Houstorian
@houstorian
Telling the story of Houston.
Please consider donating to save the landmark Garden Oaks Theater. arthousehtx.org/make-a-pledge
Today in 2009, Free Press debuts the Free Press Summer Fest at Eleanor Tinsley Park.
Today in 1974, East Downtown’s Union Station, once a major hub for commercial and passenger rail, closes. Rail access would move to the Amtrak Station west of the Downtown Post Office, where Southern Pacific's Grand Central Station had stood.
Today in 1969, NASA successfully lands the first humans on the moon, with the Apollo 11 mission.
Today in 1805, The Mother of Houston Charlotte Baldwin Allen whose money would help the Allen Brothers buy land for their new town, is born.
Today in 1976, Houston congresswoman Barbara Jordan delivers the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention.
Today in 1876, Houston’s second City Hall & Market House burns down (two more City Halls would stand there until relocating to its current site).
Today in 1988, the Monsters of Rock, including Van Halen, Metallica, Scorpions, Dokken, and Kingdom Come, play Rice Stadium.
Today in 1925, Hermann Hospital, a charity hospital endowed by George Hermann, opens on the southern edge of Houston.
Today in 1984, Houston’s Compaq releases the IBM software compatible Deskpro.
Today in 1996, DJ Screw records his groundbreaking freestyle tape "June 27th," one of the best ever Houston hip-hop tracks. #ChoppedandScrewed
Today in 1928, the Democratic National Convention opens at Sam Houston Hall. Democratic Party bigwig Jesse Jones was personally responsible for bringing the political convention to Houston. 25,000 visiting delegates, politicians, and journalists descended on Houston that summer.
Today in 1924, Luna Park, a 36-acre amusement park, open on the banks of White Oak Bayou, near Downtown.
Today in 1913, Ima Hogg's Houston Symphony Society debuts with a trial concert at the Majestic Theatre.
Today in 1865, the Emancipation Proclamation is announced publicly in Galveston two years after it was issued, as Union forces arrive to ensure 250,000 enslaved Texans are freed. #Juneteenth
Today in 1977, Houston's gay community is galvanized when 8,000 gay and straight march Downtown against anti-gay activist Anita Bryant.
Today in 1967, Houston artist David Adickes opens the hippie hangout Love Street Light Circus Feel Good Machine in the Sunset Coffee Company building on Allen’s Landing.
Today in 1911, the 102 bed Southern Pacific Hospital opens on Thomas Street in the Fifth Ward.
Today in 1984, Wim Wenders’ Houston film “Paris, Texas" wins the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
Today in 1960, the former Market Square City Hall, and current bus terminal, suffers a catastrophic fire. @MarketSquareHOU
Today in 1913, Jesse Jones opens his new Rice Hotel on the site of the first Texas capitol.
Today in 2013, the US Postal Service issues a stamp honoring the First Lady of Tejano music and native Houstonian Lydia Mendoza.
Today in 2016, Buffalo Bayou Park debuts a semi-restored 1927 water cistern as a public space.
Today in 1924, Mama Ninfa Laurenzo, who popularized Tex-Mex cuisine and founded the landmark Ninfa’s, is born.