Serving under Andrew Jackson, he was a hero in the war of 1812, wounded while fighting the Creek Indians. Served two terms in the US Congress, and one term as Governor of Tennessee. Problems with his marriage caused Houston to choose to resign as Governor of TN.
Having moved to Texas, he became commander of the Army of Texas, defeated Santa Anna and became the first President of the Republic of Texas. After convincing the US to take Texas in as a state, served two terms as US Senator, then two terms as Governor of the state of Texas.
Houston was finally removed from office when he committed political suicide by following his convictions and refusing to swear allegience to the confederacy.
Other than that, he didn't do much. :) Houston was not a perfect man, but a great one in many respects...
I didn't run into too many delusional "princesses" on my summertime visits, but am not as surprised as some that she would be found in Maryville.