Joe Emert, Ed Harmon, and the City of Maryville
![](https://shopeasttnhistory.org/sites/default/files/styles/people_company_main/public/people/dsc_1690_cropped.jpg?itok=QenvnaAX)
Award of Distinction
Through the efforts of the above, a beautiful bronze statue of Sam Houston now graces the Blount County seat of Maryville. Meticulous study was done to determine Houston’s facial structure as a young man and period clothing. The statue was by noted sculptor Wayne Hyde of Pennsylvania, in collaboration with historical painter David Wright of Gallatin, Tennessee. Tennesseans, Texans, and Cherokee came together for the unveiling celebration.