Happy Birthday Houston!

Happy 171st birthday to Houston!

My hometown was founded on August 30, 1836 by New York real estate entrepreneurs John K. and Augustus Allen. They bought 6,642 acres of land on and near the banks of Buffalo Bayou and named the city for Sam Houston, the hero of the April 21, 1836 Battle of San Jacinto that led to Texas independence from Mexico.

The city was incorporated on July 5, 1837 and was the first capital of the Republic of Texas. It's also the county seat of Harris County and has 2.1 million residents inhabiting its 601.7 square miles of territory. It's also the largest city in Texas, not Dallas. Don't get it twisted.

It also has a fascinating history. African-Americans have been involved in the growth and life of the city since its early days. Houston desegregated without the major violence that occurred elsewhere. And I'll spare you (this time) of the long list of Houstonians that have made their marks on the world.

So happy birthday, H-town. You don't look bad for a 171 year old. ;)