The Isaac Conroe Property
Temporary Montgomery County Courthouse.
A native of New Jersey, Isaac Conroe (1834-1897) served with the Union army during the Civil War. Moving to Southeast Texas with his wife Margaret (Richardson) (1846-1896) in 1866, he lived at Lynchburg and Houston. In 1878 he built a sawmill at Haltom (12 mi. S) and three years later moved his business to the Beach community (2.5 mi. E). A tram line connected the mill with the main line of the International and Great Northern Railroad. The town of Conroe grew up around the intersection and Isaac conroe became the first postmaster of the new settlement.
The original section of this residence was built by Conroe shortly after he purchased the site in 1885. Four years later he contracted with the county commissioners to use the property as a temporary courthouse.County records and offices were moved from Montgomery (17 mi. W) and remained here until a new courthouse was completed in 1891.
In 1896 Conroe sold the house to his son William Munger Conroe (1870-1947), a prominent lumberman and oil man. Major additions were later made to the home, which was originally a two-story frame structure with an outside stairway
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.
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for trade. The region's first settlement, Montgomery, was established in 1822 and quickly became a center for the burgeoning lumber industry. The town was named after the commander of the Battle of the Alamo, General Richard Montgomery.
The growth of Montgomery County continued throughout the 19th century as more settlers arrived and industries such as agriculture and oil production developed. The discovery of oil in 1931 in the nearby East Texas Oil Field brought economic prosperity to the county, attracting new businesses and residents. The booming oil industry fueled development and expansion, transforming the area into a thriving community.
In recent decades, Montgomery County has experienced rapid population growth and suburbanization. The county's proximity to Houston, combined with its natural beauty and amenities, has attracted many families and businesses. Today, Montgomery County is known for its diverse economy, including sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture. The county also offers a high quality of life with its excellent schools, recreational opportunities, and strong sense of community.
Montgomery County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Montgomery County, Texas.
- 1837 - Montgomery County was established on December 14, 1837.
- 1838 - The town of Montgomery was chosen as the county seat.
- 1842 - The first county courthouse was built in Montgomery.
- 1850 - The population of the county was 2,253.
- 1870 - The county seat was moved from Montgomery to Conroe.
- 1889 - The first railroad, International and Great Northern, arrived in the county.
- 1936 - Lake Conroe was constructed as a water supply reservoir.
- 1970 - The population of the county exceeded 100,000.
- 1981 - The Woodlands, a master-planned community, was founded.
- 2001 - Montgomery County suffered significant damage from Tropical Storm Allison.
- 2018 - The population of the county reached over 590,000.