History
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How the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo went from 2,000 people to millions of visitors in less than a century
From 2,000 attendees to millions: How the Houston Rodeo became bigger than Texas The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is known for two things: creative food combinations and a genre-diverse concert lineup that ranges from R&B to country. Of course, there’s the predictable lineup of rodeo events: barrel racing, bull riding, mutton bustin’, and steer…
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How a railroad changed everything: Exploring the history of Houston’s Asiatown
In Houston’s Asiatown community, a sign outside of grocery store Welcome Food Center encourages patrons to “shop small, eat happy.” The front doors sport signs that spell out “shop well, live well” in Chinese and English letters. Many know this community as Chinatown—but what it’s called depends on the generation of the person speaking about…
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Houston’s Freedmen’s Town: How to save what’s left
Houston’s Freedmen’s Town stands as a testament to freedom, resilience, and self-determination. Here’s how visitors can help preserve its legacy.
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‘Tis the season: 4 annual giving programs to support in the Houston area during the holidays
For me, it always starts to actually feel like the holiday season when I see a volunteer dressed up as Santa, ringing a bell, and asking people to drop some spare change in their bright red bucket. It’s a staple of many people’s childhoods, a fixture in the cold winter months.
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From New Orleans to Houston: Hurricane Katrina survivors reflect 20 years later
When cooking a New Orleans staple like gumbo, the first step is to make the roux, a process that requires the cook to meticulously stir a combination of flour and fat. The kitchen becomes hot and steamy as the mixture begins to boil, a savory and earthy scent setting the tone for a perfect stew.…
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Learn all about the coastal tribes that once inhabited Houston
For centuries before Houston officially became a city, Indigenous tribes lived along the Texas Gulf Coast. Discover their traditions, culture, and way of life.
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Sam Houston: 9 facts about the city’s namesake (including when he ran away & was adopted by a Cherokee chief!)
The city of Houston is named after Sam Houston, the first president of the Republic of Texas. Discover more about this colorful character.
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7 most notorious true crime cases in Houston history
From serial killers going on multiple rampages to inner-family drama leading to staged burglaries, these true crime cases rocked the Houston area.
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Juneteenth in Houston: From 1865 to 2025
This Juneteenth marks 160 years since the Emancipation Proclamation reached Texas. Learn how the holiday has evolved and what Houston events to attend.
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The oldest buildings in Houston that are still standing
We’re taking a tour through time, exploring some of the most historic buildings in Houston. Which ones have survived as the city evolves?
