Sam Houston's life was that of a true legend and patriot. He ran away from home at a young age. For a short time, he lived with a Cherokee tribe in the Hiwassee River area. Eventually, he was given the name Colonneh, meaning the Raven, and was adopted into the tribe as Chief John Jolly’s son.

He grew up to be a fierce soldier and strategist. At one point, with a small out-numbered, and under-supplied force, his men defeated the Mexican general Santa Anna. Houston's men suffered few casualties, but a stray bullet shattered his ankle. The decisive victory forced Santa Anna to sign the Treaty of Velasco, granting Texas its independence.

Sam Houston was well-respected as one of the great political figures of his day, serving as a congressman, a governor and twice as the president of the Republic of Texas. He was brutally honest and a man of principle.

At the age 54, Sam Houston was firmy established in the U.S. Senate, carrying the voice of a young Texas to the halls of Washington. This Kentucky expression honors that transformation: from wild frontiersman to national statesman.