The founding of Houston, TX, dates back to 1837, following the acquisition of land by Augustus C. and John Allen. Both men, blood brothers, had harbored a dream of establishing a town at the intersection of Buffalo and White Oak Bayou. They acquired 6,642 acres of land, parting with $1.40 per acre, spending less than $10,000. Texas had just won its independence from Mexico as General Sam Houston's army prevailed in a vicious battle against Mexican soldiers christened the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. General Sam would be the president of Texas, having played an instrumental role in freeing it from imperial domination that helped him win a presidential election. Houston, TX lacked its present luster, struggling to earn its stripes as an essential trading post. Yet the strong foundations that John and Augustus set, powered by their vision, set Houston on a path of remarkable growth, establishing it as the industry hub it is today. The brothers advertised Houston as "the future great interior commercial emporium of Texas." Having won independence from Mexico, General Sam Houston signed an act that authorized Houston to be the capital of Texas between 1837 to 1839. Despite the challenges that come with the growth of a town, Houston, TX surmounted them and got its first railroad in 1853, having grown as a cotton shipping port. Its existence was momentarily in jeopardy as, in 1862, Union forces took control of Galveston Island, which the Confederate troops recaptured. The growth was relentless. By 1891, Houston boasted of at least 12 railways, establishing it as a bona fide rail center worthy of admiration. Houston took over as the state's leading port following a hurricane in 1900 that destroyed the Galveston Port facilities. By the early 1980s, the port had undergone massive growth, making it the third-largest in the United States, handling 80 million tons of shipping annually. Oil discovery in the area in 1901 proved to be a gamechanger, affording Houston, TX, the much-needed resources for its expansion and opening the floodgates for even greater prosperity. Oil discovery led to economic diversification away from the dependence on cotton and lumber that had for long powered its growth. The development necessitated the establishment of oil refineries in the 1920s and 30s. As World War II raged on, shipbuilding and petrochemical companies moved to Houston, TX, by the bucketload.

Space Center Houston
Are you a lover of planes, or have you long been interested in acquainting yourself with how the American space program has grown in leaps and bounds over the years? Space Center Houston is the place to go and have your mind blown away by man's ingenuity in his quest to defy gravity and explore space. The center is home to more than 400 space exhibits and traveling exhibits that stand as powerful demonstrations of the history and promise of the American Space Flight Program.

Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo offers its patrons a fun-filled experience that leaves them with an appreciation of the natural world. It plays host to diverse ecosystems with at least 6000 animals living there. Here you will be wowed by the animals as they stroll about nonchalantly. Beyond watching the animals, you will have the opportunity to attend private and public events where great entertainment and good food will be served in spades.

Cockrell Butterfly Center
Are you amazed by beauty? The Cockrell Butterfly Center will leave you exhilarated by its breathtaking beauty.

It is adjacent to the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The center has a glass-enclosed habitat within which lies a simulated rainforest and thousands of butterflies. Watching the colorful critters glide about will leave your mouth open with amazement. You'll have the opportunity to see preserved specimens of butterflies and dabble in games and quizzes.

What's more, there's a dramatic 50-foot waterfall to transport visitors and thousands of exotic plants.

The Galleria
If you love shopping, the Galleria is the place to indulge that passion. The largest shopping center in Texas, and the fourth-largest in the U.S, it is a famous shopping center, boasting at least 26 million visitors annually. Domiciled within it are fine restaurants and eateries that offer a bewildering array of culinary delights.