Houston, a vast urban metropolis rich in culture and diversity extending from just outside
The Woodlands down nearly to Galveston Bay. A clutter of 19th century architecture, upscale
restaurants, and historical sights, stretching from the suburbs of Katy, to San Jacinto Bay in
Baytown, and everywhere in between. But, there is more to this city than meets the eye. Houston
has earned itself the nickname “the city with no limits” for good reason, to convey the promise of
boundless opportunity. Houston’s tale is one of adversity, triumph, and urban success in the
modern world.
Houston was originally created as a result of a purchase by brothers Augustus C. and
John K. Allen. The Allen brothers payed just over $1.40 per acre for the land mass totaling an
enormous 6,642 acres. Shortly after their purchase, the Allen brothers called on Gail Borden “of
Borden Dairy products”, who prior to creating the brand happened to have experience in land
surveying, and they enlisted him to map the estate. The brother had always dreamed of
expansion and soon the town began to grow. Coincidentally, around the same time the Texas
government began promoting the settlement of the state, the Allen brothers promoted its
settlement of Houston as well. Eventually the population grew enough for Houston to be
recognized by the state resulting in the city’s incorporation in 1837. During this time, there were
a mere thousand people who occupied the land and the only plans they had for urban
development were opening the towns first saw mill. However, no one could have foreseen the
massive expansion of such a city, especially of such epic proportions. It wouldn’t be long after
the population growth began that until urban planning found its way into Houston’s political
scene. In 1840, Houston took major steps as a city by established a chamber of commerce & the
city was divided the city into four distinct wards (which would later be extended to five).
