Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Houston's economy continues to grow

• Upcoming Rice Owls baseball home game

• A deep dive into the life of Jesse H. Jones

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“If you can’t yet do great things, do small things in a great way.”

―Napoleon Hill

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

In what year did Houston host the Super Bowl for the first time?

A) 1974

B) 1987

C) 2004

D) 2017

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia: The tallest building in Houston is B) JPMorgan Chase Tower.

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼 Business

U.S. real GDP growth showed a positive trend with a 4.9% increase in Q3/23 and a 3.3% increase in Q4/23, with early indicators suggesting an acceleration to a 4.2% annual rate. (Link)

Economic forecasts have become more optimistic, with a significant decrease in the perceived likelihood of a recession over the next 12 months compared to previous years. (Link)

The U.S. job market remained strong, creating 2.7 million jobs in 2023, marking it as the fifth-best year in the last two decades. (Link)

Houston's economy continues to grow, albeit at a slower pace than in previous years, with the unemployment rate staying near historic lows. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Houston Rockets lose to Memphis Grizzlies despite Amen Thompson's efforts in an injury-depleted game. (Link)

Rockets secure a victory against New York Knicks after a controversial late call, with comments from GM Rafael Stone. (Link)

Analysis on why the Houston Rockets made no moves at the NBA trade deadline and their potential strategy for attracting star players. (Link)

Jalen Green's 30 points and Amen Thompson's defense were not enough as Rockets fall to Indiana Pacers. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Houston's economic growth continues at a slower pace compared to previous years, with a decrease in recession likelihood highlighted by recent surveys and forecasts. (Link)

Employment trends in Houston show a strong finish for the year, with significant job creation across various sectors. (Link)

The unemployment rate in Houston remains near historic lows, with most employers retaining their workforce despite layoffs in the tech and banking sectors. (Link)

Houston faces challenges with a massive budget deficit anticipated post-expiration of federal COVID-19 funds, as warned by the city's Finance Head. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Rice Owls Baseball
Reckling Park, Rice University, Houston, TX
Wednesday, Feb. 28th | (More Info)

🏉 North Texas Mean Green Women's Basketball
Tudor Fieldhouse, Rice University, Houston, TX
Saturday, Mar. 2nd | (More Info)

🏉 Utah Warriors
SaberCats Stadium, Houston, TX
Saturday, Mar. 2nd | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 OsamaSon - Flex Musix Tour
Bronze Peacock At The House Of Blues, Houston, Texas
Thursday, Feb. 29th | (More Info)

🎷 Crosses
House Of Blues, Houston, Texas
Tuesday, Feb. 27th | (More Info)

🎤 Cowboy Bebop Live
House Of Blues, Houston, Texas
Friday, Mar. 1st | (More Info)

Family

📚 Storytime at Blue Willow Bookshop
Blue Willow Bookshop
Thursday, February 29th | (More Info)

🎭 Free Family Night at The Children's Museum of Houston
Children's Museum of Houston
Thursday, February 29th | (More Info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Houston within a giant biodome” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Houston Historical Events

1861-1865: Houston during the Civil War

During the years of the Civil War from 1861 to 1865, Houston, Texas, underwent significant transformations, deeply influenced by the broader conflict engulfing the nation. At the onset of the war, Houston, a burgeoning town with a strategic position near the Gulf of Mexico, became a focal point for military and logistical operations in the Confederate state of Texas. The town's railroads, such as the Houston and Texas Central Railway, and its proximity to Galveston Bay, made it a critical junction for the transport of troops, cotton, and supplies. Moreover, Houston's economy, heavily reliant on the cotton trade, was poised to play a pivotal role in the Confederacy's financial strategy, though it also faced the risk of Union blockades disrupting its trade routes.

The social fabric of Houston during these tumultuous years was marked by a mixture of fear, uncertainty, and determination. The population, consisting of a diverse mix of settlers, faced the realities of war on their doorstep. While many Houstonians supported the Confederate cause, there were also pockets of Unionist sentiment, reflecting the complex political and personal allegiances within the community. The presence of military encampments and the constant movement of soldiers through the town added a layer of military rigor to daily life. Houstonians endured the hardships of war, including shortages of goods, inflation, and the ever-present fear of Union incursions, particularly after the fall of nearby Galveston to Union forces in late 1862.

Post-war Houston emerged from the Civil War profoundly affected. The economic lifelines of the town had been disrupted, and the social landscape had been altered by the realities of defeat and the subsequent emancipation of slaves. The end of the war signaled the beginning of a new era for Houston, one that would involve rebuilding and redefining its identity within a reunified nation. The resilience of its citizens during the war laid the groundwork for the city's future growth, transforming Houston into a key player in the economic and cultural development of the Southwest in the years to follow. The legacy of the Civil War era in Houston is a testament to the city's capacity for reinvention and endurance in the face of profound challenges.

Famous People From Houston

Jesse H. Jones (1874–1956)

Early Life and Education (1874–1898)

Jesse Holman Jones was born in Robertson County, Tennessee, in 1874, into a family of tobacco farmers. His upbringing on the farm instilled in him a robust work ethic and a deep understanding of the agricultural economy. Recognizing the limitations of farm life, Jones sought broader horizons and, at the age of 14, moved to Dallas, Texas, to live with his uncle. He quickly assimilated into the bustling commercial life of the city, working in his uncle's lumberyard. This early exposure to business operations and management laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial spirit.

Entrepreneurial Ventures (1898–1912)

Jones relocated to Houston in 1898, a pivotal move that marked the beginning of his significant impact on the city. He established his own lumber business, leveraging the skills and knowledge he had acquired in Dallas. His business acumen and foresight enabled him to capitalize on the growing demand for building materials, fuelled by Houston's rapid expansion. Jones's success in the lumber industry was just the beginning of his extensive entrepreneurial ventures, which would later include real estate, banking, and media.

Real Estate and Building Houston (1912–1928)

In the early 20th century, Jones transitioned into real estate and construction, significantly shaping Houston's skyline and infrastructure. He was instrumental in developing major buildings, hotels, and office spaces, displaying a visionary approach to city planning and development. His contributions played a crucial role in positioning Houston as a prominent economic and cultural hub in the South. Notably, his projects often reflected his commitment to community development and his belief in the potential of Houston as a major urban center.

Political Involvement and Public Service (1928–1932)

Jones's influence extended beyond entrepreneurship as he ventured into the realm of politics and public service. His leadership skills and economic expertise garnered the attention of political leaders, leading to his involvement in local and national politics. He served in various capacities, contributing to policy-making and economic planning, and his work during this period laid the groundwork for his later role in national politics and economic recovery programs.

The New Deal and Reconstruction Finance Corporation (1932–1939)

Amid the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Jones as the chairman of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC). In this role, Jones was pivotal in implementing the New Deal policies, providing financial support to banks, industries, and other institutions to stimulate economic recovery. His pragmatic and innovative approach to managing the RFC earned him national acclaim and cemented his reputation as a key figure in America's journey through and out of the Great Depression.

Secretary of Commerce and World War II Efforts (1939–1945)

In 1939, Jones was appointed as the Secretary of Commerce, a position he held throughout World War II. His tenure was marked by significant contributions to the war effort, including mobilizing the American industry to support the military, managing resources, and overseeing production. His leadership played a crucial role in ensuring the country's economic stability and industrial prowess during the challenging war years.

Post-War Contributions and Philanthropy (1945–1956)

After the war, Jones focused on philanthropic efforts and continued to influence economic policies. He returned to Houston, where he concentrated on philanthropy, civic leadership, and furthering the development of the city. His generosity and commitment to education, arts, and community services left a lasting impact on Houston and its residents.

Legacy in Houston and Beyond (1956 and beyond)

Jesse H. Jones's death in 1956 marked the end of an era, but his legacy lived on. Houston, in particular, felt the enduring influence of his vision and generosity. The city's skyline, cultural institutions, and economic landscape bear the marks of his dedication and foresight. Nationally, his contributions to America's economic recovery during the Great Depression and his efforts during World War II solidified his status as a pivotal figure in American history.

Key Achievements:

• Entrepreneurial Success: Built a successful business empire, including ventures in lumber, real estate, banking, and media.

• Architect of Houston's Growth: Played a significant role in the development of Houston's infrastructure, real estate, and cultural institutions.

• National Economic Leader: As chairman of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, he was instrumental in America's economic recovery during the Great Depression.

• Secretary of Commerce: Oversaw the mobilization of American industry during World War II, contributing significantly to the war effort.

• Philanthropist: His philanthropic efforts greatly benefited education, the arts, and community services, particularly in Houston.

• Visionary Leader: Left an indelible mark on the economic and cultural development of Houston and the nation.

Jesse H. Jones's indomitable spirit and innovative business drive redefined the entrepreneurship, progress, and inner strength of Houston, leaving a bold print on both local and national institutions. Through his key in the New Deal and the economic tide he turned during the Dark Hours of the Great Depression, to his benign mark on America's fight in World War II and after, his works perennially resonate. More than a contributor to Houston's blueprint and the engine of its renaissances, Jones ascends as a veritable luminary, embedding his essence in the broader course of American prosperity and ambition.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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