The
largest City in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, Houston
has a population of over 1,500,000. This Texas city has much to
offer both visitor and resident including more than twenty universities and
colleges such as the distinguished University of Houston, the University of
Texas-Houston Health and Science Center, Texas Southern University and Rice
University.
Houston’s
international cuisine, moderate weather, and superb arts offerings are just
a few of the reasons for the city’s popularity. Outdoor
recreation in Houston all year and find quality entertainment day or night
in local theme parks, major-league sports arenas, and in Houston’s
highly acclaimed museums. Restaurants and entertainment are a short
walk or trolley ride away in the downtown area. The METRO light rail
whisks riders through the world-renowned Texas Medical Center, to the
state-of-the-art Reliant Park sports and event facilities.
Houston
was named for Samuel Houston (1793-1863), the politician and general who was
at the forefront of Texas' fight for independence from Mexico. He later
became President of the Republic of Texas; when Texas became part of the
Union, serving as a Senator and later as Governor of Texas.
In
1914 the Houston Ship Channel was created, beginning a whole new life for
Houston. The 50-mile long channel linked Houston to Galveston Bay and the
Gulf of Mexico. This deep-water port became a major shipping link and an
important junction for the U.S. grain market.
The
following year oil was discovered and the boom began. Oil companies flooded
the area and by the end of the decade there were forty companies located in
the city. World War II found Houston a major supplier of many
commodities. In 1958 the National Aeronautics and Space Administration made
its home in Houston assuring the city its place in space age technologies.
Houstonians
are proud of their city’s diversity. The Houston Livestock Show and
Rodeo, the Art Car Parade, the International Festival, Fiesta Patrias, the
Westheimer Street Festival, the Children's Festival, and a variety of
holiday celebrations bring the City together throughout the seasons of the
year and are a source of great enjoyment for visitors..
Houston
is renowned as a world center of oil, natural gas, iron and steel, paper
products, electrical and electronic machinery. Above all, however, Houston
is a city of great neighborhoods that welcome the visitor to a rich cultural
environment and an enjoyable and memorable vacation.
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