The history of Houston, TX, named for former Tennessee Governor Sam Houston, plays like the pages of a wild-west novel. In April of 1836, Sam Houston led Texas troops in a battle of revenge against Mexico over the slaughter at the Alamo, and was quickly named President of the Republic of Texas in return. The town of Houston soon became capitol of the Republic of Texas, and its spot near the swampy river of Buffalo Bayou as well as its proximity to the port of Galveston, made it the perfect location through which railroads and wagons full of good would travel.