Imagine Houston’s lifeblood flowing right before us. This is Buffalo Bayou near Katy. It is more than just a waterway. It is a story etched in time.
Buffalo Bayou’s tale began around 18000 years ago. It snakes its way from the prairies near Katy. It winds 53 miles east. Finally, it joins Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
This slow-moving river is fed by many sources. Natural springs contribute. Surface runoff adds its share. Several bayous join in like White Oak Bayou. Addicks and Barker reservoirs also play a role. They control drainage water.
Buffalo Bayou serves as the principal river for Greater Houston. Its watershed is heavily urbanized. Over 440000 people live within its direct drainage area. Including all its tributaries the watershed covers about 500 square miles.
The Addicks and Barker reservoirs are crucial. They form a major flood control system. This system delays and lessens peak outflow during heavy rains. The Buffalo flows eastward. It passes under State Highway 6. Then it enters Terry Hershey Park. This linear park follows the bayou for about six miles.
Between Beltway 8 and Loop 610 the bayou meanders. This stretch flows around the Memorial Villages. Public access is available at Briarbend Park. There’s also a canoe launch. Another launch exists just outside Loop 610 on Woodway. Access to the bayou is legal at public roadway bridges.
East of Loop 610 Buffalo Bayou flows along Memorial Park’s south side. It also borders River Oaks Country Club’s north side. The public can access the bayou along Memorial Park. Further east is Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. It was the estate of Ima Hogg. After Shepherd Drive, Buffalo Bayou enters Buffalo Bayou Park. This park stretches 2.3 miles to Interstate 45. The bayou then enters Downtown Houston.
Buffalo Bayou then meets White Oak Bayou. It continues past Allen’s Landing. Eventually it exits the central business district at Interstate 69. The bayou grows wider through the East End. Finally it meets the Houston Ship Channel.
Buffalo Bayou was vital to early Anglo-American settlement. Communities appeared in the 1820s. These included Lynchburg and Harrisburg. The final battle for Texas Independence occurred along its banks. This is where it merges with the San Jacinto River.
In the 1830s Houston was founded along the bayou. Samuel Allen established a ranch. It lay between Harrisburg and Galveston Bay. Docks at Harrisburg and Houston became the Port of Houston’s base. Allen’s Landing became Houston’s original docks. Wharves opened in 1840.
After the Civil War dredging became important. The Bayou Ship Channel Company started major work in 1870. The first dredging of Buffalo Bayou finished in 1876.
By the mid-20th century the Port of Houston was a leading port. The Texas oil boom boosted industry further.
Extreme floods hit Houston in the early 20th century. This led to flood control projects. The Army Corps of Engineers built Barker Reservoir completed in 1945. Addicks Reservoir followed in 1948. They prevent downstream floods.
In the 1960s Terry Hershey stopped the bayou’s channelization. Terry Hershey Park was dedicated to her efforts in 1989.
Since the 1970s Houston has invested in sewage treatment. This has improved water quality.
The Buffalo Bayou Partnership formed in 1986. It renovates park space along the river. The Buffalo Bayou Promenade opened in 2006. Buffalo Bayou Park followed in 2015.
Hurricane Harvey brought record high levels in 2017. Addicks and Barker reservoirs filled to capacity. Controlled releases caused flooding.
Buffalo Bayou remains central to Houston’s drainage. The Addicks and Barker reservoirs provide flood control.
Buffalo Bayou offers recreation and wildlife. Parks line its banks. These include Terry Hershey Park and Buffalo Bayou Park. Paddle trips are popular.
As an urban waterway Buffalo Bayou faces water quality challenges. Efforts continue to improve its condition.
So next time you see Buffalo Bayou near Katy remember its story. It is a tale of history. It is a story of resilience. It is a story of Houston itself.