Houston History

HOUSTON HISTORY

Many people from Texas may know of Houston’s beginnings; however, there is so much more to this area than what is taught in school. Also, many people moving to our city may never have learned of Houston’s founding and history.

Houston was founded by the Allen brothers and named after General Sam Houston, who led Texas’ fight for independence from Mexico, and became the president of the Republic of Texas. There are many places named in his honor, as well as statues and plaques in memory of him and his army - not only in Houston but in many other areas of Texas.

Houston saw many changes and growth in the late 1800s, such as Congress appropriating funds to improve the Houston Ship Channel in 1872. The first car was brought to the city in 1897, and in 1899 and the first park, Sam Houston Park, showcased the cities’ original buildings.

Electricity came to the city by Houston Electric Light Company, making Houston and New York the first cities to build electric power plants. From this point on, there was no stopping the growth of this powerful City and the residents that called Houston home.

In 1901 oil was discovered in Spindletop, then in 1905 in Humble, and in 1906 in Goose Creek, making Houston the center of new oil discoveries and the development of oilfield equipment. It was not long after this Houston was given even more money; to further improve and expand the Ship Channel in the amount of $1,000,000 by Congress.

In 1905, Houston’s citizens purchased 80 automobiles. 1912 saw the opening of the Rice Institute which today is Rice University (one of the highest ranking universities in the Country), and the Houston Symphony Orchestra was organized. In 1913 Houston’s Chamber of Commerce businessmen proposed splitting proceeds from the Ship Channel’s profits between the City and the Federal Government, knowing this would enable the Ship Channel to continue to expand and grow.

When the first deep sea vessel came through the Houston Ship Channel in 1914, oil refineries began forming and popping up around the Ship Channel. The First Library soon opened and the first building was air conditioned in 1923, which was the Second National Bank Building. The Houston Museum of Fine Arts opened, which was the first in Texas and the first Junior College opened.

By 1926, natural gas was first piped into the city, and new businesses were opening all around the City, which brought more citizens to Houston. By 1930, Harris County had the largest population in the State according to the census of over 290,000 residents.

In 1932, Houston held it’s first Fat Stock Show and Rodeo, as we know today as, Houston Fat Stock and Rodeo, an annual event which is still celebrated and grows larger each year. …. Houston History Part 2 coming soon….