"The Port Of Houston/Houston Ship Channel" Top 5 Page for this destination Ship Channel Tip by H-TownJourneyman

The Houston Ship Channel is the 30+ mile long waterway that extends from Galveston Bay to the southeast side of town, and turns into Buffalo Bayou, which runs through the center of the city. The Ship Channel is how Houston got its start as growing city on the banks of Buffalo Bayou, and it links Houston to the sea, making the city one of the most important international port cities in the world. After Texas won it's independence from Mexico in 1836, small ships began navigating up the then narrow and shallow channel to Buffalo Bayou, and the city. Plans were made quickly to expand the channel so larger vessels could make their way up to the city. Competition quickly began between Houston and it's then rival city to the southeast, Galveston. As the jostling continued between the 2 cities over several decades, Houston was also linked to the national system of railroads, which gave it an extra edge on the dispersal of shipped in items. Then in 1900 when a hurricane struck Galveston, killed thousands of it's residents, and all but wiped the city of the map, Houston emerged as the chief port city on the Texas coast. And after the Texas oil boom occured soon after, Houston's shipping activities increased dramatically. Over the years, as the port has been expanded and more commerce and shipping has been conducted here, the Houston Ship Channel has become one of the most vital parts to the city's livelihood. Now not just used for shipping, many cruise and casino ships use the port for a departure location. Tours are now available to relive the port's history, and discover it's immense importance to the City of Houston. A very interesting look into one of the largest ports in the world!

Address: 111 East Loop North
Phone: 713-670-2400
Website: http://www.portofhouston.com/