Houston's Deep-Water Port
Historical marker location:AS EARLY AS THE 1820s, SHIPS BEGAN USING BUFFALO BAYOU TO CONNECT HARRISBURG, NOW PART OF HOUSTON, TO GALVESTON BAY AND THE GULF OF MEXICO. AS MORE PEOPLE CAME TO HOUSTON, TRAFFIC AND COMMERCE ALONG THE BAYOU GREW AND THE NEED FOR A DEEPER WATERWAY BECAME APPARENT. AFTER CHARLES STEWART, U.S. CONGRESSMAN FROM HOUSTON, BROUGHT ATTENTION TO THE NEED FOR WORK ALONG THE BAYOU IN THE 1880s, U.S. REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPH C. HUTCHESON CHAMPIONED A BILL ALLOWING FOR THE COMMITTEE ON RIVERS AND HARBORS TO SURVEY THE WATERWAY. CONGRESSMAN THOMAS BALL LED THE DELEGATION ON THE SURVEY TOUR AND THEY AGREED THAT HOUSTON WAS DESTINED TO BE A SEAPORT. THE DESTRUCTION OF GALVESTON’S PORT DURING THE GREAT STORM OF 1900 CREATED INCREASED PRESSURE FOR A LARGER AND SAFER INLAND DEEP-WATER PORT.
DURING THE EARLY 1900s, THOMAS BALL TRIED TO CONVINCE CONGRESS TO SUPPORT FULLY A DEEP-WATER PORT FOR HOUSTON. BUSINESS AND CIVIC LEADERS JOINED FORCES IN 1909, ALLOWING BALL TO PROPOSE THE “HOUSTON PLAN,” IN WHICH LOCAL CONSTITUENTS OFFERED TO PAY HALF THE COST OF THE DEEP-WATER DREDGING. CONGRESS ACCEPTED THE OFFER AND THIS COST-SHARING AGREEMENT SET A PRECEDENT FOR FUNDING OF FUTURE FEDERAL PROJECTS. WORK BEGAN IN 1912 AND THE 52-MILE-LONG DEEP-WATER CHANNEL OFFICIALLY OPENED ON NOVEMBER 10, 1914. BY 1919, HOUSTON WAS THE SECOND-LARGEST SPOT COTTON EXPORT PORT IN THE U.S., WITH EXPORTS GROWING EXPONENTIALLY EACH YEAR DURING THE 1920s. BUSINESS ALONG THE PORT GREW, BRINGING NEW INDUSTRIES SUCH AS PAPER MILLS, MOTOR FUEL REFINERIES AND THE FIRST CONTAINER TERMINAL ALONG THE TEXAS GULF COAST. HOUSTON’S DEEP-WATER PORT TRANSFORMED A FLEDGLING COMMUNITY INTO AN INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED CENTER OF COMMERCE
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Harris County experienced rapid economic diversification and growth. The discovery of oil in the Spindletop field fueled Houston's emergence as an energy and petrochemical hub. Industries like cotton, lumber, shipping, and manufacturing thrived. NASA's Johnson Space Center further solidified the county's significance in space exploration and technology.
Harris County's demographic diversity is a defining aspect, attracting immigrants from various backgrounds. Houston became a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant culinary scene, dynamic arts community, and diverse festivals, reflecting its multicultural fabric.
Today, Harris County remains an influential economic and cultural center. Its strong economy spans energy, healthcare, technology, and international trade. The county houses renowned medical facilities and research institutions. Despite facing natural disasters, Harris County showcases resilience and implements measures to mitigate their impact.
With its rich history, economic vitality, multiculturalism, and ongoing growth, Harris County continues to shape Texas as a thriving hub of commerce, culture, and innovation.
Harris County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Harris County, Texas.
Pre-19th Century: The region was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Atakapa.
1822: Harrisburg, the county's first settlement, is founded by John Richardson Harris, a pioneer and one of the early Texas colonists.
1836: The Battle of San Jacinto, which secured Texas independence from Mexico, took place in present-day Harris County.
1837: Harris County is officially established and named after John Richardson Harris.
19th Century: Houston, the county seat and the largest city in Texas, experiences rapid growth due to its strategic location along Buffalo Bayou and the construction of railroads. The city becomes a major commercial and shipping hub, attracting industries such as cotton, lumber, and oil.
20th Century: The discovery of oil in the nearby Spindletop field and the subsequent growth of the oil industry greatly contribute to Harris County's economic development. Houston becomes an energy and petrochemical center.
1960s-1980s: The space industry plays a crucial role in Harris County's history with the establishment of NASA's Johnson Space Center, where mission control for the Apollo program is located.
Today: Harris County continues to be a thriving economic and cultural center. It is home to a diverse population, numerous industries, world-class medical facilities, and renowned cultural institutions.