San Jacinto Community College District
Historical marker location:SAN JACINTO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
THE GREATER PASADENA AREA GREW RAPIDLY FROM INDUSTRIALIZATION DURING AND AFTER WORLD WAR II, WITH THE CITY’S POPULATION INCREASING FROM 3,436 IN 1940 TO 22,483 IN 1950 AND TO 58,737 IN 1960. IN THE LATE 1950s, COMMUNITY LEADERS AND SCHOOL DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES FROM ALONG THE HOUSTON SHIP CHANNEL DISCUSSED EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATING STUDENTS AND PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRY WORKERS. IN MARCH 1960, COLLEGE SUPPORTERS PRESENTED PETITIONS TO THE COUNTY AND STATE BOARDS OF EDUCATION.
A MAY 1960 ELECTION CREATED THE EAST HARRIS COUNTY UNION JUNIOR COLLEGE DISTRICT, A BOARD OF REGENTS AND A SUPPORTING PROPERTY TAX. THE EFFORT WITHSTOOD EARLY OPPOSITION INCLUDING LEGISLATION AND LAWSUITS. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GAVE THE COLLEGE 141 ACRES FOR ITS SPENCER HIGHWAY CAMPUS IN DEC. 1960. TWO MONTHS LATER, REGENTS APPROVED DR. THOMAS SPENCER AS THE FIRST PRESIDENT. ONE WEEK AFTER HURRICANE CARLA DAMAGED TEMPORARY CLASSROOMS IN DOWNTOWN PASADENA, THE COLLEGE OPENED ON SEP. 18, 1961, AND THE OPENING ENROLLMENT OF 876 SET A NEW RECORD FOR FIRST-YEAR ENROLLMENT FOR TEXAS JUNIOR COLLEGES. WITH COMPLETION OF THE VINCENT HEINRICH SCIENCE BUILDING AND McCOLLUM ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, ALL CLASSES MOVED TO THE MAIN CAMPUS IN 1964. THE COLLEGE QUICKLY ACHIEVED STATE AND NATIONAL ACCREDITATION. VOTERS HAVE APPROVED SEVERAL BOND ELECTIONS, BUILDING NORTH (1975) AND SOUTH (1979) CAMPUSES. THE COLLEGE SUSTAINED FURTHER HURRICANE DAMAGE FROM ALICIA (1983) AND IKE (2008) BUT HAS REBUILT WITH ENROLLMENT STEADILY GROWING AT ALL THREE CAMPUSES. SAN JACINTO COLLEGE HAS ADDED NEW BUILDINGS AND PROGRAMS, COMMUNITY EXTENSION CENTERS, ONLINE AND HYBRID COURSES, AND CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES TO MEET THE EDUCATIONAL AND WORKFORCE TRAINING NEEDS OF THE REGION.
175 YEARS OF TEXAS INDEPENDENCE * 1836-2011
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.
Texan women are wonderful - they are strong, ambitious, and know how to get what they want
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.