“I christen thee Port of Houston” declared Sue Campbell. These words marked a pivotal moment. Right here stands the Houston’s Deep-Water Port Plaque. It commemorates a transformation. It all began with shallow barges. These barges navigated Buffalo Bayou to Galveston. There they met seagoing vessels. But Houston lacked a deep-water port. This hindered the city’s growth.
As the 19th century ended, Houston leaders knew they needed change. U.S. Representative Tom Ball championed the cause. He spent countless hours convincing the government. He wanted support for a deep-water channel. Ball proposed a revolutionary idea. The region and federal government should share dredging costs. The Congressional Rivers and Harbors Committee agreed. This concept became known as the Houston Plan.
In 1911, voters approved $1.25 million in bonds. This funded Houston’s share of the dredging. This also led to the creation of the Harris County Houston Ship Channel Navigation District. Today, it is known as Port Houston. Jesse H. Jones stepped in when banks hesitated to buy the bonds. He persuaded each Houston bank to purchase them. Soon, dredging commenced.
September 7, 1914, marked a milestone. The dredge TEXAS whistled. The channel widening was complete. Celebrations marked the Houston Ship Channel’s opening. It was November 10, 1914. Thousands gathered. President Woodrow Wilson fired a cannon. He did so via remote control from Washington, D.C. The cannon officially opened the channel. Sue Campbell, the mayor’s daughter, christened the port. She sprinkled white roses into the water. “Hither the boats of all nations may come and receive hearty welcome” she proclaimed.
The Houston Ship Channel measures 40 feet deep for most of its length. It runs 300 to 400 feet in width. The channel stretches from the Gulf of Mexico. It goes through Galveston Bay. It ends up the San Jacinto River. The end is four miles east of downtown Houston.
Initially, few industries lined the channel. By 1930, eight refiners were there. Today, the channel supports the second-largest petrochemical complex in the world. The Houston Ship Channel drives the prosperity of Texas. It links to transportation facilities and industrial plants. These ship products worldwide.
Houston is indeed the town that built a port that built a city. Remember the vision and determination that shaped this vital waterway as you stand before Houston’s Deep-Water Port Plaque. It is more than just a marker. It is a symbol of Houston’s ambition. It is a testament to its growth.