Houston, Minnesota facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Houston, Minnesota
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| Motto(s):
"Mountains Of Minnesota"
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Location of Houston, Minnesota
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| Country | United States |
| State | Minnesota |
| County | Houston |
| Founded | 1874 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.25 sq mi (3.24 km2) |
| • Land | 1.23 sq mi (3.19 km2) |
| • Water | 0.02 sq mi (0.05 km2) |
| Elevation | 686 ft (209 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 997 |
| • Estimate
(2022)
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996 |
| • Density | 809.91/sq mi (312.62/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
55943
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| Area code(s) | 507 |
| FIPS code | 27-30230 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2394425 |
Houston is a small city in Houston County, Minnesota, United States. In 2020, about 997 people lived there. The city's motto is "Mountains Of Minnesota."
Contents
History of Houston
The community of Houston was named after Sam Houston. He was the first president of the Republic of Texas.
In 1852, William McSpadden planned the first layout of Houston. McSpadden had served with Sam Houston in the Mexican–American War. Other pioneers soon followed him to the area. By 1854, there were stores and a school. About 40 buildings made up the settlement.
Houston officially became a city in 1874.
The 2007 Flood Event
In 2007, heavy rains caused the Root River to rise very high. The river reached about 19 feet (5.8 meters). This was almost as high as the dike that protects the town. Because of the rising water, people in Houston had to leave their homes for safety.
Houston's Geography
Houston is located in Houston County. The city covers a total area of about 0.95 square miles (2.46 square kilometers). Most of this area is land. A small part, about 0.02 square miles (0.05 square kilometers), is water.
Population of Houston
In 2010, there were 979 people living in Houston. These people lived in 418 households. About 239 of these were families.
Most of the people living in Houston were White (99.5%). A small number were Native American (0.4%). About 0.1% were from two or more races.
The average age of people in Houston was 38.8 years old. About 25.5% of residents were under 18. Also, 23.2% of residents were 65 years or older.
Arts and Culture in Houston
Houston has some fun annual events. These events bring the community together.
Annual Cultural Events
- Houston Hoedown Days: This event happens every year on the last full weekend in July. It includes exciting tractor pulls and the Minnesota State Horsepull. There are also dances and flea markets to enjoy.
- International Festival of Owls: Houston hosts this unique festival each year. It is the only full-weekend event in North America completely focused on owls. People come to learn about these amazing birds.
Parks and Recreation
Houston is a great place for outdoor activities. It is the eastern end of the Root River part of the Blufflands State Trail. This trail is perfect for biking, walking, and enjoying nature.
Sports in Houston
Houston has a strong sports history. The local teams have achieved great success.
In November 2008, the Houston Hurricanes football team won the Minnesota 9-Man Football State Championship. They finished their season with an amazing record of 14 wins and no losses. This was the first state championship for the school's football team. The girls' track team also had success, winning a state title in 2006.
Five senior players from the 2008 championship football team went on to play college football. Three played at UW-La Crosse, and two played at Luther College.
Education in Houston
Houston Public Schools serves the students in Houston. The school district has partnered with K12 Inc. to create special online learning programs.
These programs are called the Minnesota Center for Online Learning and the Minnesota Virtual Academy. They are open to students from all over Minnesota. These online learning options are unique in the state.
Infrastructure and Transportation
Houston is connected by important roads. These roads help people travel in and out of the city.
Minnesota State Highway 16 and Minnesota State Highway 76 are the two main routes in Houston.
Notable People from Houston
Many interesting people have connections to Houston.
- Everett Bidwell: He was a legislator in Wisconsin. He served in the Wisconsin State Assembly and the Wisconsin Senate. He was born in Houston.
- John Q. Briggs: A Minnesota legislator and businessman who lived in Houston.
- Francis Martin Kelly: He was the third Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona. He was born in Houston.
- Jeanne Poppe: A Minnesota legislator and former member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. She was born in Houston.
- John J. Sliter: A Minnesota legislator who served in the Minnesota House of Representatives. He was also a member of the Houston School Board.
Images for kids
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Looking south
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Houston sign
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City Hall
See also
In Spanish: Houston (Minnesota) para niños
