Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Houston wasn’t "discovered"—it was founded in 1836 by New York real-estate speculators John Kirby Allen and Augustus Chapman Allen. They named it after Sam Houston, hero of San Jacinto and first president of the Republic of Texas, betting the new capital would anchor their investment.
The Allens bought 6,642 acres along Buffalo Bayou, laid out a grid, and lobbied successfully for the capital (1837–1839). Though the capital moved to Austin, Houston’s port and rail links secured its commercial future.