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covers a larger land area with less population than might otherwise
be expected. Everything is spread out. No matter where you are, almost
nothing will be within walking distance. The entire city is built on
the assumption that nearly everyone owns and drives a car virtually
everywhere they go. Houston is home to among the nation's largest Asian,
Arab and Latin American populations. The
largest City in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, Houston
has a population of over 1,500,000. This Texas city 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.
Houston’s international cuisine, moderate weather, and superb arts offerings
are just a few of the reasons for the city’s popularity. Outdoor recreation
in Houston all year and find quality entertainment day or night in local
theme parks, major-league sports arenas, and in Houston’s highly acclaimed
museums. Restaurants and entertainment are a short walk or trolley ride
away in the downtown area. The METRO light rail whisks riders through
the world-renowned Texas Medical Center, to the state-of-the-art Reliant
Park sports and event facilities.
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, serving as a Senator and later as Governor
of Texas.
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 junction for the U.S. grain market.
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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. World War II found Houston a major supplier of
many commodities. In 1958 the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
made its home in Houston assuring the city its place in space age technologies.
Houstonians are proud of their city’s diversity. The Houston Livestock
Show and Rodeo, the Art Car Parade, the International Festival, Fiesta
Patrias, the Westheimer Street Festival, the Children's Festival, and
a variety of holiday celebrations bring the City together throughout
the seasons of the year and are a source of great enjoyment for visitors..
Houston is renowned as a world center of oil, natural gas, iron and
steel, paper products, electrical and electronic machinery. Above all,
however, Houston is a city of great neighborhoods that welcome the visitor
to a rich cultural environment and an enjoyable and memorable vacation.
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