WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM - What's in a Name: Houston, Capitol City of the Texas Republic

Episode Date: October 24, 2025

On this episode of What's in a Name, host Megan Pidcock dives into meaning behind the name of the former capital of the Republic of Texas, Houston.

Today, we'll be talking about a city named after perhaps one of the coolest people in American history, Houston, Texas. Founded on August 30th, 1836 by land investors, the city gets its name from the general and politician Sam Houston. Houston led Texas to independence from Mexico at the Battle of San Jacinto, just 25 miles from the future site of Houston, Texas, and taking place months before the city's founding. The city served as the capital of the Republic of Texas, which existed from March 2, 1836, to February 19th, 1846, before it became the 28th state.

Houston, the man, served as the president of the Republic of Texas for most of its existence, and was one of the inaugural senators representing Texas after it became a state. He is a long and impressive military career and was a respected politician. It seems fitting that there should be a major city named after someone as influential and impressive as Sam Houston. This is Megan Pitcock, and you've been listening to What's in a Name on Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM.