Houston

City in Texas, United States

Houston is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Texas and the fourth most populous city in the United States. It is the largest city in the Southern United States and is located in Southeast Texas near Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

History

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Old map of Houston, 1873

Houston was founded on August 30, 1836, by land investors Augustus Chapman Allen and John Kirby Allen on land near the banks of Buffalo Bayou. The city was incorporated on June 5, 1837, and named after Sam Houston, the president of the Republic of Texas who had commanded and won at the Battle of San Jacinto, 25 miles east of where the city was established.

Geography

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Satellite image of Houston, 2020

Houston is located 165 miles east of Austin, 112 miles west of the Louisiana border, and 250 miles south of Dallas. The city has a total area of 637.4 square miles, of which 599.6 square miles is land and 22.3 square miles is water.

Climate

Houston has a humid subtropical climate, typical of the Southern United States. The city experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters. Houston is prone to severe weather, including hurricanes and flooding.

Economy

Houston's economy is based on a broad industrial base in energy, manufacturing, aeronautics, and transportation. It is also a leading center for building oilfield equipment. The city has the second most Fortune 500 headquarters of any U.S. municipality within its city limits, after New York City.

Demographics

Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the United States. The city is a major hub for immigration and has a large and growing international community. The city is home to a significant number of Hispanic and Latino residents, as well as large African American, Asian, and White American populations.

Culture

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Scene from Midtown Houston

Houston is known for its vibrant arts scene, with a strong presence in theater, music, and visual arts. The city is home to the Theater District, which includes the Houston Grand Opera, the Houston Symphony Orchestra, and the Alley Theatre.

Education

Houston is home to several major institutions of higher education, including Rice University, the University of Houston, and Texas Southern University. The city is also served by the Houston Independent School District, the largest public school system in Texas.

Transportation

Houston is a major transportation hub, with a well-developed network of highways, railroads, and airports. The city is served by George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport.

Notable Landmarks

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Neils Esperson Building in Houston

Houston is home to many notable landmarks, including the Space Center Houston, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Houston Zoo. The city is also known for its impressive skyline, which includes the JP Morgan Chase Tower, the tallest building in Texas.

Natural Disasters

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Flooding in Houston during Hurricane Harvey

Houston is susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms, with Hurricane Harvey in 2017 being one of the most devastating in the city's history. The storm caused widespread flooding and damage throughout the region.

Related pages

• List of cities in Texas
• History of Houston
• Economy of Houston