How did Houston lose out to Austin as the Capital of Texas? FacebookTwitterEmail 1of6 General Samuel Houston (1793-1863). Undated. One of Texas' most well known political figures, Sam Houston led the forces that defeated Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna at the battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. He later served Texas as a president of the republic, a U.S. Senator and a governor. Show MoreShow Less 2of6 A bronze statue depicts innkeeper Angelina Belle Peyton Eberly across Congress Avenue in Austin. Show MoreShow Less 3of6 A bronze statue depicts innkeeper Angelina Belle Peyton Eberly across Congress Avenue in Austin. Show MoreShow Less