History

2017: A Whirlwind Year in Houston History We Will Never Forget

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Tony Maples Photography

 

2017 is definitely one for the books in Houston, Texas history. A whirlwind year full of ups and downs, and a roller coaster ride many Texans wish they could have got off and gotten back on throughout the year.

A year pegged with some of the most exciting events to hit the city, along with devastation unlike that which the city had not seen for many years. But through it all, the slogans will forever be etched in our minds that describe how things are always bigger in Texas, and how one of its cities showed the world they are #HoustonStrong, and #EarnedHistory no matter what obstacles were faced for this one-of-a-kind Texas town.

1. Super Bowl LI

Houston Super Bowl

Photo: Sonia Ramirez

What better way to start a new year than with all the trimmings of Super Bowl LI held right in our backyard at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas?

This event came complete with makeovers and the addition of restaurants, and beautiful downtown hotels, as well as one with the largest lazy rivers atop its roof in the shape of our great state of Texas at the Marriott Marquis.

Superbowl LI had an estimated economic impact to the tune of $347 million, according to its website. “Beyond the economic benefit, Super Bowl LI gave Houston a platform to communicate to the world that Houston is the most diverse, progressive and hospitable city in the United States.”

2. Hurricane Harvey

Cici Loo Photography

Photo: Facebook/Cici Loo Photograph

To say Hurricane Harvey was a catastrophic storm could be putting it mildly. A Hurricane unlike any other, the city of Houston and surrounding cities were devasted as it dumped a record 51 inches of rain continuously, inundating neighborhood after neighborhood with heartbreaking floods that destroyed homes and lives.

A category 4 hurricane that hit several Texas towns with a vengeance, and continued on as a fierce tropical storm finishing its path of destruction across Houston, August 2017 will go down in history as harsh. “AccuWeather predicts Hurricane Harvey, which has wreaked havoc in Texas, to be the most costly weather disaster in United States history.” The article goes on to state, “the total losses from this storm would reach $190 billion or one percent of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), countering the expected growth in the economy for the rest of this year.”

To this day, many are still in recovery mode, and still rebuilding their homes and lives. The photo captured above resonates with so many as it reflects the strength and resilience of thousands and earned the title of #HoustonStong as it shows the hardships many faced with their heads held high and pushing forward despite the destruction surrounding them. Houston became a community that came together helping neighbor after neighbor through one of the worst national disasters in its history.

3. World Series Championship

Houston Astros World Series

Photo: Facebook/Houston Astros

In a year full of twists and turns and rollercoaster dips that took your breath away, there was a break in the sky as the Houston Astros became the World Series Champions in an epic series against the Los Angeles Dodgers that will go down as one of the most thrilling games ever played.

A city in peril after one of the most devasting storms, Houston came back like a phoenix from the ashes, cheering on their boys to prove they are the best that have ever played the game. They #EarnedHistory and the respect of many across the baseball world.

With champions at the helm like MVPs Jose Altuve and George Springer, and heavy hitters like Carlos Correa and veteran Carlos Beltran guiding the way, its no wonder the team proved to everyone that dreams do come true and miracles really happen. In a fight to the finish, from their comeback win against the Boston Red Sox’s to win the American League Division Series, to beating out the world-renowned New York Yankees in an epic seven-game stretch to win their bid to the World Series Championship, what a glorious ride they gave to a city that truly deserved the honor.

4. Snow Makes a Comeback

Houston

Photo: Sonia Ramirez

“Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow…” And, so it did on December 8, 2017, in Houston and surrounding areas.

Snow fell across the state and even Houston was blanketed with the white stuff as we woke to accumulations of a rare and beautiful sight straight out of a magazine and movies. Although it was short-lived, it still was one for the books as many shared their photos of snow on their yards, car, and there was even enough to make a snowman to boot.

It has been a few years since snow made an appearance around these parts, but old man winter decided to come back for another round of lite snow flurries to start the new year off right on January 2, 2018. So what does the year ahead hold for this Texas town? We will have to just wait and see, but 2017 will go down in history as the year they hosted the Super Bowl, survived a hurricane, won the World Series, and they played in the snow to wrap up a whirlwind of events.