Houston is a city and the seat of Harris County in southeastern Texas, in the United States of America.

Located at the head of the Houston Ship Channel, which links the city to the Gulf of Mexico, Houston is an inland seaport and a major financial, distribution, and manufacturing center for the southern United States.

It is the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the country, behind New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

Primarily a business town, Houston is not usually considered a major tourist destination, and most of the available resources are geared toward conventions and large groups, not independent travelers.

In the performing arts, though, Houston excels, with an excellent symphony orchestra, highly respected ballet and opera companies, and a dynamic theater scene that few cities can equal in quantity or quality. The Bayou City Art Festival is held every spring and fall.

In addition, Houston hosts a series of exciting annual events including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in January and February, a 20-day rodeo and concert event that is the biggest in the world, and the Art Car Weekend held in May, a non-stop celebration featuring the nation’s largest parade of decorated automobiles.

Houston was named for Sam Houston, a distinguished military leader and hero of the Texas Revolution (1835-1836).