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Houston TexasINTRODUCTION Houston was named after General Sam Houston, the beloved first president of the Republic of Texas and an important general during the Texas Revolution. It is the largest city in the state of Texas and an important economic hub for aeronautics, oil, shipping cargo, and medical institutions. The city also proudly posses a large Hispanic and Asian population, that provides the various neighborhoods and nightspots of the city with a multicultural flair. Houston is more than just economics and demographics it is also one of only five US cities that has year-round performing arts companies in each of the major artistic disciplines and a contemporary skyline that can be beat by only a few other US cities. HISTORY In 1836, the area that is now Houston was purchased by New York real estate entrepreneurs and turned into the town of Houston, a few years later it was named the capital of the Republic of Texas. When the railroad industry became readily available, Houston turned itself into an important hub of commerce in the cotton trade. The 1901 discovery of oil in Texas lead to the creation of the Houston Ship Channel, helping make Houston the most important international port in America based on tonnage. In 1961, Houston became an important part of the American preoccupation with space, when NASA opened Manned Spacecraft Center (renamed the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center a decade later). In 2001, Houston was home to controversy when Houston based Enron became the second largest bankruptcy case in United States history and in 2005 Houston became a temporary home to many refugees escaping the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO There is no zoning in Houston; this has lead to horrendous urban sprawl, and three quasi downtowns. This has also lead to it being a city in which a car is absolutely vital for survival. ATTRACTIONS Sam Houston Park RESTAURANTS Marks American Cuisine The Basics: candlelit tables, art-deco walls, extensive wine list, fine American cuisine with French and Italian inspired dishes, attentive wait-staff, and mouth-watering desserts. Quick Tip: Reservations are essential, and don't forget your wallet! LODGING The Houstonian PERSONAL STORIES Wow... There are so many things to see in Houston. From the giant statue of Sam Houston, near Huntsville to the Port, where all of the big ships come in. It is amazing how big those ships are, they make a big truck look like a toy. Houston is a huge city but don't be afraid to run around it, I would rather drive in Houston than Dallas.. 
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