National Register Listing

Houston Post-Dispatch Building

a.k.a. Shell Building; 609 Fannin

609 Fannin, Houston, TX
Designed by Carl Staats of Sanguinet, Staats, Hedrick and Gottlieb for Texas oilman and entrepreneur Ross Sterling, the 1926 Houston Post-Dispatch Building illustrates the mark that new wealth was making on Houston's skyline during the boom years of the 1920s and is emblematic of Houston's growing importance as a commercial center of the state and Gulf Coast. In the Roaring Twenties, Houston took its place as the headquarters of the southwest's oil and timber industries. Skyscrapers sprang up all over downtown Houston during this period, as oilmen, lumbermen, and bankers sought to put their entrepreneurial stamp on the center of Texas commerce, Houston. The Post-Dispatch building was commissioned by an oilman Ross Sterling to house his new businesses and was later used from 1930 to 1970 as the regional headquarters of Shell Oil. It embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that was the hallmark of Houston's commercial success in the 1920s and is therefore nominated at the local level of significance in the area of Commerce. The building is also eligible in the area of Architecture as a good example of the tension between Classical Revival form language and modern skyscraper design. Despite alterations to the ground-level facades and the interior spaces, the building retains a sufficient degree of integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association to remain recognizable to its period of significance.
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

commerce architecture
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
Texas random facts
Harris County in Texas has a significant history that shaped its growth and importance. Established in 1837, the county was named after John Richardson Harris, founder of the first settlement, Harrisburg. Houston, the county seat, became a prominent commercial and shipping center due to its strategic location and railroads.

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.

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.