[6] Its location on the bay, which is used by the Port of Houston and the Port of Galveston, puts Texas City in the heart of one of the world's most important shipping hubs.

[4] In 2005, the total value of foreign trade shipped through the port was US$10.8 billion (22nd in the U.S.).

[5] In 1947, an explosion aboard the French-flagged S.S. Grandcamp, docked at Texas City, triggered fires and explosions throughout the port and the industrial complex.

The resulting destruction is considered by many to be the worst industrial tragedy in the history of the United States.

In spite of the destruction the city was able to rebuild quickly and the port soon re-opened.