Helen Hatzis
Helen Hatzis
February 27, 2025 ·  1 min read

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The Woman Who Built Houston and the Hotel That Honours Her Legacy

This image shows a Texas Historical Commission marker dedicated to Charlotte Marie Baldwin Allen (1805–1895), often called the “Mother of Houston.” The marker stands in a serene cemetery surrounded by trees and gravestones, commemorating her significant contributions to the city’s development.

The text on the marker details her pivotal role in Houston’s founding. It highlights how she arrived in Texas in 1834, supported land purchases along Buffalo Bayou, and helped establish Houston. Though often overshadowed, she played a major role in business, real estate, and philanthropy, even overseeing civic projects and market spaces. The marker also notes that Charlotte Baldwin Allen Elementary became the first Houston public school named after a woman in 1907.

This tribute ensures that her legacy of resilience and leadership continues to be recognized today.