Historical Marker

Astrodome

Historical marker location:
8400 Kirby Drive, Houston, Texas
( NRG Park)
Marker installed: 2018
Marker size: 27"x42" with post

Judge Roy Hofheinz envisioned the world's first air-conditioned fully enclosed multi-purpose stadium by 1960. Officially named the Harris County Domed Stadium, ground was broken for the home of Major League Baseball's Houston Colt .45s on January 3, 1962, with Colt .45 pistols fired into the soil. Later named the "Astrodome" for the Houston-based NASA space program and the renamed Houston Astros, the dome opened on April 9, 1965, with a 12-inning, 2-1 Astros exhibition win over the New York Yankees with President Lyndon B. Johnson in attendance. Architectural firms Lloyd & Morgan and Wilson, Morris, Crain & Anderson led the design team for what was termed an engineering marvel and "The Eighth Wonder of the World." The Astrodome is a domed circular concrete and steel framed building featuring a lamella truss roof, with a clear span of 642 feet. The roof consists of wood-fiber-concrete boards, steel framing, and 4,596 Lucite skylights. The original field was natural grass, replaced in 1966 with the first synthetic turf field, known as "Astroturf." The 'sky boxes' were the first-ever stadium luxury suites. The structure was built to withstand sustained winds of 130 mph and gusts up to 165. It has survived two major hurricanes: Alicia in 1983 and Ike in 2008. In 2005, the dome sheltered about 16,000 Hurricane Katrina refugees. Along with the Astros, the stadium was home to Houston Oilers and Houston Cougars football, Houston Rockets basketball, and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Special sporting events included four Muhammad Ali boxing matches, the basketball "Game of the Century" in 1968 between University of Houston and UCLA, and the "Battle of the Sexes" tennis exhibition in 1973. Notable concerts, political conventions and gatherings also kept the Astrodome in the national consciousness. From 1965-2002, Astrodome turnstiles counted more than 100 million people. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2018

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.

! This location also has a designation of a State Antiquities Landmark.
The Texans could and did bury Santa Ana out of sight and in plain view, in circumstances that show the men who did it knew their trade
Stephen Vincent Benét in John Brown's Body
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.