Fondly known as the
Bayou City, once nicknamed
Space City, and widely recognized as the energy capital of the world, Houston was founded in 1836 (by brothers Augustus and John Allen) on the banks of Buffalo Bayou (a creek). This southeast Texan city is named after General Sam Houston, of the Texas Army that won independence from Mexico.
Within a year of its foundation, Houston became the
capital of the
Republic of Texas until 1840, when that honor was transferred to
Austin. However, this Republic was rather short-lived as Texas joined the
Union in 1845.
Despite its
high-rise skyline, Houston has an
open feel with several
lakes and
waterways (such as the Buffalo Bayou) winding their way through the city, surrounded by
lush green landscape.
The city has been a
dynamic center of
business, particularly in
oil, since ’black gold’ was discovered at nearby Beaumont in 1901. It is also the
leader in
space technology - Houston is
home to NASA and the
Johnson Space Center, the base for Mission Control and the place where astronauts are trained. It was established in 1961, as NASA’s primary site for the design, development and testing of spacecraft for human flight.
The
port area, which is linked to the city by the Houston Ship Channel, an 80km (50-mile) inland waterway, is
thriving and has developed into an
important business district for the city.
The city is now the
fourth largest in
America, covering an area of 1600 sq km (618 sq miles).
In recent years, Houston’s
Downtown has undergone a
dramatic transformation into a dynamic area of the city. It’s now both an
entertainment and
residential district, and many buildings have been converted into loft apartments that sell at a premium.
The area is a magnet for people who wish to have dinner, see a movie or a show and walk along the historic waterfront in
Sesquicentennial Park and on the
Sabine-to-Bagby Promenade.
Bayou Place, an entertainment complex in the Downtown Theater District, has been a great addition to the area, providing
restaurants,
live music and a
multiplex cinema.
Houston has a
temperate climate all year round, although the
humidity in the height of
summer can make the city feel warmer than the actual temperature. Such a climate means
lush green gardens, fragrant flowers and towering trees.
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
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Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
Related Texas Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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