History Katy, Texas

first bridge on cane island creek circa 1895

in 1800s katy known cane island , named creek runs through area, branch of buffalo bayou. creek filled tall cane, not native area. presumed have been planted either karankawa indians or spanish explorers aid in fur trapping until 1820s.

in 1845 james j. crawford received land grant included area. hot summers, thick clay soil made difficult attract settlers area. crawford, peter black, john sills , families of former slaves thomas (mary) robinson , milto mcginnis recorded residents of cane island in 1875.

in 1895, james oliver thomas laid out town, , in january 1896 town of katy named through thomas s post office application. name katy derived mkt railroad company , commonly referred k-t, stock exchange symbol. common designation evolved katy.

katy residents gather photo @ cane island creek bridge in 1911



dr. james m. , dove stewart house, on national register of historic places

the anticipations of prosperity bring growth new town developed around original train stop , railroad tracks. 1900s many families had come train , wagon establish katy. cotton , peanuts , corn first successful crops, rice became primary commodity crop. katy later became known rice farming; first concrete rice driers in state of texas built here in 1944 , still stand landmarks. farming community supported local businesses several hotels, stores, livery stables , saloons prospering.

1900 galveston hurricane track

on september 8th 1900, town’s efforts swept clean great galveston hurricane of 1900, deadliest hurricane in history. 2 of original katy homes lost in storm. despite this, cane island rebuilt , continued grow.

in 1945 city of katy incorporated municipality. c. l. baird first mayor. boundaries determined finding area contained residents , reasonably sized managed city services.

the construction , opening of interstate 10 in 1966 allowed rapid development of area, houston expanded westward. section widened in 2008 average of 26 lanes, , in areas 30 lanes total including 6 feeder , 4 hov lanes 22 miles, making widest freeway in world. population 9,866 in 1988, 8,005 in 1990, 11,775 in 2000, , 15,591 in 2014. katy has grown population of on 16,000 residents , 270,000 in greater katy area. katy has won national accolades growth , sustainability. including gadberry group naming katy 1 of 9 2009 notable high-growth areas in united states.