Missouri City, Texas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Missouri City, Texas
City
Township Square
Seal
Motto(s):  Mo City, The Show Me City
Location in Fort Bend and Harris counties in the state of Texas
Country	United States
State	Texas
Counties	Fort Bend, Harris
Government
• Type	Council-Manager
Area
• Total	30.39 sq mi (78.72 km2)
• Land	29.01 sq mi (75.14 km2)
• Water	1.38 sq mi (3.58 km2)
Elevation	75 ft (23 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	74,259
• Density	2,601.07/sq mi (1,004.28/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP codes	77459, 77489, 77545, 77071, 77479
Area codes	713, 281, 832, 346
FIPS code	48-48804
GNIS feature ID	1374972

Missouri City is a city in the state of Texas, located near Houston. Most of the city is in Fort Bend County, with a smaller part in Harris County. In 2020, about 74,259 people lived in Missouri City.

History of Missouri City

The area where Missouri City is today has an important history in Texas. In 1853, the first railroad in Texas, the Buffalo Bayou, Brazos and Colorado Railway (BBB&C), started running. It connected Harrisburg (now part of Houston) to Stafford's Point (now Stafford). This was the first railroad west of the Mississippi River.

How Missouri City Began

In 1890, two real estate investors from Houston bought land along this railroad line. They advertised the land in St. Louis, Missouri, calling it "a land of genial sunshine and eternal summer." Three years later, W. R. McElroy bought more land nearby. To help promote the area with the other investors, he named it "Missouri City." The first settlers actually came from Arlington, Texas.

The settlement officially became a town in Texas in 1894. It grew along Main Street and Blue Ridge Road, which are now known as US 90A and Texas Parkway. In 1895, a big snowstorm hit the town. Some new settlers left, but others stayed and found success in farming and ranching.

Early Businesses and Discoveries

Some of the first businesses in Missouri City included a blacksmith shop, a train station, and a general store that also had the first post office. The first Catholic church was built in 1913 but was destroyed by a hurricane in 1915. A new church was built and stood until 1990.

In 1919, oil was found near the town. Soon after, a salt mine opened. Missouri City became a key place for shipping these resources by train. In 1925, natural gas was also discovered. After a pipeline was built in 1926, Missouri City was the first town in Fort Bend County to use natural gas.

Growth and Incorporation

Because of the railroad, many people lived in Missouri City and traveled by train to work in nearby towns like Stafford and Sugar Land. As cars became more popular and roads improved, more people moved to Missouri City. This led to a new group of commuters who drove to work. By the 1950s, Missouri City became known as a "bedroom community," meaning many people lived there but worked in Houston.

To avoid being taken over by Houston, town leaders quickly formed a city government. On March 13, 1956, Missouri City officially became an incorporated city.

Modern Development

Since then, Missouri City has grown a lot. New neighborhoods like Fondren Park and Quail Valley were built. Unlike Houston, Missouri City has had zoning laws since 1981. This means there are rules about what kinds of buildings can be built where. For example, there are not many apartment buildings in Missouri City.

Historic Freedom Tree Park

In the 1980s, many middle-class African Americans moved to Missouri City, buying their first homes. Many worked in Houston at places like the Texas Medical Center. In 2000, Missouri City was called a model city for middle-class African Americans. Today, it is known as a successful, diverse suburb.

Newer neighborhoods like Lake Olympia and parts of Riverstone have also been developed. In 2018, Yolanda Ford became the first black mayor and first female mayor of Missouri City.

Geography

Missouri City is located in eastern Fort Bend County, with a small part extending into Harris County. It is next to Houston to the north and east, Stafford to the northwest, Sugar Land to the west, and Arcola to the southeast. Downtown Houston is about 17 miles to the northeast. Oyster Creek flows through the city.

The United States Census Bureau says Missouri City covers about 30.39 square miles (78.72 square kilometers). Most of this is land, with a small amount of water.

Population and People

Missouri City has grown quite a bit over the years. Here's how its population has changed:

In 2020, there were 74,259 people living in Missouri City. The city is very diverse, with people from many different backgrounds.

In 2010, the average income for a household in Missouri City was about $81,854. This shows that many families in the city have good incomes.

Parks and Recreation

Missouri City Recreation and Tennis Center

The Missouri City Parks and Recreation Department takes care of many parks, trails, and sports areas. They manage 20 developed parks that cover over 515 acres. There are also more than 14 miles of trails.

The parks have lighted sports fields, lakes, playgrounds, a splash pad, and walking trails. You can also go boating and fishing in some areas.

Recreation and Tennis Center

The Missouri City Recreation and Tennis Center is a main spot for fun and fitness classes. It opened in 2012 and has 13 tennis courts, 4 batting cages, a gym, and rooms for different activities. In 2022, the center was named an "Outstanding Tennis Facility" by the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

The Parks and Recreation Department offers many programs during the day and evening. They also host special events throughout the year. In 2021, the department received national accreditation for its excellent services.

Freedom Tree Park

Missouri City's historic Freedom Tree Park is named after the Freedom Tree. This special tree is located along Misty Hollow Drive, near the old Palmer Plantation site.

Education

Public Schools

Most of Missouri City is served by the Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD). A small part of the city in Harris County is served by the Houston Independent School District (HISD).

Fort Bend Independent School District

FBISD was formed in 1959. It operates several schools within Missouri City:

• Elementary schools: Armstrong, E. A. Jones, Glover, Hunters Glen, Lantern Lane, Palmer, and Quail Valley Elementary Schools.
• Middle schools: Lake Olympia, Missouri City, and Quail Valley Middle Schools.
• High schools: Elkins High School, Hightower High School, Thurgood Marshall High School, and Willowridge High School.

Some parts of Missouri City are also served by schools in Sugar Land, like Dulles Middle School, First Colony Middle School, Clements High School, and Dulles High School.

Houston Independent School District

The part of Missouri City in Harris County is zoned to HISD schools located in Houston:

• Kate Bell Elementary School
• Jenard M. Gross Elementary School
• Louie Welch Middle School
• Westbury High School

Private Schools

Missouri City has 13 private schools for younger students. One example is Divine Savior Academy at Sienna Campus, which is a Christian school for preschool, elementary, and middle school students.

Colleges and Universities

The entire city is served by the Houston Community College System, which offers college courses and programs.

Public Libraries

Missouri City has its own public library branch, the Missouri City Branch of the Fort Bend County Libraries system. It opened in 1992 and is located across from City Hall. It's a large library, covering about 18,642 square feet.

Transportation

Missouri City has several important roads and highways that run through it. These include US 90A, Beltway 8 (Sam Houston Tollway), Fort Bend Toll Road, State Highway 6, and several Farm to Market Roads (FM 1092, FM 2234, FM 3345). Other major highways like Interstate 69/US 59 and Interstate 610 are nearby.

While Missouri City doesn't have its own public transportation system within the city, it is part of the service area for METRO. METRO operates the Missouri City Park and Ride, which is a station where people can park their cars and take buses to other areas, including Houston's Texas Medical Center.

Notable People

Many interesting people have connections to Missouri City:

• De'Von Achane (born 2001), American football running back
• Paul Begala, political commentator, grew up in Missouri City.
• Beyoncé, singer and actress
• KaRon Coleman, gridiron football player
• Knile Davis, former NFL running back
• Aaron Glenn, former cornerback and current defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions.
• Tristan Gray, MLB infielder for the Tampa Bay Rays
• D'Angelo Harrison, basketball player
• Nick Hernandez, MLB pitcher for the Houston Astros
• Alonzo Highsmith, former football player and boxer
• Danuel House Jr., basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers
• Sean Jones, former Houston Oilers defensive end
• James Loney, former MLB first baseman, grew up in Missouri City.
• Bruce Matthews, NFL Hall of Famer and assistant coach for the Houston Texans.
• Jake Matthews, offensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons, and son of Bruce Matthews.
• Adonai Mitchell, wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts
• Logan O'Connor, Stanley Cup Champion hockey player for the Colorado Avalanche
• Ron Reynolds, Texas state representative.
• Dunta Robinson, former Houston Texan and Atlanta Falcon player.
• Travis Scott, rapper and producer.
• Kendall Sheffield, Houston Texans cornerback.
• Webster Slaughter, former wide receiver in the National Football League.
• Crystle Stewart, Miss Texas USA 2008 and Miss USA 2008.
• Z-Ro, rapper.
• R'Bonney Gabriel, Miss USA 2022 and Miss Universe 2022.

See also

In Spanish: Missouri City para niños