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HISTORY OF PEARLAND
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Pearland, Texas has a rich and colorful history dating back to the days when
the American Indian inhabitants cared for the land. The first European visitors
first arrived in the area around 1528 and helped to shape the town we live in
today.
In 1882 this region, still unnamed at the time, became a siding switch on the
Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway. By 1893, the population had grown enough
to warrant a post office and a name – Mark Belt. Later that year, the name was
changed to Pearland because of the abundance of pear trees in the area.
In 5 short years, Pearland grew to boast a population of 75 people, a newspaper
and 12 businesses, including a wagon maker. Many land corporations and
agricultural companies invested in the area and brought Pearland to an
unofficial status of “Agricultural Eden”.
Sadly, the Galveston hurricane of 1900 destroyed the fruit trees and
dramatically slowed growth for a lengthy period of time. Slowly, the natural
beauty of the area started to once again blossom with the growth of the orange
and fig trees. By 1914, the town had grown to 400 residents, 23 businesses and
two churches. A school was also opened for the then 25 students. Oil was even
discovered nearby in 1934.
Over the next century, the population fluctuated between 150 and 350 residents.
However, by the mid-1960’s the town had grown to 1,497 residents and 41
businesses and hasn’t stopped growing since. As of last count, Pearland has a
population of close to 40,000 with countless businesses, schools,
churches, etc . . . and many more are on the way!
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Sources:
The Handbook of Texas Online,
Pearland Real Estate Guide,
US Census Bureau
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