Related Sponsors

Founders of Houston

Home » Houston » History of Houston, Texas » Founders of Houston

Two New York real estate promoters – brothers John Kirby Allen and Augustus Chapman Allen were seeking suitable land and the location to build “a great center of government and commerce”. In August 1835 the brothers purchased just over 6,642 acres (27 square kilometres) of land for $9,428. The brothers had planned for the new city to be named after Sam Houston – most commonly known as the hero of San Jacinto and political figurehead. Houston originally served as a member of the United States Army and in 1812 became acquainted with Andrew Jackson (who was later to become president) and Houston became the congressman of Tennessee from 1823 to 1828) and later the governor from 1828 – 1829.

When Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836 he was made Major General for the Army of Texas and he successfully led his troops to fight the Mexicans over Santa Ana and just one year early accomplished a similar feat with the victory of beating the Mexicans at the Alamo.

Next Page: Capitol of Texas

Related History of Houston, Texas Articles