War of 1812, and its outcome had significant repercussions. The victory of Jackson’s forces led to the Treaty of Fort Jackson, which forced the Creek to cede over 21 million acres of their land. This event deepened Houston’s understanding of the political power dynamics involving Native American tribes, a knowledge that would influence his later political career.

Moreover, the war forged a bond between Jackson and Houston, which would profoundly affect Houston’s life. Andrew Jackson became a mentor to Houston, influencing his political and military career. This mentorship led Houston into politics, and he served in the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee, later becoming the state’s governor.

Sam Houston’s experiences during the War of 1812 shaped his character, endowed him with vital military skills, and impacted his political trajectory. It also deepened his understanding of the fraught relations between the U.S. government and Native American tribes, an issue that he remained deeply involved with throughout his political career. It is fair to say that the War of 1812 was a defining chapter in the life of this influential American figure.