History Buff

Journey Through Houston's Past

Houston is a city of firsts--home to the first successful human heart transplant and America's first public television station; the first word spoken on the moon; the birthplace of nanotechnology and (hush, don't tell our friends in Louisiana) Zydeco. Gain an appreciation for this rich history by exploring some of Houston's greatest landmarks.

Don't forget to check out Houston's Unique Experiences and exclusive savings down below.

buffalo bayou cistern

Downtown

A downtown walking tour along Buffalo Bayou illustrates how some of the city's oldest buildings have been revitalized as restaurants, hotels, lofts and nightclubs. Houston was founded along Buffalo Bayou, in 1836, at Allen's Landing. 

Buffalo Bayou Park and Memorial Drive

The historic Market Square was originally designed as the commercial hub of the city and has remained a geographic centerpiece of downtown Houston since the arrival of the city's founders in 1836. Market Square Park, which has recently been re-landscaped, is surrounded by 19th century architecture, and now houses a variety of businesses, entertainment venues and dining establishments. 

The Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, the oldest black church in the city, was founded in 1875 by freed slaves, with the Reverend Mr. Jack Yates as its first pastor.

Heritage Society

The Julia Ideson Library Building, named for the long-time Houston librarian, was erected in 1926 as part of the planned civic center. The historical room of the building houses collections of Texas history

Make a stop at the Heritage Society, Houston's only outdoor, interactive historic museum and park. Nestled in 10 acres of green parkland in the heart of downtown Houston, The Heritage Society boasts 9 historic structures--eight historic homes and a church--dating from 1823 to 1905. 

Inner Loop

Bayou Bend, the former home of Houston philanthropist Ima Hogg, currently houses the American decorative arts collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Considered one of the premier collections in the country, the rare and beautiful objects dating from approximately 1620 to 1876, are installed throughout the 1920s mansion in 28 period room settings.

Glenwood Cemetery

Many of Houston's most famous citizens are buried in Glenwood Cemetery, designed in 1871. The cemetery's most famous resident is Howard R. Hughes, Jr, aviator, industrialist and reclusive billionaire. 

River Oaks Theater

The River Oaks Theatre, built in 1939, is an example of late-1930s Art Deco design. It was the last of the deluxe neighborhood movie theaters built by Interstate Theatre Corporation. Since 1976, the theater has been operated by Landmark Theatres and generally shows foreign language and independent films, as well as other "art-house" movies. The theater is part of the River Oaks Shopping Center, the oldest shopping center in Texas. 

Hailed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," the Astrodome is the world's first domed stadium. The $38 million, 208-foot tall stadium was erected on drained marsh land and introduced synthetic turf. The first indoor baseball game was played before a crowd that included President Lyndon Johnson and Texas Governor John Connally on April 9, 1965.

Outer Loop

San Jacinto Monument

The San Jacinto Monument and Museum are located on the San Jacinto Battleground, the site Texas won its independence from Mexico. The edifice was erected as a tribute to the Texas army which, led by General Sam Houston, defeated the Mexicans in 1836. Atop the monument--the tallest masonry structure in the world, fifteen feet taller than the Washington Monument--is the Lone Star of Texas. The museum, at the base of the monument, houses one of the largest collections of Texas art, artifacts and history.

Space Center Houston

Johnson Space Center

Located 45 minute south of downtown in the Clear Lake area of Houston is the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, which has made Houston synonymous with the nation's space achievements. It was from the space center that man's first moon landing was directed. The Center contains the facilities for selection and training of astronauts, and for design, development and testing of manned spacecrafts. On display on the grounds of the center are replicas of the various spacecraft developed by the U.S. space program. Space Center Houston is Johnson Space Center's key attraction for visitors, which displays moon rocks, astronaut flight suits and more.  Space Center Houston also offers a Level 9 Tour, which takes visitors behind-the-scenes into the life of an astronaut.

Galveston Neighborhood

The History of Galveston Island

Take a comfortable journey through historic Galveston Island where the glories of the 19th century are interwoven with 20th century pleasures. Galveston, Texas, was the second richest city in the United States and the leading cotton port in the world until the devastating hurricane of 1900. The city made a remarkable recovery and is now a fascinating combination of old, restored, and new.

Tour Galveston's most recognizable architectural attraction, the Bishop's Palace. Ranked among the top 100 homes in the U.S. in architectural significance, this magnificent 1887 structure stands as a symbol of Galveston's glorious past. 

Since 1859 Ashton Villa has withstood the onslaughts of both man and nature . . . the Civil War, the 1900 Hurricane, the threat of demolition. Today this grand Italianate mansion, elegantly restored to its ante-bellum beauty is one of the jewels in Galveston's crown. 

Magnificently restored and ranked among the nation's finest historical commercial restorations, The Grand 1894 Opera House on Galveston Island today serves as a showcase for outstanding live entertainment year round. The Grand was rescued from demolition in the mid 1970's and underwent a 12-year, $7 million refurbishment, which has earned the theatre various awards of excellence in design.

The Strand National Historic Landmark is the finest concentration of 19th century iron-front commercial buildings in the nation. It was once called the "Wall Street" of the Southwest. In this lively area you will find antiques, galleries, curios, gifts and boutiques ranging from an authentic candy factory, to a military surplus store. There are discount stores and restaurants galore.