Sugar Land, Texas, is a city located in the Greater Houston metropolitan area. The city’s history is closely tied to the sugar industry, which gave the city its name. In the early 19th century, the Mexican government granted land to Stephen F. Austin, who established a colony of American settlers in the area. One of the settlers, Nathaniel F. Williams, started a sugar plantation in the area and built a sugar mill, which was the first in Texas.
In the early 20th century, the Imperial Sugar Company purchased the land and built a large sugar refinery, which became one of the largest employers in the area. The company also developed a company town, which included housing, schools, and other amenities for its employees. The city of Sugar Land was officially incorporated in 1959.
Sugar Land experienced significant growth in the latter half of the 20th century, as the city’s population increased from around 15,000 in the 1970s to more than 85,000 in the early 21st century. This growth was driven in part by the expansion of the Houston metropolitan area, as well as the city’s proximity to major highways and its reputation as a desirable place to live. Today, Sugar Land is a diverse and vibrant community, known for its excellent schools, high quality of life, and strong economy.
Major People in Sugar Land
Some of the major figures who played a role in the creation and growth of Sugar Land include:
- Stephen F. Austin: He was one of the first American settlers in the area and established a colony of American settlers in the area.
- Nathaniel F. Williams: He was one of the settlers who started a sugar plantation in the area and built a sugar mill, which was the first in Texas.
- The Imperial Sugar Company: The company purchased the land and built a large sugar refinery, which became one of the largest employers in the area.
- William T. Eldridge: He served as the first mayor of Sugar Land after the city was officially incorporated in 1959.
- Ernie Lassberg: He served as the mayor of Sugar Land from 1984 to 1994. During his tenure, the city experienced significant growth and development.
- David G. Wallace: He served as the mayor of Sugar Land from 1994 to 2002. Under his leadership, the city continued to grow and improve its infrastructure.
- Jimmy Thompson: He served as the mayor of Sugar Land from 2002 to 2010. He helped to diversify the city’s economy, promote sustainable development, and improve the city’s quality of life.
These are some of the major figures who played a role in the creation and growth of Sugar Land, there are many other individuals and organizations who have also played an important role in the city’s development.