Houston, AL

Houston, Alabama is a city located in the southeastern region of the United States. The population was 921,824 as of the 2010 census. Houston is the fourth most populous city in Alabama and the largest in Shelby County. The metropolitan area had a population of 2,269,587 as of 2013.

Houston was founded in 1836 by General Sam Houston and James Withers. It was named after William B. Travis, who commanded the Texas Army during the Battle of San Jacinto and later became president of Texas. The city grew rapidly after its incorporation in 1837 and became an important trade center for cotton, timber, and agricultural products. Oil production began in 1901 and has since become an important part of Houston's economy. Manufacturing has also become a major sector of the city's economy, particularly in aerospace technology and medical devices.

Houston is home to several universities including Sam Houston State University (formerly Southwest Texas State University), Lamar University, Southern Methodist University (SMU), Rice University (Rice), The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin), and Vanderbilt University (Vanderbilt). There are also several private colleges and universities located within Houston's boundaries including Baylor College of Medicine, Baptist Health South Florida College at Miami-Dade College at Homestead High School for Science & Technology at Lone Star College System - North Harris Campus at Saint Philip's Episcopal School within City Limits