People from across the world gathered Saturday in celebration of Blount County's most famous historic resident, Sam Houston.
The city of Maryville unveiled a statue of Houston, the only man to govern two states during his 19th Century lifetime, in front of its municipal building.
"I'm glad to see Maryville recognize Sam Houston," Sen. Lamar Alexander said. "He grew up in Maryville. He came here and his mother moved here with nine children in 1807 from Virginia at a time when it was really pretty rough territory."
Sen. Alexander is one of the many lawmakers, historians and descendants who spoke at the statue's dedication ceremony.
“Ever since I was a little boy, Sam Houston’s been my hero and I’m delighted to be here today," Alexander said. "He's Maryville's native son."
Houston was the governor of both Tennessee and Texas, an honorary Cherokee citizen, soldier and Texas forefather.
Houston's family came to America from Northern Ireland, bringing his present day supporters along for the celebration as well.
"(He's) a really monumental figure in the history of America," said Mayor Thomas Hogg, of Antrim and Newtownabbey in a Northern District of Ireland. "We're very proud that he's someone whose relatives immigrated from our shores."
“He’s one of the most iconic Scotch-Irish figures who have moved over to America in the 18th century migrants from Europe," Billy Kennedy, Scots-Irish author and journalist said. "They opened up the American frontier. Sam Houston is arguably, well in my opinion, the greatest American to never become president of the United States.”
Houston's extended family said it's touching to see a statue built to show how their accomplished late relative was seen during the early time.
"This is very special, I think, because it acknowledges his roots," said Nancy Burch, Houston's great, great granddaughter. "It certainly is the first time we've been able to see and have an idea of what he looked like as a very young man."
Maryville Mayor Tom Taylor and Huntsville,Texas Mayor Andy Brauninger both proclaimed March 19 Sam Houston Day.