First Colony facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
First Colony
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A First Colony entrance sign
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| Country | United States | |
| State | Texas | |
| County | Fort Bend County | |
| Cities | Sugar Land and Missouri City | |
| Construction started | 1976 | |
| Development finished | 1997 | |
| Founded by | Sugarland Properties | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 9,700 acre (39 km2) | |
| Population | ||
| • Total | 50,000 | |
| • Density | 3,300/sq mi (1,300/km2) | |
| ZIP Code |
77479
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First Colony is a very large, planned community in Fort Bend County, Texas. It's like a big neighborhood with everything you need!
This community covers about 9,700 acres (that's about 39 square kilometers). Around 50,000 people live here. First Colony has over 9,500 homes in 98 different neighborhoods. Most of it is in Sugar Land, but some parts are also in Missouri City.
Contents
History of First Colony
First Colony was created by a company called Sugarland Properties Inc. They started building it in 1976.
When First Colony was being planned in 1977, there wasn't much else around. Some people wondered if such a big project, so far out, could actually work.
For the 1990 census, First Colony was counted as a "census-designated place." This means it was a special area for counting people. It had 18,327 people living in 5,976 homes.
Over time, the city of Sugar Land gradually took over most of its part of First Colony. This happened in the early to mid-1990s.
A big shopping and entertainment area called Sugar Land Town Square was built later. It was developed on one of the last empty pieces of land in First Colony. Today, everyone agrees that First Colony has been a huge success!
What First Colony Looks Like
There are special rules for businesses in First Colony. For example, business signs cannot be on tall poles. Also, many buildings, like stores and restaurants, must have brick on the outside. They often have white letters for their signs.
This means that fast food restaurants in First Colony look different from those in other places. They often look fancier! Building with brick can cost a bit more, but it helps keep the community looking nice.
One fancy neighborhood in First Colony is called Sweetwater. It has many expensive homes. It's also close to the Sweetwater Country Club and golf course.
Economy and Businesses
Minute Maid, a famous drink company, moved its main office to Sugar Land Town Square in First Colony. This happened on February 16, 2009. Before that, their office was in Houston.
Education in First Colony
Schools for Kids
Students in First Colony go to schools in the Fort Bend Independent School District.
There are several elementary schools within First Colony and Sugar Land. These include Austin Parkway, Colony Bend, Colony Meadows, Highlands, Lexington Creek, and Settlers Way. Other elementary schools serving parts of First Colony are Dulles Elementary, Lakeview Elementary, and Quail Valley Elementary in Missouri City.
Most middle school students attend First Colony Middle School. Other middle schools serving parts of the area include Dulles Middle School, Fort Settlement Middle School, Quail Valley Middle School, and Sugar Land Middle School.
For high school, most students go to Clements High School. Other high schools that serve parts of First Colony are Dulles High School, Elkins High School, and Kempner High School.
Many of these schools have been recognized for being excellent. For example, First Colony Middle was a "National Blue Ribbon School" in 1999–2000.
Public Libraries
The Fort Bend County Libraries system has a branch right in First Colony. It's called the First Colony Branch Library. This library opened in June 1993 and is a great place to find books and learn.
Community Colleges
After high school, students in Sugar Land can attend Wharton County Junior College. If they live in Missouri City, they can go to Houston Community College (HCC).
Parks and Recreation
First Colony has many parks and fun places to play. The community association manages these areas.
Parks include Patriot Park. There are also many playgrounds like Austin Meadows Playground and Colony Meadows Playground. For swimming, there are pools such as Alcorn Oaks Pool and Austin Park Pool. These places offer great spots for outdoor activities and relaxation.
