Houston's Brief History
On August 30, 1836—at a spot now known as Allen's Landing on Buffalo Bayou—a group of land investors founded the city that would become Houston. On June 5th of the following year (1837), this new town was officially incorporated by Texas Governor Richard B. Austin.
Houston, the city’s namesake, and former president of the Republic of Texas won its independence from Mexico at San Jacinto, 25 miles (40 km) east of Allen's Landing. In the late 1830s, Houston served briefly as the capital of the Texas Republic. But it grew into a regional trading center during the rest of that century. When the U.S. government purchased Texas from Mexico in 1845, Houston was selected as the capital of the new territory. The city's population grew rapidly as it became a major center for trade and cotton production.
Economic Growth
By 1900, Houston was one of the world's busiest ports; it served as an important distribution point for cotton exports to Europe and Asia. The city remains a major international, financial, and cultural center with an economy based primarily on natural resource extraction, processing, and manufacturing.
Houston's economy boomed during the early 20th century as its port and railroad industry grew. The city benefited from Galveston's diminished status after it was hit by a devastating hurricane in 1900. It has also flourished through the construction of the Houston Ship Channel and Texas' oil boom. The Houston Ship Channel is a 52-mile (84 km) waterway connecting the Port of Houston to the Gulf of Mexico. The channel has been dredged to a depth of 50 feet and is wide enough to accommodate the world's largest ships. The Port of Houston ranks first in Texas, second in the nation in foreign waterborne tonnage, and first in foreign oil exports. The Port of Houston is the most active in the United States. It handles more international shipping than any other U.S. port and second only to New York City's overall cargo tonnage, despite being eclipsed volume-wise by nearby ports such as Norfolk or Savannah— both of which are much smaller.
In the mid-20th century, Houston's economy diversified as the Texas Medical Center (the largest concentration of healthcare and research institutions in the world) was built there, along with NASA's Johnson Space Center—home to Mission Control. The world-renowned Texas Medical Center is a cluster of hospitals and clinics that form the largest medical center in the world. Today, Houston has a strong biomedical research and development concentration, an active space program, and an internationally recognized architectural landscape.
Houston’s leading role in the healthcare sector, its prominence as home to many oil companies, and its position as second only to New York City among U.S. cities with the most Fortune 500 headquarters are all factors that differentiate it from other major urban centers on a global scale. Houston is called the "Bayou City," "Space City," "H-Town," and, most notably, the "#713"; it has become a global city with strengths in culture, medicine, and research.
Houston's Culture and Diversity
Houston's population is comprised of people from various ethnic and religious backgrounds, as well as a growing international community. The Wall Street Journal has described the city as America's most racially and ethnically diverse major metropolitan area. Houston is the most ethnically diverse city in the United States, with over 140 languages spoken by its residents. As a result, it has also become a hub for international business and trade. It’s no wonder that Houston has been named one of the best cities in America by Forbes magazine!
Attractions in Houston, Texas
Houston offers many attractions for families, couples, or singles looking for a fun weekend getaway or extended vacation. The Houston Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the world, with over 5,000 animals. The zoo has been awarded the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation for its exemplary animal care and welfare programs. It also features a large children’s area with hands-on exhibits, daily keeper talks and feedings, and plenty of other fun activities for kids.
For those who love art museums, there are many options in Houston! The Museum District houses several museums, including The Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH), which houses an impressive collection of works from artists such as Rembrandt
Each year, the nineteen museums, galleries, and community spaces that comprise Houston's Museum District attract more than seven million visitors. The Theater District in Houston boasts an active visual and performing arts scene, with year-round resident companies in all major performing arts. The city also has many sports teams, including professional baseball, basketball, and football, and college sports programs like the University of Houston Cougars.
Since Houston is a sprawling metropolis, each distinct area of town offers a unique lifestyle that anyone can enjoy. If you're struggling to find the perfect place to live, don't fret. Just ask yourself what you want from Houston--fast-paced city life and culture? Easy access to the outdoors? Hipster coffee shops and local art? --and then start looking for some Houston apartments for rent. You'll find all of this and more in Bayou City.
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