ne of the joys of driving to work every day is the experience of crossing
historic Buffalo Bayou. This waterway has played a major part in the growth of
Houston and southeast Texas.
In the early 1800s Buffalo Bayou was a clogged narrow vein of water. It took
great determination to make any distance moving towards the confluence of
Buffalo and White Oak bayous. The development of the Houston ship channel in
the early 1900s enabled larger boats to navigate further inland providing a
valuable economic resource for the city.
Although commerce fuelled the development along its banks, recreational use by
the locals kept bayou traffic high. Sometimes, on rare occasions, something
special would happen. On Oct. 25, 1930, around noon, the
USS Houston arrived. It was the first U. S. Navy ship to be named for a Texas city. Its
appearance coincided with the port of Houston
’s birthday.
Texas Governor Dan Moody and Houston Mayor Walter Monteith were just a few of
the many dignitaries on hand to greet Capt. Jesse Bishop Gay and crew. The
officers were wined and dined all over town, including a parade for the public.
Their many activities included a formal ball held at the Rice Hotel.
As we celebrate the birth of our nation, let’s not forget those in the armed forces who have served proudly to ensure we
maintain our liberty.
USS Houston as it passes the San Jacinto battleground park, 1930. • The start of a boat race on Buffalo Bayou, 1920s. • USS Houston in the Turning Basin, 1930.
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