THE WARDS OF HOUSTON

The Houston wards were designated before 1915 with each borough having its own strictly defined sectors, each with its own unique culture and vibe. Since transportation was difficult a person’s occupation was the greatest reason for the part of town they lived in. First Ward, the city’s birthplace and initial business district, is at the confluence of Buffalo Bayou and White Oak Bayou, which was once a bustling port. Now the Asian American community and the Texas Dragon Boat Association hold their annual race here each spring. First Ward swept north and west embracing the southern portion of today’s Heights neighborhood. A revitalized community with beautification days supports a communal garden and attracts citizens who want to be able to walk to local attractions. Many of the original landmarks have been devoured by modern downtown buildings, but existing vestiges of the original structures have been protected. & The Second Ward extended from downtown to Magnolia Park, edged by Buffalo Bayou and Harrisburg Boulevard. Excluding downtown, these boundaries remain today, boasting sparkling vistas of the skyline. Once the neighborhood supported a considerable Jewish population. Mexican immigrants began moving in in the early 1910s and it became “Segundo Barrio”. Our Lady of...