Houston, Tex.

Mayor:Annise Parker (to Jan. 2016) 2010 census population (rank):2,099,451 (4);Male:1,053,517 (50.1%);Female:1,045,934 (49.9%);White:1,060,491 (50.5%);Black:498,466 (23.7%);American Indian and Alaska Native:14,997 (0.7%);Asian:126,378 (6.0%);Other race:329,436 (15.2%);Two or more races:69,530 (3.3%);Hispanic/Latino:919,668 (37.4%).2010 population 18 and over:1,556,427;65 and over:189,942;Median age:30.9. 2013 population estimate (rank):2,195,914 (4) Seeadditional census data Land area:579 sq mi. (1,500 sq km); Alt.:Highest, 120 ft.; lowest, sea level Avg. daily temp.:Jan., 52.2° F; July, 83.5° F Churches1:1,750; City-owned parks:293 (32,733 ac.); Radio stations1:AM, 23; FM, 32; 电视台:15 commercial; 1 PBS Civilian Labor Force 2013:1,171,768; Unemployed (2013):5.4%; Per capita personal income 2013:$27,989 Chamber of Commerce:Greater Houston Partnership, 1200 Smith, Suite 700, Houston, TX 77002-4400 1. Harris County.

Houston, the largest city inTexasand seat of Harris County, is located in the southeast part of the state near theGulf of Mexico.

Sam Houstonwas the commander-in-chief of the Texas troops who fought a successful war of rebellion against Mexico, which had been in possession of Texas. On April 21, 1836, Houston's men won a decisive victory in which the Mexican dictator,Gen. Santa Anna,was taken prisoner and forced to sign the treaty that launched the Republic of Texas. In September, a constitution was ratified, and Houston was elected president. The Texas Republic was recognized by the U.S. and by the major European powers. The present city of Houston was incorporated in 1837 and named after Sam Houston; it was the Republic's first capital.

美国休斯顿港排名高的港口foreign tonnage handled. The city is a major business, financial, science, and technology center. Houston is outstanding in oil and natural-gas production and is the energy capital of the world. It is the home of one of the largest medical facilities in the worldâthe Texas Medical Centerâand the focus of the aerospace industry. The Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center is the nation's headquarters for staffed spaceflight.

Among the city's many visitor attractions are the Museum of Fine Arts, Space Center Houston, the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, George Ranh Historical Park, Reliant Park, and nearby San Jacinto Battlefield.

See alsoEncyclopedia:Houston;Houston Landmarks Slideshow.

Selected famous natives and residents:

• Debbie Allenchoreographer;
• Lance Alworthfootball player;
• Denton Cooleyheart surgeon;
• Jim Demaretgolfer;
• Allen Drurynovelist;
• Shelly Duvallactress;
• A. J. Foytauto racer;
• Howard Hughesindustrialist and film producer;
• Barbara C. Jordaneducator, lawyer, and politician;
• Barbara Mandrellsinger;
• Annette O'Tooleactress;
• Dennis and Randy Quaidactors;
• Kenny Rogerssinger;
• Patrick Swayzeactor and dancer.