Upper Kirby is a commercial district in Houston, Texas, United States. It is named after Kirby Drive, so indirectly takes its name from John Henry Kirby.
Upper Kirby (Looking West from NE corner of intersection of Westheimer Rd. and Kirby Drive)
An Upper Kirby street sign (in the classic red that distinguishes the Upper Kirby district from its surrounding areas) showing Buffalo Speedway
River Oaks Garden Club Forum of Civics
The KTRK-TV studios
John Henry Kirby was an American businessman whose ventures made him the largest lumber manufacturer in Texas and the Southern United States. In addition to serving two terms in the Texas Legislature, he also established the Kirby Petroleum Company. With his successful reputation, he was known by his business peers as "The Prince of the Pines" and "The Father of Industrial Texas". He was also active in anti-union and subversive political activities, cofounding the Southern Committee to uphold the Constitution which supported racism, fascism, and sought to block the reelection of Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Kirbyville, Texas, in Jasper County is named after him, as is Kirby Drive and Upper Kirby in Houston.
John Henry Kirby