The City of Houston, Texas, was founded in August 1836 by brothers Augustus and John Allen. The following year, in 1837, Houston was incorporated into the Republic of Texas and remained its capital until 1840. Houston’s economy at that time was largely based on agriculture. However, when Spindletop oil was discovered in 1901, it became the most significant economic pillar.

The 1940s brought great diversification and significant industries to the banks of the shipping channel. In the 1950s the Texas Medical Center became a reality, elevating Houston to a prominent level in international medicine.

NASA chose Houston as its headquarters for the Manned Spacecraft Control Center, and it was completed in the late 1960s.