The bronze equestrian statue of General Sam Houston is considered the most iconic work of civic art in Houston. Sam Houston Monument has stood in the traffic circle inside the entrance to Hermann Park since its unveiling on August 16, 1925. Placed atop a gray granite arch constructed by Frank Teich (German 1856-1939), the General sits astride his horse, Saracen, and points toward the plains next to the San Jacinto River, where he ultimately defeated the army of Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana, winning independence for Texas. The Women’s Club of Houston commissioned Enrico Filiberto Cerrachio to create the monument, calling for a commemoration to honor the Founder, first President, and first Governor of Texas. The Houston Arts Foundation provided funds to restore the base in 2020.