The Landmark That Embodies the Soul of Houston: Space City’s Astrodome:

Ralph Bivins

In Houston, The Astrodome, an accomplishment in engineering that symbolizes Houston’s can-do spirit, has just been designated as a “State Antiquities Landmark” by the Texas Historical Commission.

The world’s original air-conditioned domed stadium, the Astrodome was baptized in its first game by Mickey Mantle who hit the Dome’s first home run on April 9, 1965 with President Lyndon Baines Johnson in attendance.

With this historical designation, the Astrodome joins the Alamo and the State Capitol as protected landmark buildings. Now, the 52-year-old stadium cannot be demolished or altered without the approval of the state commission.