129: Trailblazing Women of Houston’s History

Did you know that Houston has a "Mother"—not just the Allen Brothers? Or that a woman was behind Houston’s first fully air-conditioned office building?

In this special Women's History Month episode, historian Mister McKinney joins host Blanca Quezada to share the untold stories of 158 women who shaped Houston in business, law, medicine, arts, philanthropy, education, and more. From Charlotte Baldwin Allen, who donated land for the city’s first parks and schools, to Millie Esperson, who changed Houston’s skyline, these women’s contributions are everywhere—you just need to know where to look!

Want to see history up close? Mister McKinney’s Houston History Bus Tour brings these stories to life, taking visitors through historic sites from the 1830s to today—including stops at landmarks shaped by Houston’s pioneering women. And great news: the Women’s History Tour has been extended through April 2025!

Key Topics Covered:

·       Women who built Houston’s cultural, educational, and medical institutions

·       Charlotte Baldwin Allen: The “Mother of Houston” who shaped the city’s foundation

·       Millie Esperson: The powerhouse behind Houston’s first air-conditioned office building

·       The long history of women leading Houston’s parks, schools, and libraries

·       Where to research more about Houston’s historical women

·       Behind-the-scenes of the Houston History Bus and its unique, open-air experience

Did you miss Women’s History Month? Don’t worry! This history is worth learning all year long!

If you would like to take the Women’s Historical Tour, you still have time, the tours will be expanded through April 2025. To get more details about this tour or upcoming tours or make a reservation contact Mister McKinney directly at [phone] or