History

General History

Houston was founded in 1857 and was named after Sam Houston.

During the Civil War, Houston was sometimes defended by units of the 5th Missouri State Militia.

The Arthur W. and Chloe B. Cole House, Houston High School, and Houston Ranger Station Historic District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography

Houston is located in the Missouri Ozarks in central Texas County, at the intersection of U.S. Route 63 and Missouri Route 17. Cabool is approximately 15 miles to the southwest and Licking about 12 miles to the northeast on route 63.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.64 square miles (9.43 km2), all land. Houston is the second-largest city in Texas County, behind Cabool. The town is located south of Rolla.