Houston

Houston is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Texas and the fourth most populous city in the United States. With a census-estimated 2019 population of 2.32 million, it is the seat of Harris County and the principal city of the Greater Houston metropolitan area, which is the fifth most populous metropolitan statistical area in the United States. Houston is the southeast anchor of the greater Megaregion known as the Texas Triangle.

History[edit | edit source]

Houston was founded on August 30, 1836, by brothers 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 then-President of the Republic of Texas—former General Sam Houston—who had commanded at the Battle of San Jacinto, which took place 25 miles (40 km) east of where the city was established.

Economy[edit | edit source]

Houston's economy has a broad industrial base in energy, manufacturing, aeronautics, and transportation. It is also leading in health care sectors and building oilfield equipment; only New York City is home to more Fortune 500 headquarters. The Port of Houston ranks first in the United States in international waterborne tonnage handled and second in total cargo tonnage handled.

Culture[edit | edit source]

Houston is a diverse city with a thriving international community supported by the third largest concentration of consular offices in the United States, representing 92 countries. Many annual events celebrate the diverse cultures of Houston. The largest and longest-running is the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, held over 20 days from late February to early March.

Education[edit | edit source]

Houston is the home of the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world, with a local economic impact of $10 billion. More than 52,000 people work within its facilities, which encompass 21 million square feet. Houston also hosts a number of prominent higher education institutions, including the University of Houston and Rice University.

Sports[edit | edit source]

Houston has teams for nearly every major professional sports league, including the Houston Astros (MLB), Houston Rockets (NBA), Houston Texans (NFL), and the Houston Dynamo (MLS).

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