Stephen F. Austin statue in Angleton, Texas to be repaired

ANGLETON, Texas — The Stephen F. Austin statue along Highway 288 is a monument to a man of slight build yet immense impact.

Called the "father of Texas" by his friend, Sam Houston, Austin traveled to Texas with early settlers in 1821.

The 76-foot-tall statue at a park inAngleton was created by renowned Houston sculptor David Adickes, who died Sunday, July 13, at the age of 98.

"It is truly iconic," said Stephen F. Austin-Munson Historical County Park manager James Glover. "People see it, are drawn to it, they want to know what it is, want to know who it is."

And while you may not notice the damage driving past it, closer inspection reveals battle scars primarily from Hurricane Beryl.

"And I've had people say, 'Wow, I saw it from the highway and then I came here. Holy cow!;" Glover