Today in 1998, native Houstonian Wes Anderson’s “Rushmore,” filmed entirely in Houston, opens in theaters.

Today in 1979, Luv Ya Blue signs debut at the Houston Oilers versus the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Astrodome.

Today in 1904, Houston voters approve ending the ward system of municipal government, taking effect in two years.

Today in 1838, President Sam Houston gives a 3-hour “farewell” address at his rival Mirabeau B. Lamar’s Inauguration.

Today in 1977, LA Laker Kermit Washington fractures the face of Houston Rockets’ Rudy T in an on-court brawl.

Today in 1991, Nelson Mandela receives an award at the Rothko Chapel from President Carter and Dominique de Menil.

Today in 1910, Jesse Jones’ City Auditorium opens Downtown.

Today in 1873, Mayor Scanlan petitions Congress for federal aid to continue dredging the Ship Channel to six feet deep. The next year, engineers would recommend that the waterway be deepened to twelve feet. In present day, the Ship Channel is 45’ deep.

Today in 2025, Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant becomes only the eighth player in NBA history to score 31,000 points.

Today in 1970, the Astrodome hosts the World Premiere of Robert Altman’s film “Brewster McCloud,” filmed there.

Today in 1911, the Galveston-Houston Electric Railway opens.

‪Today in 2017, Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year is awarded to Jose Altuve and JJ Watt. @sportsillustrated.bsky.social ‬

Today in 2012, @rollingstone.com ranks The Geto Boys’ “Mind Playing Tricks on Me” as the 5th Greatest Hip-Hop song.

Today in 2006, Houstorian, Houston’s loudest preservation group, launches.

Today in 1978, on Monday Night Football, 70,000 Oilers fans at the Astrodome get blue and white pompoms, waving them to victory, behind Earl Campbell's 199 rushing yards, 4 touchdowns, and a career defining 81-yard run.

Today in 1910, the Harris County Courthouse opens.

‪Today in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson remotely signals the Grand Opening of the Port of Houston.‬ The mayor's daughter drops white rose petals into the water proclaiming, "I christen thee Port of Houston and hither the boats of all nations may come and receive a hearty welcome.‬

Today in 1528, shipwrecked Cabeza de Vaca and his surviving crew land at Galveston, exploring Buffalo Bayou up to present-day Houston.

Today in 1947, Foley’s opens its six-story department store on Main Street.

Today in 1926, Houston Public Library opens Downtown, with 3,000 attending.

Today in 1960, Houston is awarded a National League baseball franchise, what would become the Astros. @mlb.com

Today in 1901, the first edition of the Houston Chronicle is published. @houstonchronicle.com

Today in 2006, the Magnolia Ballroom is awarded the city’s first Protected Landmark status.

Today in 1999, after 34 years, the Astros play their last game in the Astrodome, with the Atlanta Braves winning 7-5 to wrap up the best-of-five National League Division Series.

Today in 1996, @riceuniversity.bsky.social professors Robert Curl and Richard Smalley win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their discovery of fullerenes.

Today in 1975, Loop 610 is completed. (We’ve heard the jokes)

Today in 1961, NASA announces Manned Spacecraft Center will be located in Houston.

Today in 2008, Hurricane Ike makes landfall east of Galveston Island, then slams into Houston.

Today in 1975, Betty Moody opens Moody Gallery, featuring local, contemporary American artists.

Today in 1836, Houston is born when land speculators Augustus and John Allen advertise for their Town of Houston.

Today in 1952, the Gulf Freeway, connecting Houston to Galveston, is dedicated.

Today in 1969, Houston Intercontinental Airport opens, and Hobby Airport closes to commercial traffic.

The Spirit of the Montrose Is Alive(ish) on Lower Westheimer www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-cit...

Today in 2016, Buffalo Bayou Park debuts a semi-restored 1927 water cistern as a public space.

Today in 1924, Mama Ninfa Laurenzo, who popularized Tex-Mex cuisine and founded the landmark Ninfa’s , is born.

Today in 1859, Beth Israel, Houston’s oldest Jewish congregation, is founded.

Today in 1992, the first Houstonians to win James Beard Awards are Best Chef: Southwest: Robert Del Grande, Café Annie; Healthier Living: Dr. Antonio Gotto, Jr. “Chez Eddy Living Heart Cookbook.”

‪Today in 1968, Dr. Denton Cooley performs the nation's first heart transplant at St. Luke’s Hospital‬.

Today in 1956, the world's first container ship Ideal X arrives at the Port of Houston on her maiden voyage.

Today in 1969, filmmaker Wes Anderson is born in Houston.

Today in 1974, Karl Kilian opens Brazos Bookstore.

Today in 1932, the first Houston Fat Stock Show debuts at the Sam Houston Coliseum downtown. @houstonrodeo.bsky.social

Today in 1922, Mayor Oscar Holcombe declares that the Houston Zoo "is started today." @houstonzoo.bsky.social

Today in 1990, the Hubble space telescope, the first major optical telescope to be placed in space, free from the obstacle of earth, providing an unobstructed view of planets in this solar system and of distant stars and galaxies, is launched. @nasahubble1.bsky.social

Today in 1964, Houston Colt .45s pitcher Ken Johnson throws the first nine-inning, no-hitter losing game ever recorded in baseball.

60.

Today in 1908, arts patron, educator, and civil rights activist Dominique de Menil, who founded the Menil Collection, is born.

Today in 1961, Gary Herod dies crashing his plane while avoiding residences in Meyerland. #HerodElementary

Today in 1990, the Highwaymen (Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings & Johnny Cash) debut as a supergroup at RodeoHouston in the Astrodome.