Houston history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Houston begins on 30 August 1836, when entrepreneurial brothers Augustus and John Allen purchased land near the Buffalo Bayou river. Their goal was to create a new major commercial and political centre in the newly formed Republic of Texas. The city was named in honour of General Sam Houston, a hero of the Texas Revolution and the first president of the republic. Official city status was granted on 5 June 1837.

• Capital Status: From 1837 to 1839, Houston served as the temporary capital of the Republic of Texas, which significantly accelerated its initial development.
• Rapid Growth: Although only 12 people lived in the settlement in January 1837, the population grew to 1,500 within just four months.

Key Factors of Formation

The young city owed its growth and prosperity to several key factors that determined its future as one of the largest metropolises in the USA.

• Geographical Location: Its location on the coastal plain, just 50 kilometres from the Gulf of Mexico, and the presence of the navigable Buffalo Bayou river provided the city with access to the sea and trade advantages.
• Trade and Transport: In the 19th century, Houston turned into an important commercial hub thanks to the development of the port and the construction of railways. It became a centre for the export of cotton and other agricultural produce. The opening of the Houston Ship Channel in 1914 finally cemented its status as a major seaport.
• Political Influence: The brief period as the capital attracted politicians, entrepreneurs, and settlers to the city, laying the foundation for future economic growth.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Houston's early economy was closely tied to agriculture and trade. Symbols of progress of that time — a plough and a locomotive — were even depicted on the official seal of the city, approved in 1840. Railways connected the port with the inland regions of Texas, fostering the development of commerce. However, the turning point in the city's history was the discovery of a large oil field nearby in 1901, which marked the beginning of a powerful oil industry and predetermined Houston's economic leadership in the 20th century.

Timeline of Houston's Development

• 1836 — Entrepreneurs the Allen brothers found the city and name it in honour of Sam Houston, a hero of the Texas Revolution.
• 1837 — Houston receives city status and becomes the temporary capital of the Republic of Texas for two years.
• 1860 — The city is established as an important railway hub, specialising in the transport of cotton.
• 1900 — The devastating Galveston Hurricane strikes the coast, which subsequently contributes to the transfer of commercial activity inland to Houston.
• 1901 — The discovery of the Spindletop oil field near the city kickstarts the oil boom, predetermining Houston's economic future.
• 1914 — President Woodrow Wilson officially opens the deep-water Houston Ship Channel, transforming the city into a major seaport.
• 1930 — Houston becomes the most populous city in the state of Texas.
• 1940s — World War II stimulates the growth of the refining and petrochemical industries along the ship channel.
• 1961 — NASA announces the creation of the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston.
• 1969 — The Mission Control Center in Houston directs the historic "Apollo 11" mission to land a man on the Moon.
• 1973 — The space centre is named after the 36th US President, Lyndon B. Johnson.
• 1990 — The city hosts the 16th G7 Summit, confirming its international status.

Key Milestones in Houston's Development

The history of Houston is a clear example of how strategic decisions, natural resources, and scientific ambitions turned a small town into a metropolis of global significance. Below are the main stages that defined its modern appearance.

• The Oil Boom (early 1900s): The discovery of the giant Spindletop oil field near the city in 1901 was a turning point. This event marked the beginning of the Texas "oil fever", turning Houston into the epicentre of a new energy era and laying the foundation for its future wealth. Investment and labour flooded into the city, stimulating rapid growth.
• Opening of the Houston Ship Channel (1914): Deepening and widening the Buffalo Bayou waterway transformed Houston from a river port for inland areas into a deep-water seaport with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. This event radically changed its economic significance, making the city one of the key centres of international trade, especially for the export of oil and cotton.
• Establishment of the Texas Medical Center (from 1945): The official founding of the Texas Medical Center in 1945 marked the beginning of Houston's development as a world leader in healthcare, research, and medical education. Today, it is the largest medical complex in the world, serving not only as a leading employer but also as a magnet for top specialists and patients from across the globe.
• Era of "Space City" (from 1961): NASA's decision to establish the Manned Spacecraft Center (now the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center) in Houston forever linked the city with space exploration. This attracted highly qualified specialists to the region, fostered the development of aerospace and technology sectors, and gave the city its famous nickname — "Space City".
• Economic Diversification (1980s — present): The oil crisis of the 1980s clearly demonstrated the vulnerability of an economy dependent on a single sector. In response, Houston began to actively diversify its economic base. The city successfully developed sectors such as finance, biotechnology, international logistics, and renewable energy, making its economy more resilient.
• Cultural and Demographic Transformation (late 20th — early 21st century): Houston has transformed into one of the most multi-ethnic and fastest-growing metropolises in the USA. This diversity is reflected in all aspects of city life: from a thriving culinary scene to a rich cultural landscape including numerous museums, theatres, and festivals.

The architectural appearance of Houston is a visual reflection of its turbulent economic history. Unlike many older cities, Houston did not pass through Gothic or Renaissance eras. Its urban development began in the 19th century and accelerated in the 20th, creating an eclectic cityscape dominated by modern styles. The absence of strict zoning laws allowed various architectural forms to freely coexist next to one another.

Early Period and Art Deco Style (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

The initial development of the city followed the grid layout typical of American cities. Victorian style prevailed in architecture, but most buildings of that period have not survived. The true architectural flourishing began with the oil boom. In the 1920s and 1930s, the Art Deco style became the symbol of prosperity. It was embodied in the city's first skyscrapers, distinguished by elegant lines and luxurious decorative elements.

• JPMorgan Chase Building (1929): Originally known as the Gulf Building, this 37-storey building was the tallest in the city for a long time and remains one of the finest examples of Art Deco in Houston.
• Houston City Hall (1939): The City Hall building represents a more restrained version of Art Deco, characteristic of public buildings of that era.

The Modernist Era (1950s – 1970s)

The post-war economic rise and Houston's emergence as the "space capital" coincided with the flourishing of Modernism and the International Style. This period is characterised by strict geometric forms, the use of glass, steel, and concrete, as well as a rejection of ornamentation in favour of pure functionality. Architecture sought to reflect the spirit of technological progress.

• One Shell Plaza (1971): This skyscraper was the tallest building in Houston at the time of construction, a striking example of a modernist office tower.
• Rothko Chapel (1971): Created with the participation of the famous architect Philip Johnson, this octagonal chapel is an icon of modernist architecture and an important cultural object.

Postmodernism and Skyscrapers (1980s – 1990s)

In response to the austerity of modernism, Postmodernism arrived in the 1980s, bringing back a play with historical forms, decorativeness, and symbolism to architecture. This period coincided with another oil boom, leading to the construction of the most recognisable skyscrapers that formed Houston's modern skyline. The leading figure of this era was architect Philip Johnson.

• Williams Tower (1983): This 64-storey skyscraper, located outside Downtown, is one of the tallest buildings in the USA outside a central business district and a striking example of postmodern aesthetics.
• TC Energy Center (1983): Formerly known as the Bank of America Center, this building, designed by Philip Johnson and John Burgee, is famous for its stepped gables referencing Dutch Gothic architecture.
• Heritage Plaza (1987): The skyscraper is known for its stepped granite crown, resembling a Mayan pyramid.

Contemporary Architecture (21st Century)

Today, Houston's urban development continues. Modern projects emphasise sustainability, energy efficiency, and the creation of multi-functional spaces where residential, commercial, and public zones are integrated with one another. The city continues to grow, maintaining its dynamic and diverse architectural character.

Notable People Connected to Houston

Houston's history is rich with the names of people who made significant contributions not only to the development of the city but also left a mark on world history, science, and culture. From visionary founders to global stars — here are just a few of them.

• The Allen Brothers (John and Augustus) — entrepreneurs who founded Houston in 1836. It was their business acumen and belief in the potential of the swampy terrain near the Buffalo Bayou river that laid the foundation for the future metropolis.
• Sam Houston — general and politician, the first president of the Republic of Texas. Although he was not the founder, the city was named in his honour, forever linking his name with the history of Houston and the entire state.
• Howard Hughes — aviation pioneer, engineer, film producer, and one of the most eccentric billionaires of the 20th century. He was born in Houston, where his father founded the prosperous Hughes Tool Company, which became the basis of his future financial empire.
• Michael DeBakey — world-renowned pioneering cardiac surgeon. His work at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston turned the city into one of the leading global centres for cardiovascular surgery. He performed the first successful coronary artery bypass and developed numerous surgical instruments and techniques.
• Hakeem Olajuwon — legendary basketball player, member of the Basketball Hall of Fame. He led the "Houston Rockets" team to two NBA championship titles in 1994 and 1995, becoming a true symbol of the city's sporting victories.
• Beyoncé Knowles — global superstar, singer, actress, and producer. She was born and raised in Houston, where she began her music career as part of the group Destiny's Child. Beyoncé often proudly mentions her Texas roots.
• Wes Anderson — cult film director known for his unique visual style. He was born in Houston, and his early years spent here influenced his work, which is noticeable in films such as "Rushmore".