General Sam Houston, whose legendary fighting spirit avenged the Alamo and established the independent Republic of Texas, would be proud to know that the city named for him in his beloved state still retains his trademark unbridled energy. An oil boom helped transform this once-swampy bayou junction into the fourth-largest city in the United States, the center of a vital world industry, and the home base for America's exploration into outer space. The city's top-notch museums, galleries, and performance halls affirm its commitment to the very best in creativity and self-expression, and they've put Houston on the world's cultural map. Its magnificent glass and metal towers dominate the impressive downtown corridor and offer unmatched panoramas. This city has also created within its surrounding cityscape many vibrant and livable neighborhoods filled with gracious, architecturally impressive homes, beautiful gardens, and rustic woodlands, along with charming local shopping districts and an array of excellent restaurants.