Sam Houston State University (known as SHSU or Sam) was founded in 1879 and is the third-oldest public institution of higher learning in Texas. It is approximately 70 miles north of downtown Houston, in Huntsville, Texas. It is one of the oldest purpose-built institutions for the instruction of teachers west of the Mississippi River and the first such institution in Texas. It is named for Sam Houston, who made his home in the city and is buried there.