The city is named after Texas hero General Sam Houston, the first President of the Republic of Texas. Houston Ship Canal . Houston's towering skyscrapers reflect its booming economy. Downtown attractions include the modern Civic Center, Sam Houston Historical Park, Tranquility Park and the Old Market Square . The Houston Zoological Gardens' Discovery Hall exhibit is popular with children for its collection of friendly and pettable animals.
Admission is free.
The veteran, pre-World War I battleship, Texas , is moored on the San Jacinto River near the Battleground Monument , which marks the 1836 battle for Texan independence. The Lyndon B Johnson Space Center has exhibitions of space technology and stages regular film shows explaining the US space programme. This modern, prosperous city retains much of its Spanish heritage with its fiestas, buildings and lifestyle and is the number one visitor destination in Texas. The city's Paseo del Rio shopping and entertainment area is unique. Today it is a shrine to Texan courage and patriotism.