The city of Houston, Texas, has a long history. In 1880, the Houston Post and the Houston Chronicle were established, and in 1887, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word opened St. Joseph's Hospital. Houston has been home to three major newspapers, a newspaper, radio station, and boutiques.
In the 1940s, the city saw many changes. The Galveston Freeway was constructed, as was the International Terminal at Houston International Airport. It also saw the establishment of the Texas Medical Center and the Houston Public School Stadium. In the early '40s, Pan Am began air service, and in 1942, the cruiser Houston, named after the city, was lost during a battle in Java, Indonesia. In the 1950s, the city of Houston had its first network television and the University of Houston celebrated its 25th anniversary. In the 1950s, Houston was in need of a new water supply, as ground water caused land subsidence. This led to a proposal by the Texas Congress for a new river system called the Trinity River.
In the early 1830s, General Sam Houston led an army to victory in the Battle of San Jacinto. Soon after, two brothers purchased 6,600 acres of land near Buffalo Bayou, planning to create a new town on the land. This was the earliest documented incident in the history of Houston post-independence.
After the Civil War, many free black people moved to Houston and formed their own economic and social networks. By the end of the nineteenth century, about 20% of the Houston population was black. Railroads serving Houston increased transportation options and created jobs for many people. The city's boundaries were expanded to include an area north of Buffalo Bayou. The city continued to be an important center for business in Texas. In 1870, Houston held its first State Fair. The fair lasted until 1878.
The city's history is complex. It has been home to diverse cultures and origin stories. The city is home to numerous music genres. Tyina Steptoe's book Houston Bound focuses on the evolution of musical genres in the Greater Houston area. The authors argue that the diversity of Houston's musical culture deserves scholarly recognition. Throughout Houston's history, the city has been shaped by many historical and cultural events.
The city's growth continued throughout the twentieth century. As the city expanded south, commercial development replaced residential areas. By the 1960s, Main Street was the city's main thoroughfare, connecting downtown to the newly developed Texas Medical Center and the newly-constructed Astrodome stadium. While Houston is a rapidly growing city, its past is a tragic one. Regardless of the city's turbulent history, the city continues to prosper.
The city's population increased to nearly 58,000. Oil companies and other businesses started establishing offices in the city. In 1912, Rice Institute opened its doors, making it the first institute of higher learning in the city. During the 1920s, tall buildings began to rise in the city's Second Ward. A large influx of immigrants from Mexico and other countries settled in the city's Second Ward.