According to the gift shop, Big Sam is the world’s third tallest “giant statue of a person.” This weirdly monochrome, ferroconcrete likeness of Sam Houston, titled “A Tribute to Courage”, can be seen as one powers along the 45 Freeway between Dallas and Houston. We came on it from behind, following the signs to the parking lot and gift shop, where you can walk up a forested path to see the statue up close. Walking up the path you’re confronted with this giant spare head sitting in what looks like a small outdoor theater and stage, where you can sit and gaze at it like a Southern Ozymandias.
If I had to judge by the iconography of the plaque, I’d say the statue likely exists because of the generous support of local Freemasons, as their plaque is way bigger and more detailed than the tiny dedication plaque at the rear of the statue. Either that, or they just threw their money into the plaque? I don’t know why people are always on the Masons for being so secretive – from what I’ve seen they’re super into promoting the ultra-detailed history of their more famous members.
The Huntsville area was a little strange – it has two notable characteristics.
1) All the Sam Houston related stuff
2) It’s home to a ton of prisons (eight if I recall). The gift shop at the Houston Statue had a pamphlet for folks looking to go on a driving tour of the prisons.
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