Historical Marker

The Sugar Land Refinery

Historical marker location:
Sugar Land, Texas
( Hwy. A-90 at Imperial Sugar, Marker reported damaged 5.15.18)
Marker installed: 1978
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Stephen F. Austin's colonists brought sugar cane to Fort Bend County in the 1820s. The Sugar Land area was once part of Oakland Plantation, where Nathaniel (1800-84) and Matthew Williams (1805-52) planted sugar cane about 1840. They began processing the cane in 1843 using a horse-powered mill and open-air cooking kettles.

In 1853 the plantation and mill were purchased by William J. Kyle (1803-64) and Benjamin F. Terry (1821-61). They improved the mill and promoted a railroad for the area, which they named Sugar Land. Terry later helped organize the famed Confederate cavalry unit, Terry's Texas Rangers, and was killed in the Civil War (1861-65).

After the war, the operation was sold to Edward H. Cunningham (1835-1912), who expanded the sugar mill into a refinery. W. T. Eldridge (1862-1932) and Galveston businessman I. H. Kempner, Sr. (1873-1967) purchased the refinery in 1907. They began importing raw sugar to operate the refinery year-round because local cane was available only seasonally and in decreasing quantities in the early 1900s. Named by Kempner for the Imperial Hotel in New York City, the Imperial Sugar Company and the City of Sugar Land have grown steadily. During the 1970s, the Imperial Sugar Company produced more than three million pounds of refined cane sugar daily

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

mills - textile, fiber, gristmills, cotton gins factories industrial buildings
The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas.
June Hershey in Brewster County Historical Commission
Fort Bend County, Texas has a rich and significant history that spans several centuries. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Akokisa tribes. European settlement began in the early 1820s, with the region becoming a part of Stephen F. Austin's colony. The county was officially established in 1837 and named after a blockhouse fort built along the Brazos River.

One pivotal event in the county's history was the arrival of sugar cane cultivation in the 1840s. Immigrants from Germany and other European countries brought their expertise in sugar production and established large sugar plantations in Fort Bend County. The growth of the sugar industry substantially impacted the county's economy and led to the arrival of enslaved African Americans, who provided labor on these plantations.

During the American Civil War, Fort Bend County remained primarily loyal to the Confederate cause. Many residents joined Confederate units and fought in several battles, such as the Battle of Palmito Ranch and the Battle of Pleasant Hill. Following the war, the county experienced a period of reconstruction and worked towards diversifying its agricultural production.

The 20th century brought further transformations, with the discovery of oil and gas in the county. The newfound oil industry spurred economic growth and development, as well as population growth. Fort Bend County also played a vital role in the civil rights movement, with several significant milestones, including the integration of public schools in 1963. Today, Fort Bend County is a thriving and diverse community, known for its rich history, strong economy, and cultural diversity.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Fort Bend County, Texas.

  • 1822: Stephen F. Austin grants land to his secretary, Samuel M. Williams, who establishes the Fort Bend settlement near present-day Richmond, Texas
  • 1824: Mexico establishes Fort Bend County as part of Austin's Colony
  • 1837: Fort Bend becomes an official county in the Republic of Texas
  • 1841: The new county courthouse is built in Richmond
  • 1856: Sugar production becomes a major industry in Fort Bend County
  • 1861: Fort Bend County residents support secession and the Confederacy during the Civil War
  • 1900: The first rail line, known as the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway, arrives in Fort Bend County
  • 1920: The discovery of oil leads to an economic boom in the county
  • 1941: Sugar Land Regional Airport opens to support military training during World War II
  • 1959: The town of Stafford is incorporated
  • 1990: Fort Bend County's population exceeds 200,000