Houston

This city spreads across 640 square miles (1,658 square kilometers) near Galveston Bay, encompassing diverse districts and neighborhoods linked by an extensive network of interstate highways and local roads.

The Allen brothers acquired 6,642 acres (2,688 hectares) along Buffalo Bayou in August 1836, establishing the settlement as a commercial hub linking the Texas interior with Gulf Coast ports.

The Texas Medical Center encompasses 47 medical institutions, research centers, and educational facilities, forming the largest medical complex worldwide and treating patients from across the globe.

The Metro Rail system operates three lines covering 23 miles (37 kilometers), connecting Downtown to NRG Park, the Museum District, and the Texas Medical Center. George Bush Intercontinental Airport serves international flights, while William P. Hobby Airport handles domestic routes.

The Johnson Space Center houses Mission Control, which coordinates all NASA human spaceflight operations and maintains continuous communication with crews aboard the International Space Station from a facility that has supported every crewed mission since Gemini 4 in 1965.

Location: Harris County

Location: Texas

Inception: August 1836

Founders: Augustus Chapman Allen, John Kirby Allen

Elevation above the sea: 13 m

Part of: North Barrier Coast

Shares border with: Bellaire, Humble, Pasadena

Address: Houston, TX, USA

Website: https://houstontx.gov

GPS coordinates: 29.76278,-95.38306

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:45