Houston was founded in 1836 on land near the banks of Buffalo Bayou (now known as "Allen's Landing") and incorporated as a city on June 5, 1837. The city was named after former General Sam Houston, who was president of the Republic of Texas and had commanded and won at the Battle of San Jacinto 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of where the city was established.
Houston Was Founded
In 1900, after Galveston was struck by a devastating hurricane, efforts to make Houston into a viable deep-water port were accelerated. The following year, oil discovered at the Spindletop oil field near Beaumont prompted the development of the Texas petroleum industry. In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt approved a $1 million improvement project for the Houston Ship Channel. By 1910, the city's population had reached 78,800, almost doubling from a decade before.
Texas Governor Ross Sterling built the Houston National Bank in 1928. It was one of four banks that were built on the corners of Main and Franklin streets in downtown Houston; only three of these buildings are standing today. Sterling was founder and president of the Humble Oil and Refining Company, eventually became Exxon Mobile. From 1933 to 1946, he was president of the Sterling Oil and Refining Company and was chairman of the Houston National Bank.
Houston National Bank
202 Main Street
Architects Hedrick & Gottlieb
Constructed in 1928
Restored and Renovated to House
the Islamic Da'wah Center in the late 90's
Hakeem Olajuwon Acquires the Property
Bob Bailey Studios Photographic Archive, e_bb_2464, The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin
After years of extensive renovations, the center finally opened to the public in 2002 with the name of "Islamic Da`wah Center". The first prayer was held on the last Friday of Ramadan, November 29, 2002. This was a remarkable turning point in the history of Islam in Houston. The Islamic Da`wah Center houses the first mosque in downtown Houston. It is also the first center dedicated for Da`wah in Houston. The opulent three-story facility includes over 40,000 square feet. Once you enter the building from the Travis side entrance, you can access the main prayer hall on the first floor. From there, a staircase takes you underground to the basement level, which has a gathering area, meeting rooms, classrooms, offices, and a kitchen. Recently, a library of Islamic knowledge was added to the third floor.
Islamic Da'wah Center Opens
To Promote Islamic principles, history and culture.
Our vision is to become a destination for seekers of the truth.
A Word From Our Founder
It is my pleasure welcoming you to this historic landmark in the great city of Houston. In 1994, I purchased this building with the vision of transforming it into something that complements its beauty and its grace. The first thing I envisioned was a peaceful place where worship, learning, and reflection thrive. I envisioned a unique space where great architecture and subtle spirituality embrace carrying every visitor’s soul on a beautiful journey to a world of balance and tranquility. In 2002, the dream became a reality, and the Islamic Da`wah Center opened its doors to serve our community. I look forward to seeing you here, and I hope you have an enlightening visit - whether for prayer, for education, or for merely a little inspiration.
A Word From the Executive Director
Welcome to the Islamic Da`wah Center, a historical landmark in the heart of Houston, one of America’s greatest cities. The Islamic Da`wah Center was founded to serve an unfulfilled need of the Houston community to explore the rich history and cultures of Islam. In its early days as the Houston National Bank, it served the community by providing financial assurance and security. Today, this magnificent building has been transformed into an Islamic institution, the first of its kind in the historic district of downtown Houston serving the community by presenting the true image of Islam.