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Title: Houston, Texas
- Author: Burt Moritz
- Date: c.1950
- Condition: See description
- Inches: 13 x 10 1/8 [Image]
- Centimeters: 33.02 x 25.71 [Image]
- Product ID: 308552
The rare silver gelatin shows the downtown Houston skyline and features numerous mid-century and early 20th-century high-rise office buildings. Notable in the image are the pre-war and post-war art deco and modernist buildings densely packed together, with surface parking lots filling much of the surrounding space. The foreground includes Houston’s historic courthouse and city hall buildings, while the overall lack of major freeways and newer-style towers further emphasizes the period.
Hand written numbers in ink throughout, no legend present to identify.
Houston in the 1950s
In the 1950s, Houston experienced rapid growth and transformation, evolving from a regional center into a modern metropolis fueled by the booming oil industry. The decade saw a construction surge in both downtown office towers and sprawling new suburban neighborhoods, reflecting the nationwide trend toward suburbanization and ranch-style homes. Major infrastructure developments, such as the opening of the Texas Medical Center, expansion of the Port of Houston, and the construction of new freeways, contributed to the city’s economic and population boom, laying the foundation for Houston's rise as one of the country's largest and most dynamic cities.
Condition
In fair condition overall, with noticeable creasing and cracking present throughout the photograph. The edges display moderate wear and some fraying, reflecting typical signs of handling and age.
Background on Creator
Burt Moritz was a prominent Houston, Texas-based photographer, well known for his extensive aerial photography and documentation of the city’s growth. He was born in Houston and spent much of his career capturing the development of the region through striking images, including many of the downtown area in the mid-20th century. Moritz passed away peacefully on February 18, 2022, at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy of iconic photographs used in historical archives and special collections throughout Texas.