About Huntsville

Home of Sam Houston

Huntsville offers visitors an array of discoveries - history, nature, prominent state institutions, antiques - all mixed with hometown hospitality. The small-town, historic flair of Huntsville brings new meaning to 'Texas Charm'. There is truly something for everyone in Huntsville!


The city had its beginning about 1836, when Pleasant and Ephraim Gray opened a trading post on the site. Ephraim Gray became first postmaster in 1837, naming it after his former home town, Huntsville in Madison County, Alabama.  (Incidentally, "Madison County" is also the name of an adjacent Texas county.)


Huntsville became the home of Sam Houston, who served as the 1st and 3rd President of the Republic of Texas, Governor of the State of Texas, Governor of Tennessee, U.S. Senator, and Tennessee congressman. General Houston led the Texas Army in the Battle of San Jacinto - the decisive victory of the Texas Revolution. Houston has been noted for his life among the Cherokees of Tennessee, and - near the end of his life - for his opposition to the American Civil War, a position which was a very unpopular in his day. Located in Huntsville are two of Houston's homes, his grave, and the Sam Houston Memorial Museum. Houston's life in Huntsville is also commemorated by his namesake Sam Houston State University, and by a 77 foot statue. (The towering statue, "Tribute to Courage" by artist David Adickes, has been described as the world's largest statue of an American hero, and is easily viewed by travelers on Interstate 45.)


Getting Here & Transportation

The City of Huntsville is served by one interstate and several state highways that provide the basic framework of transportation facilities in the area. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) maintains the state roadways located in the area, and the City of Huntsville maintains roadways that are not part of the state system. Local roads range from a four-lane interstate highway to two-lane local streets. 

Highways

  • Future Interstate 14: The Central Texas Corridor will pass through Bryan College Station, Huntsville, Livingston, and several other cities.
  • Interstate 45: I-45 travels from Dallas to Houston and is a home on the highway for Huntsville.
  • State Highway 30: SH 30 spans from College station to SH 19 in Huntsville, located between I-45 and US 190 (Phelps Dr).
  • State Highway 75: SH 75 passes through the Heart of Huntsville and coincides with Sam Houston Avenue, a main street within the city.
  • State Highway 190: SH 190 splits with SH 6, turning northeast and merging with SH 21, and traveling along nearby cities including Madisonville, before meeting I-45 leading to Huntsville and into East Texas.

Airports

  • Bruce Bros. Huntsville Municipal: A public aviation center serving more than 20,000 aircrafts a year, owned by the City of Huntsville. This airport features a 5000 foot runway with a full service terminal to access the surrounding counties in Walker County. 
  • George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): One of the largest airports in the nation located less than an hour from Huntsville. From Interstate 45 take North Beltway 8 to the East and follow the signs. From US 59 take North Beltway 8 and travel to the west and follow the signs.
  • William P. Hobby Airport (HOU): An international airport serving Houston located 7 miles from downtown Houston. Opening in 1969, it is the oldest airport in Houston and the second busiest.

Ports

  • Port of Houston: The port of Houston is located 98 miles (1.5 hours) from Huntsville. 

Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations

  • Sam Houston State University
    • 2424 Sam Houston Ave.
    • 2007 Ave. J
    • 820 Bowers Blvd.
  • Tesla Supercharger
    • 148 IH 45
  • Blink Charging Station
    • 1418 Ave. I
  • Walmart
    • 141 IH 45
  • Livingston Charge Port Charging Station
    • 230 IH 45 N