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Cultural Crossroads
Houston has been the crossroads of many diverse cultures throughout its history.Though a relatively new city, its proximity to the international port cities of Galveston and New Orleans to the east, and the historic Spanish settlements of Goliad and San Antonio to the west is responsible for Houston's diversity.
Cotton rolled down Highways 75 and 59 from the north for the better part of the twentieth century, attracting workers to Houston. The workers' desire for entertainment gave rise to a notable live music and recording industry, and brought phenomenal artists, like Lightnin' Hopkins and Webb Pierce, to Houston.
Mexican-influenced music, particularly the regional Tejano style, has thrived and brought prominence to female artists such as Lydia Mendoza, who was born in Houston in 1916, and Selena Quintania, who was born just south of Houston in Lake Jackson in 1971.
From the lowlands to the south, Houston imported and stored rice grown by Japanese farmers along Mykawa road, bringing an important regional industry to the city, as well as international traditions and lifestyles.
Acadian people have continually been drawn to "Big Houston" from Louisiana to find work and the big city experience, while German, Czech and Polish immigrants settled Houston's north side and the coastal plains all the way to the Texas Hill Country, making towns like Shiner and Fredricksburg exotic weekend escapes.
Today, Houston is the fourth largest urban community in the United States and its culture and diversity are sometimes overlooked in the haste of city life.
The primary goal of this organization is to provide information develope interest in the diversity and interesting traditions of Houston. Through our website and our educational activities, we will feature many aspects of cultural life in southeast Texas and Louisiana, as well as the larger region that includes the diverse histories and people of Mississippi, New Mexico and Mexico.
More Information:
Houston Timeline
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