Houston, Texas
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, Houston served as a
Senator and later Governor of Texas.
Located in southeast Texas, the city was founded in 1836 and laid out by Augustus C. Allen and John K. Allen. Its coastal environment was not a healthy environment; together with the climate it encouraged many diseases, the most threatening of which was Yellow Fever. By 1900, spraying for mosquitoes eventually controlled this.
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 area 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. Although cotton was the major industry in the area it was World War II that brought the biggest demand on the Houston for gasoline, oil, explosives, ships and many other local commodities.
In 1958 the National Aeronautics and Space Administration made its home in Houston assuring the city its place in space age technologies.
Now the largest City in Texas with a population of over 1,500,000, Houston 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.
A world center of oil, natural gas, iron and steel, paper products, electrical and electronic machinery, Houston also offers the visitor a diverse cultural environment.
Places To Visit
Museum of Fine Arts
Houston, TX
Tel: (713)-639-7300
Make an early start to this wonderful museum because there is so much to take in. Marvel to the works of the masters, then take in the sculptures from many cultures. The splendid decorative arts collection houses many examples of textiles and costumes. Throughout the year visitors can enjoy a variety of lectures that explain the various exhibits and collections in depth. The Museum also presents a fine series of films each year. www.mfah.org
Menil Collection
1515 Sul Ross
Houston, TX
Tel:(713)-525-9400
The museum was established in 1987 by John and Dominique de Menil as a showpiece for their fine art collection, an eclectic mix including tribal cultures and the Byzantine era, Warhol and Matisse. In addition to the permanent collection, special exhibits are staged every year. Also at this location are the Cy Twombly Gallery, the Byzantine Fresco Chapel and the Rothko Chapel. Complete your visit by dropping by the bookstore for souvenirs of this fine museum. www.menil.org
Holocaust Museum
5401 Caroline
Houston, TX
Tel:(713)-789-9898
A recent construction, the Holocaust Museum presents a stirring visual and audio account of the Jewish Holocaust. Through the stories of various people who survived this horrendous period, visitors will be touched, changed and educated by their experiences.
Grand 1894 Opera House Wortham Center
Texas Avenue, Houston, TX
Tel: (713)-546-0200
This non-profit institution, known as the 'Official Opera House of Texas', brings locals and visitors alike a wonderful selection of artists. From dancing to singing to comedy and more, the Opera House has entertained millions throughout its long life. A staple of the community, "the Grand" features educational programs; it can also be reserved for special occasions such as conventions and weddings, providing a unique location. Houstongrandopera.org
Houston Symphony
Jones Hall 615 Louisiana Houston,TX
Tel: (713)-227-2787
The 3,000-seat Jones Hall is home to the Houston Symphony. Founded in 1913, the Symphony is always busy, whether at home or on tour or recording. Jones Hall allows the symphony to perform at its ideal acoustic levels thanks to a moveable ceiling that can be adjusted for each performance.
Houston Ballet
Wortham Center 500 Texas Ave., Houston, TX
Tel: (713)-523-6300
Tickets (713)-227-2787
The Houston Ballet, an internationally renowned company, offers over 100 performances a year, most notably its annual performance of the "Nutcracker". The season runs from September to June.
Space Center Houston
1601 NASA Road 1 Houston, TX
Tel: (281)-244-2100
The Space Center is the visitors' center for the NASA Johnson Space Center. Here visitors enjoy exhibits ranging from the history of manned space flight to the future exploration of space. A tram will take you off to see working areas, shuttle payload bays (used in practice) and a Saturn rocket. The Kids' Space Place is a fun, interactive hands-on area especially for children ages 3-11. Here they can touch moon rocks and view a full-scale model of the space shuttle. An IMAX theatre provides thrills for all ages.
Sesquicentennial Park
510 Preston Houston, TX
Tel: (713)-250-3666
A wonderful city park presenting works of various artists, sculptors, architects and over 1,000 local school children. The Park features seven stainless steel columns measuring 70 feet each. The columns reflect the city's foundations of technology, energy, medicine, manufacturing and more. When lit at night from within, the display is magnificent. Located on the banks of the Buffalo Bayou, the park was built in 1986 to commemorate the 150th birthday of Houston. It is a serene and popular area for visitors to stroll and enjoy. A three-story pavilion, surrounded by relaxing waterfalls, makes the area even more attractive. Bikers and walkers alike will enjoy the many trails winding throughout the park.
Market Square Historic District Main Street area Houston, TX
Tel: (713)-656-1912
This park area is filled with many old buildings and the Heritage Homes Tours are a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon. Spanning an area of 28 blocks, the Bagby/Walker area houses these lovely homes. The oldest commercial structure in Houston is the Kennedy Bakery located at 813 Congress Ave. Another building of note is the Rice Hotel, located at Main and Texas, where President John F. Kennedy spent a portion of his last night. Entered on the National Register of Historic places in 1986, this area was the original downtown of Houston. In addition to the homes and buildings, visitors can enjoy the numerous restaurants and clubs.
The Alley Theatre
Tel: (713)-228-9341 for tickets (713)-228-8421 box office
This gem of a theatre has been a popular Houston landmark for over 50 years. The Alley started life quite literally in an alley and has much to offer. The Alley boldly experiments with a large variety of productions for diverse audiences. "Pay-what-you-can" nights open the theatre to all. Young playwrights can submit their works to the theatre and many educational and community outreach programs are available. College students apply for internships here to further their experience in the field. The Alley also uses Spanish and sign language translators. If you'd like a look behind the scenes, a backstage tour can be arranged. This truly is a theatre with open arms!
Houston Museum of Natural Science
One Hermann Circle Dr., Houston, TX 77030
Tel: (713)-639-4600 or (713)-639-IMAX
It's hard to know where to start first at this museum but a truly unique experience can be found at the Cockrell Butterfly Center. There, you will find over 1500 live butterflies from around the world in an indoor rainforest setting. The Burke Baker Planetarium is a world of wonder for everyone fascinated by astronomy. Weekend nights feature laser lights shows accompanied by various musical selections. The Observatory is world-famous, as well as an outstanding exhibition of dinosaur fossils and bones. Settle down in the Wortham IMAX theatre and enjoy the huge six-story screen. www.amns.org
Admiral Nimitz Museum
340 East Main Street Fredricksburg, TX 78624
Tel: (830)-997-4379
Not too far from Houston, the Admiral Nimitz Museum presents the story of Adm. Chester W. Nimitz and World War II in the Pacific. Uniformed history interpreters relate stories of World War II and present artifacts from the war. The indoor area houses quite a few exhibitions but the 7-acre site has outdoor displays too. Allied and Japanese aircraft, tanks and a working flame-thrower are just a few. The Nimitz Museum is truly a unique and educational experience for the whole family.
Six Flags Houston
Six Flags Astroworld & Waterworld 9001 Kirby Drive Houston, TX 77054
Tel: (713)-799-8404
Visit two great entertanment complexes side by side. Six Flags WaterWorld offers hours of fun for all from water slides to a five-story interactive water tree house. Go next door and thrill to the many rides at SixFlags Astroworld. With more roller coasters than any other park in Texas, this Six Flags will keep you "on a roll" for a long time. With all the concerts, shows and restaurants, there's plenty of time to sit back and relax before hitting those rides again!
Houston Astrodome, Astrohall, Astro Arena
8400 Kirby Drive Houston, TX 77054
Tel: (713)-799-9500
One of the largest multi-entertainment complexes in the world, this magnificent domed stadium is fully air-conditioned and can seat 60,000. It's to the NFL Houston Oilers football team, the National League Houston Astros baseball team, the Tigers of Texas Southern University, the USFL Gamblers and the University of Houston's Cougars. Many other forms of entertainment also take place under this roof including boxing, rodeos and even conventions. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo takes place in The Astrohall which is one of the largest exhibition centers. The Astroarena has 6,000 theatre-type seats. The parking areas have accommodation for 30,000 cars.
