Houston

Houston (pop. 1,690,200), city and seat of Harris County in southeastern Texas and a major U.S. seaport. It is situated about 25 mi (40 km) southwest of Galveston Bay on the Houston Ship Channel. Founded in 1836 and named for Sam Houston, it remained relatively unimportant until 1901 when oil was discovered in the area. It is now a prosperous industrial, manufacturing, and wholesale distribution center.

See also: Texas.