City officials celebrated the 180th anniversary of Houston’s founding on Tuesday, August 30 at a special event held at City Hall.  The Houston Airport System was recognized by Mayor Sylvester Turner as a key economic driver for the region and for its invaluable role as a gateway between Houston and the world.

In August 1936, brothers August and John Allen, purchased 6,600 acres of land along Buffalo Bayou for $5,000 to establish a great center of government and commerce. They named the town site after General Sam Houston who secured the independence of Texas from Mexico in one of the shortest decisive battles in modern history during the Battle of San Jacinto.

“I certainly want to thank the Allen brothers for their vision, but I want to thank all Houstonians for just continuing to make this city what it is… a very welcoming, loving city,” Mayor Turner said.