HoustonOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Bayou Settlement to Republic Capital

Houston's story began on August 30, 1836, when brothers Augustus Chapman Allen and John Kirby Allen purchased nearly 7,000 acres of land along the banks of Buffalo Bayou. They planned a new town at the confluence of Buffalo and White Oak bayous, a spot now known as Allen's Landing, which they advertised as the "head of navigation" on Buffalo Bayou. Months after Texas gained independence from Mexico, the Allen brothers named their settlement after General Sam Houston, a figure of the Texas War for Independence. The first steamship, the Laura, arrived in January 1837, establishing Houston's early role as a transportation and commercial hub. The Texas Congress met in Houston for the first time in May 1837, and the city was officially incorporated on June 5, 1837. From 1837 to 1839, Houston served as the temporary capital of the Republic of Texas.

Growth and Transformation through Commerce and Oil

After the capital moved to Austin in 1839, Houston's economy became tied to cotton and commerce. Railroad development began in the late 1850s, further establishing Houston's role as a regional transportation center. Construction paused during the American Civil War when the city served as a Confederate military logistics hub. By 1900, Houston's population surpassed 58,000. The early 20th century brought new prosperity with the discovery of oil in East Texas, leading oil companies to establish offices in Houston. This shift transformed Houston into an energy capital, influencing its rapid growth and the development of its skyline. The George R. Brown Convention Center, opened in 1987, reflects this continued growth, named after an entrepreneur and philanthropist who donated land for its construction.

• —Allen's Landing — This is the site where Houston began in 1836. Visitors can see the confluence of Buffalo and White Oak bayous, and a concrete wharf designed to replicate the original port.
• —Market Square Park — This park was the site of Houston's original City Hall and an open-air market since 1839. It now features public art installations, a dog run, and the historic Old Cotton Exchange Building is nearby.
• —Sam Houston Park — Established in 1899, this park preserves Houston's past. It contains several historic homes, including the 1847 Kellum-Noble House, the oldest surviving masonry residence in Houston, and the 1891 St. John Church, which held services in German until the 1930s.
• —Discovery Green Park — Opened in 2008, this 12-acre urban park was previously parking lots. It offers a lake, a playground, interactive water features like the Mist Tree and Gateway Fountain, and permanent art installations.
• —Houston City Hall and Hermann Square — The current City Hall building, completed in 1939, is an example of Art Deco architecture. Hermann Square, in front of City Hall, is a public plaza used for events.
• —Julia Ideson Building (Houston Public Library) — This Spanish Renaissance Revival building, opened in 1926, served as Houston's main library for decades. It now houses the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, preserving the city's archives.
• —Wortham Theater Center Plaza — This plaza is part of the Houston Theater District. It is surrounded by the Wortham Theater Center, a performing arts venue that opened in 1987. The plaza hosts outdoor events and provides views of the surrounding downtown architecture.

The best times to visit Houston for comfortable weather are from late March to mid-May and from late September to early November. During these periods, temperatures are moderate, typically in the 70s and low 80s Fahrenheit, and humidity is lower, suitable for outdoor activities. Spring also includes events like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in March.

Avoid visiting during the summer months, from June to September. Houston experiences hot and humid conditions, with average daily high temperatures above 89°F (32°C) and highs often reaching 94°F (34°C) in August. June is also the wettest month. While winter (November to March) is milder, with average lows around 47°F (8°C) in January, occasional cold snaps can occur.

Houston is served by two major airports: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), about 23 miles north of downtown, and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), about 11 miles southeast of downtown. While some areas, particularly downtown, are walkable, Houston is a sprawling city. A car offers the most flexibility for exploring. Public transportation includes METRORail, a light rail system, and METRO buses. The METRORail Red Line connects downtown with the Museum District and Hermann Park. For parking downtown, numerous garages and surface lots are available. Many museums in the Museum District offer free admission on certain days; check their schedules in advance.