Which year did the Houston Post cease operations and become absorbed by the Houston Chronicle?
- 1990
- 1995
- 2000
- 2005
Correct Answer: 1995
Correct Answer Explanation: The Houston Post, a long-time rival of the Houston Chronicle, ceased operations in 1995, with its assets being bought by Hearst Communications, the owner of the Houston Chronicle.
What is Houston’s highest point in elevation?
- 100 feet
- 150 feet
- 200 feet
- 250 feet
Correct Answer: 150 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: The highest point in elevation in Houston is about 150 feet in elevation, in the far northwest part of the city. The city itself is very flat and its location near sea level makes it prone to flooding.
Which U.S. city is Houston’s closest neighbor?
- Austin
- Dallas
- New Orleans
- San Antonio
Correct Answer: New Orleans
Correct Answer Explanation: Located in southeast Texas, the city of Houston is only 88 miles from the Louisiana border, and thus very close to New Orleans, its closest neighboring major city.
What is Houston’s population estimate for the year 2023?
- 2,100,000
- 2,200,000
- 2,300,000
- 2,400,000
Correct Answer: 2,300,000
Correct Answer Explanation: Houston, the most populous city in Texas, has been experiencing steady population growth. It has an estimated population of 2,314,157 for the year 2023, making it the fourth-most populous city in the United States.
Which of these teams is NOT a part of the Houston professional sports scene?
- Houston Astros
- Houston Texans
- Houston Dynamo
- Houston Pelicans
Correct Answer: Houston Pelicans
Correct Answer Explanation: The Houston Pelicans are a fictional team. Houston is home to a variety of professional teams, including the Astros (MLB), Texans (NFL), Dynamo (MLS), and Dash (NWSL).
Which of the following is the largest medical complex in the world?
- Johns Hopkins Hospital
- Mayo Clinic
- Cleveland Clinic
- Texas Medical Center
Correct Answer: Texas Medical Center
Correct Answer Explanation: The Texas Medical Center is the largest medical complex in the world. It is located in Houston and houses over 13 hospitals and other healthcare research institutions, making it a major hub for medical advancements and research.
What major industry drove a surge in Houston’s population during the 1970s?
- Aerospace
- Energy
- Technology
- Healthcare
Correct Answer: Energy
Correct Answer Explanation: During the 1970s, a major influx of people moved to Houston seeking jobs in the rapidly growing energy sector, particularly the petroleum industry.
What major event prompted an acceleration of Houston’s development as a deep-water port?
- The Texas oil boom
- The Spindletop oil field discovery
- The Galveston Hurricane of 1900
- The opening of the Houston Ship Channel
Correct Answer: The Galveston Hurricane of 1900
Correct Answer Explanation: The devastating Galveston Hurricane of 1900 caused significant damage to the city, diminishing its role as the primary port in Texas. This prompted efforts to develop Houston as a more viable deep-water port.
Which of the following is considered the most diverse metropolitan area in the United States?
- Houston
- New York City
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
Correct Answer: Houston
Correct Answer Explanation: Based on the even distribution of population across the four major racial groups in the United States, Greater Houston was found to be the most ethnically diverse metropolitan area in the US.
What is the name of the city of Houston’s governing body?
- City Council
- City Commission
- Board of Aldermen
- Board of Supervisors
Correct Answer: City Council
Correct Answer Explanation: Houston has a mayor-council form of government, where the mayor is the chief executive and the City Council is the legislative body.
In what year did Houston elect its first African American mayor?
- 1997
- 2001
- 2005
- 2009
Correct Answer: 1997
Correct Answer Explanation: Lee P. Brown was elected as Houston’s first African American mayor in 1997.
What is the name of the tallest building in Texas?
- The Williams Tower
- The Wells Fargo Plaza
- The JPMorgan Chase Tower
- The Bank of America Center
Correct Answer: The JPMorgan Chase Tower
Correct Answer Explanation: The JPMorgan Chase Tower, formerly known as the Texas Commerce Tower, is the tallest building in Texas. It is 1,002 feet tall and was completed in 1982.
Which event caused widespread damage across Houston in May 2024?
- Hurricane Harvey
- Tropical Storm Allison
- A Derecho
- An Earthquake
Correct Answer: A Derecho
Correct Answer Explanation: In May 2024, a powerful derecho, a widespread and damaging windstorm, caused significant damage across Houston and the surrounding metropolitan area.
What is the name of the largest church in the United States?
- The Cathedral of St. John the Divine
- The National Cathedral
- The First Baptist Church of Dallas
- Lakewood Church
Correct Answer: Lakewood Church
Correct Answer Explanation: Lakewood Church, led by Pastor Joel Osteen, is the largest church in the United States. It is located in Houston and is a megachurch with over 44,000 attendees every week.
What is the name of the first indoor domed stadium built in the world?
- The Astrodome
- The Superdome
- The Georgia Dome
- The Metrodome
Correct Answer: The Astrodome
Correct Answer Explanation: The Astrodome, nicknamed the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” opened in Houston in 1965. It was the first indoor domed stadium in the world.
Which city is considered the headquarters of the Texas Medical Center?
- Austin
- Dallas
- San Antonio
- Houston
Correct Answer: Houston
Correct Answer Explanation: The Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world, is located in Houston, Texas.
What is the name of the first openly lesbian mayor of a major US city?
- Annise Parker
- Elaine Chao
- Kathy Whitmire
- Ann Richards
Correct Answer: Annise Parker
Correct Answer Explanation: Annise Parker was elected as the mayor of Houston in 2009. She was the first openly lesbian mayor of a major city in the United States.
What is the name of the largest shopping mall in Texas?
- The Galleria
- The Woodlands Mall
- The Mall of America
- The North Star Mall
Correct Answer: The Galleria
Correct Answer Explanation: The Galleria is a large shopping mall in Houston, Texas. It is the largest shopping mall in the state.
What is the name of the Houston Airport System’s busiest airport?
- William P. Hobby Airport
- Ellington Airport
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport
- Houston International Airport
Correct Answer: George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Correct Answer Explanation: George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the busiest airport in Houston and one of the busiest airports in the United States. It serves as a major hub for United Airlines.
Which state university is the first public institution of higher education in Houston?
- Texas A&M University
- Rice University
- Texas Southern University
- University of Houston
Correct Answer: Texas Southern University
Correct Answer Explanation: Texas Southern University was founded in 1927. It is the first state university in Houston, and one of the largest historically black universities in the United States.
What is the name of the most selective private university in Texas?
- Texas Christian University
- Baylor University
- Southern Methodist University
- Rice University
Correct Answer: Rice University
Correct Answer Explanation: Rice University is a highly selective private research university located in Houston. It is known for its strong academic programs and its beautiful campus.
Which of the following is NOT one of Houston’s nicknames?
- Space City
- Bayou City
- H-Town
- The 713
- The Lone Star City
Correct Answer: The Lone Star City
Correct Answer Explanation: “The Lone Star City” is a nickname for the city of Austin, Texas. Houston’s other nicknames are: “Space City” (because of NASA), “Bayou City” (due to its bayous), “H-Town” (an abbreviation), and “The 713” (referencing the area code).
What is the name of the main public transportation authority in the Greater Houston Area?
- The Houston Transit Authority
- The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO)
- The Houston Light Rail System
- The Houston Bus Network
Correct Answer: The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO)
Correct Answer Explanation: The METRO is responsible for providing public transportation services in Houston, including buses, light rail, HOV lanes, and paratransit.
Which Houston-based oil and gas company was involved in a major accounting scandal in 2001?
- ExxonMobil
- Shell
- Enron
- Chevron
Correct Answer: Enron
Correct Answer Explanation: Enron, a Houston-based energy company, was involved in a major accounting scandal in 2001, leading to its bankruptcy.
What is the name of Houston’s only major daily newspaper?
- The Houston Post
- The Houston Herald
- The Houston Chronicle
- The Houston Sun
Correct Answer: The Houston Chronicle
Correct Answer Explanation: The Houston Chronicle is the only major daily newspaper in Houston, with widespread distribution. It acquired the assets of its former rival, the Houston Post, in 1995.
What is the name of Houston’s longest tollway?
- The Katy Freeway
- The Westpark Tollway
- The Hardy Toll Road
- The Sam Houston Tollway
Correct Answer: The Sam Houston Tollway
Correct Answer Explanation: The Sam Houston Tollway, which runs along Beltway 8, is the longest tollway in the Houston area.
What is the name of the first retractable-roof stadium in the NFL?
- NRG Stadium
- Reliant Stadium
- The Astrodome
- Minute Maid Park
Correct Answer: NRG Stadium
Correct Answer Explanation: NRG Stadium, home to the Houston Texans, was the first NFL stadium with a retractable roof.
Which of the following is NOT a major ethnic enclave in Houston?
- Chinatown
- Little Italy
- Mahatma Gandhi District
- Little Saigon
Correct Answer: Little Italy
Correct Answer Explanation: Houston does not have a significant Little Italy. While it has a large Italian community, it is not concentrated in a specific neighborhood as in other cities.
In what year did Houston host Super Bowl LI?
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
Correct Answer: 2017
Correct Answer Explanation: Houston hosted Super Bowl LI in 2017 at NRG Stadium, with the New England Patriots defeating the Atlanta Falcons in overtime.
What is the name of the 14-acre facility of the Museum of Fine Arts that houses decorative art?
- The Bayou Bend Collection
- The Rothko Chapel
- The Menil Collection
- The Museum of Natural Science
Correct Answer: The Bayou Bend Collection
Correct Answer Explanation: The Bayou Bend Collection is a facility of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. It is located on a 14-acre site and houses a collection of decorative art, paintings, and furniture.
What is the name of the first public television station in the United States?
- KPRC-TV
- KHOU
- KTRK-TV
- KUHT
Correct Answer: KUHT
Correct Answer Explanation: KUHT, channel 8, is the first public television station in the United States. It is a PBS member station.
What is the name of the Houston area’s public radio station that is a member of NPR?
- KILT
- KKBQ
- KUHF
- KPFT
Correct Answer: KUHF
Correct Answer Explanation: KUHF, News 88.7, is a public radio station in Houston that is a member of National Public Radio.
Which Houston-based company was the third largest provider of long-term acute care nationally in 2005?
- Memorial Hermann
- MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Triumph Healthcare
- Baylor College of Medicine
Correct Answer: Triumph Healthcare
Correct Answer Explanation: Triumph Healthcare was a hospital system with headquarters in Houston. In 2005, it was the third largest provider of long-term acute care nationally.
What is the name of the city of Houston’s program for transportation and emergency management?
- Houston TranStar
- METRO
- The Houston Airport System
- The Houston Police Department
Correct Answer: Houston TranStar
Correct Answer Explanation: Houston TranStar is a partnership of four government agencies that provides transportation and emergency management services for the Houston area.
What is the name of the Houston-based professional rugby team?
- Houston SaberCats
- Houston Dynamo
- Houston Texans
- Houston Roughnecks
Correct Answer: Houston SaberCats
Correct Answer Explanation: The Houston SaberCats is a professional rugby team based in Houston, Texas.
Which Houston-based company relocated its global headquarters to the Greater Houston area in 2022?
- IBM
- Amazon
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Correct Answer: Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Correct Answer Explanation: Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), a technology company, relocated its global headquarters from California to the Greater Houston area in 2022.
What is the name of the city of Houston’s program for promoting people-to-people diplomacy?
- Sister Cities International
- Houston International Affairs
- The Houston Trade Council
- The Houston Cultural Exchange Program
Correct Answer: Sister Cities International
Correct Answer Explanation: Sister Cities International is a program that promotes people-to-people diplomacy through city-to-city relationships. The city of Houston has a number of sister cities, as part of this program.
In which year did the United States Department of Transportation name IAH the fastest-growing of the top ten airports in the United States?
- 2000
- 2005
- 2010
- 2015
Correct Answer: 2006
Correct Answer Explanation: The United States Department of Transportation named George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) the fastest-growing of the top ten airports in the United States in 2006.
Which of the following musical artists is NOT from Houston?
- Destiny’s Child
- Megan Thee Stallion
- Drake
- Travis Scott
Correct Answer: Drake
Correct Answer Explanation: Drake is a Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter. The other artists listed are all from Houston.
Which of the following is NOT a major business district in Houston?
- Uptown
- Westchase
- The Energy Corridor
- The Galleria
Correct Answer: The Galleria
Correct Answer Explanation: The Galleria is a major shopping mall in Houston, but it is not a major business district.
Which Houston-area school district is the seventh-largest in the United States?
- Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District
- Fort Bend Independent School District
- Klein Independent School District
- Houston Independent School District
Correct Answer: Houston Independent School District
Correct Answer Explanation: The Houston Independent School District (HISD) is the seventh-largest school district in the United States.
What is the name of the longest running annual event in Houston?
- The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
- The Houston Auto Show
- The Houston Gay Pride Parade
- The Bayou City Art Festival
Correct Answer: The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Correct Answer Explanation: The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, held annually in the spring, is the largest and longest running event in Houston.
What is the name of the streetcar suburbs that have newer high-density apartment and townhouse developments?
- Inner Loop
- The Woodlands
- Sugar Land
- Midtown
Correct Answer: Inner Loop
Correct Answer Explanation: The Inner Loop encompasses a 97-square-mile area in Houston, including Downtown, pre-World War II residential neighborhoods, and newer high-density apartment and townhouse developments.
What is the name of the area where most of Houston’s skyscrapers are built?
- Midtown
- Uptown
- Downtown
- The Energy Corridor
Correct Answer: Downtown
Correct Answer Explanation: Downtown Houston is the center of the city’s skyline and contains a significant number of skyscrapers.
What is the name of the street in Uptown Houston where the tallest building in the area is located?
- Westheimer Road
- Post Oak Boulevard
- Richmond Avenue
- San Felipe Street
Correct Answer: Post Oak Boulevard
Correct Answer Explanation: The Williams Tower, also known as the Transco Tower until 1999, is the tallest building in the Uptown District of Houston. It is located on Post Oak Boulevard.
What is the name of the area in Houston that has the largest concentration of theater seats?
- The Theater District
- The Museum District
- The Galleria
- The Montrose District
Correct Answer: The Theater District
Correct Answer Explanation: The Theater District in Downtown Houston is home to nine major performing arts organizations and six performance halls.
What is the name of the oldest Hindu temple in Texas?
- The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Houston
- The Sri Meenakshi Temple
- The Hindu Temple of Houston
- The Shiva Vishnu Temple
Correct Answer: The Sri Meenakshi Temple
Correct Answer Explanation: The Sri Meenakshi Temple is located in Pearland, Texas, and is the oldest Hindu temple in the state.
What is the name of the park in the Uptown District that features a popular tourist attraction?
- Hermann Park
- Discovery Green
- Memorial Park
- Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
Correct Answer: Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
Correct Answer Explanation: Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park, located in the Uptown District of Houston, is a popular tourist attraction, known for its large water feature.
What is the name of the organization that operates Houston’s bicycle sharing system?
- Houston Bikeways
- Houston Bcycle
- METRO
- The Houston Bike Plan
Correct Answer: Houston Bcycle
Correct Answer Explanation: Houston Bcycle, a local non-profit, operates Houston’s bicycle sharing system, providing bicycles and docking stations throughout the city.
What is the name of the street where a cycle track was added in Downtown Houston in 2015?
- Main Street
- Congress Avenue
- Lamar Street
- Market Street
Correct Answer: Lamar Street
Correct Answer Explanation: In 2015, a cycle track was added to Lamar Street in Downtown Houston, running from Sam Houston Park to Discovery Green.
Which of the following is NOT a factor that contributes to flooding in Houston?
- Flat terrain
- Extensive greenfield development
- Proximity to the Gulf Coast
- A strong zoning ordinance
Correct Answer: A strong zoning ordinance
Correct Answer Explanation: Houston has no formal zoning regulations, which is one of the factors that has contributed to flooding in the city. The lack of zoning allows for unregulated building in flood-prone areas.
What is the name of the major artery that runs through Houston, parallel to Interstate 45, north of Downtown?
- The Hardy Toll Road
- The Westpark Tollway
- The Katy Freeway
- The Gulf Freeway
Correct Answer: The Hardy Toll Road
Correct Answer Explanation: The Hardy Toll Road is a toll road in Houston that runs parallel to Interstate 45, north of Downtown.
What is the name of the street in Houston that serves as a major thoroughfare for the city’s western suburbs?
- Westheimer Road
- Memorial Drive
- Bellaire Boulevard
- FM 1960
Correct Answer: Westheimer Road
Correct Answer Explanation: Westheimer Road is a major thoroughfare that runs through Houston and serves as a major artery for the city’s western suburbs.
What is the name of the area in Houston where the first gay bars opened in the 1970s?
- Midtown
- Montrose
- The Heights
- Downtown
Correct Answer: Montrose
Correct Answer Explanation: The Montrose district in Houston is known for its LGBT community and was where many gay bars opened in the 1970s.
What is the name of the area in Houston that is home to the largest African American community in Texas?
- The Third Ward
- The Heights
- The East End
- The Galleria
Correct Answer: The Third Ward
Correct Answer Explanation: The Third Ward in Houston is known for its large African American community, and it is home to Texas Southern University, one of the largest historically black universities in the United States.
What is the name of the area in Houston where the first execution took place in 1853?
- The Fourth Ward
- The Fifth Ward
- The Sixth Ward
- The Seventh Ward
Correct Answer: The Fourth Ward
Correct Answer Explanation: The first execution in Houston took place in public at Founder’s Cemetery in the Fourth Ward in 1853.