Highsmith, Carol M. Marble statue of Stephen F. Austin, by Elizabet Ney, unveiled on this spot in the Texas Capitol South Foyer in 1903. Austin, Texas. 2014. Photograph. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. https://www.loc.gov/item/2014632127/.
After learning about Stephen F. Austin and his contributions to the founding of Texas as a republic and state, students will take a close look at the statue of Stephen F. Austin. They will discuss how his contributions to the state are conveyed in the statue representing him and whether or not they feel it is an accurate representation. Then, they will learn about the significance of where the statue is located and decide who else might be able to exemplify Texas beliefs and values.
Beginning in 1864, a law was enacted to allow each state to contribute two statues of notable people from their state to the National Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol. While the statues are now dispersed throughout the Capitol, each state has two statues representing them. The statues for Texas are Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston.
Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Statuary-Hall
Source: : https://www.britannica.com/topic/Statuary-Hall
- Considering both the construction and the materials it is made out of, what does the statue of Stephen F. Austin symbolize?
- What does it say about the beliefs and values of the state of Texas when it chose Stephen F. Austin to memorialize and represent the state?
ELA Standard
4.12.C. Composition. Compose argumentative texts, including opinion essays, using genre characteristics and craft.
Social Studies Standard
4.19.A .Social studies skills. Differentiate between, locate, and use valid primary and secondary sources such as technology; interviews; biographies; oral, print, and visual material; documents; and artifacts to acquire information about Texas.
Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions, and by posing problems. They gather, evaluate, and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g., print and nonprint texts, artifacts, people) to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit their purpose and audience.
- Students will engage in a quickwrite of the things they remember about Stephen F. Austin.
- After students have an opportunity to share with one another, display the image of Stephen F. Austin’s statue. As a class, discuss ways in which the statue reflects what they know about Austin’s contributions to history and the state.
- Ask students to consider the following:
- What do the things Austin is wearing and holding represent or say about him?
- Is there a significance to his stance or where he is looking?
- Once students have discussed the statue and what it symbolizes, tell them about the National Statuary Hall Collection in the United States Capitol.
- In small groups, let students explore the statues for other states and make a list of key things they notice. (https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/apps/nshc/) Have students discuss the following:
- Why do we erect statues and monuments of people and events from our past?
- What do these people/events have in common?
- How are they different?
- Is anyone being left out?
- Does the statue of Austin adequately represent his contributions to Texas?
- How do the subjects chosen for other states compare and contrast to those chosen in Texas?
- Why do we erect statues and monuments of people and events from our past?
- Once students have gathered ideas on what characteristics are required to be included in the National Statuary Hall Collection, have them brainstorm other notable Texans who might be worthy of selection.
- Using their discussions as inspiration, have each student choose someone in Texas history they think adequately represents the state. Have students research their chosen subject to collect evidence they will use to support their choice.
- Using their research, students will write a letter to Congress laying out their case for why they think their person should be memorialized and added to the collection.
- Have students create a sketch or clay model of how the statue should look. Display letters and representations in a gallery for classmates to view. Letters can also be mailed to Congressional representatives.
Highsmith, Carol M. Marble statue of Sam Houston by Elizabet Ney, unveiled on this spot in the Texas Capitol South Foyer in 1903. Austin, Texas. 2014. Photograph. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. https://www.loc.gov/item/2014632128/.