Houston: Information Resource Portal

Houston is the 4th largest (in terms of population) city in the United States. In area, it ranks second and is more than half the size of the State of Rhode Island. It is located in the southeastern gulf coast plains of Texas. It is an international business hub and energy capital of the US. Linked by the Houston Ship Channel to the Gulf of Mexico 50 miles away, Houston is one of the largest and busiest ports in the US, ranked 1st in foreign waterborne commerce, 2nd in total tonnage, and 6th in the world.

Houston was founded in 1836 at the headwaters of Buffalo Bayou, and was briefly the capital of the Republic of Texas. In 1901, at Spindletop just east of Houston, oil was discovered spawning an industry that still dominates the city today.

Houston has a temperate climate, though the weather can be brutal in the summer. Due to its proximity to the moderating influences of the gulf, the temperatures rarely exceed 100 degrees. However, the humidity can often reach 100% yielding a heat index (the apparent temperature to the human body) that is typically rated "miserable".

World-class medical institutions are located in Houston as are top rated museums, galleries, and performance halls. The Johnson Space Center, home of NASA Mission Control, is based nearby. Major sports teams include the Houston Astros (baseball), the Houston Rockets (basketball), and the Houston Texans (football).






	Houston Fast Facts History Government Geography Attractions Hotels	Houston is the 4th largest (in terms of population) city in the United States. In area, it ranks second and is more than half the size of the State of Rhode Island. It is located in the southeastern gulf coast plains of Texas. It is an international business hub and energy capital of the US. Linked by the Houston Ship Channel to the Gulf of Mexico 50 miles away, Houston is one of the largest and busiest ports in the US, ranked 1st in foreign waterborne commerce, 2nd in total tonnage, and 6th in the world. Houston was founded in 1836 at the headwaters of Buffalo Bayou, and was briefly the capital of the Republic of Texas. In 1901, at Spindletop just east of Houston, oil was discovered spawning an industry that still dominates the city today. Houston has a temperate climate, though the weather can be brutal in the summer. Due to its proximity to the moderating influences of the gulf, the temperatures rarely exceed 100 degrees. However, the humidity can often reach 100% yielding a heat index (the apparent temperature to the human body) that is typically rated "miserable". World-class medical institutions are located in Houston as are top rated museums, galleries, and performance halls. The Johnson Space Center, home of NASA Mission Control, is based nearby. Major sports teams include the Houston Astros (baseball), the Houston Rockets (basketball), and the Houston Texans (football).

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