Harris County, County in southeastern Texas, United States.
Harris County is a government region in southeastern Texas that includes the city of Houston and dozens of smaller communities. The territory stretches from the downtown core to flatter coastal plains near the Gulf of Mexico.
The region was formed in 1836 as Harrisburg County and renamed three years later after John Richardson Harris. This entrepreneur built the first steam-powered sawmill in the area and encouraged early settlement along Buffalo Bayou.
The population of 4.7 million residents includes substantial White, African American, Asian, and Hispanic communities, creating a multicultural environment across the region.
Visitors to the area can access numerous parks, health facilities, and transport links through a wide network of roads and public offices. Different districts offer varying atmospheres, from dense development in the city center to quieter suburban neighborhoods with more green space.
The total area is larger than the state of Rhode Island, showing the scale of this Texas region. Despite this expanse, Houston remains the clear center for government and public services.
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