Central Business District in Houston in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Busy Corners
Busy Corners
The intersection of Texas Avenue and Main Street has always been a busy one. As Houston grew, the four corners were surrounded by stores, offices, hotels, and movie theaters, which attracted people from near and far.
In 1884 residents came by horse-drawn vehicles to shop in the many establishments in the area. In these photographs the area is viewed from the intersection looking north on Main Street.
Photo: Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library
Wagons were still seen on the streets in 1900, but electric street cars had become widely used in bringing Houstonians from new suburban neighborhoods to the corners of Main and Texas where they could visit the Rice Hotel (left) or conduct business at the Binz Building, the city’s first skyscraper (right).
Photo: Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library
By 1930 automobiles filled the downtown streets of Houston, which by then was the largest city in Texas. A new Rice Hotel and the Binz Building were now surrounded by skyscrapers (right).
Photo: Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1884.
Location. 29° 45.59′ N, 95° 21.748′ W. Marker is in Houston, Texas, in Harris County. It is in the Central Business District. Marker is at the intersection of Texas Avenue and Main Street, on the right when traveling east on Texas Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Houston TX 77002, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Former Site of Capitol, Republic of Texas (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of the Organization of Lady Washington Chapter, NSDAR (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Capitol of the Republic of Texas (within shouting distance of this marker); Christ Church Cathedral (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Christ Church Cathedral (about 400 feet away); Kress Building (about 500 feet away); State National Bank Building (about 500 feet away); Gulf Building (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Houston.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 250 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 30, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.