Humble is a city in Harris County, Texas. The city falls within Houston’s metropolitan area. Humble City is famous for its oil boomtown.
In the early 20th century, oil was discovered in the area. This city became the largest oilfield in Texas under the predecessor to Exxon. The Humble community serves as a great shopping center and a retail area for both the agricultural and lumbering sectors.
Humble City’s Demographics
First, the founder of Humble City was Pleasant S. Humble, a ferry operator on the San Jacinto River. In 1870, Humble was a crossroad community that later became popular after the discovery of oil.
During the Civil War, people stopped settling in the area due to the risks of insecurities. After reconstruction, residents returned to the area. By then, Humble had served as a justice of the peace and a commissioner of railroad ties.
In the late 1870s, the town became a flag station for a large railroad called “the Rabbit.” The growth of the station led to the emergence of several economic boosters.
Residents opened a few hotels, general stores, a sawmill, schools, and churches. After a few years, the rail station was extended to Downtown Houston and the east and west of Texas.
Currently, the city of Humble is one of the largest cities in the Houston metropolitan area. It has a population of about 15,133 people as of the 2010 census.
The economic growth through Humble oil has played a significant role in increasing the population. Today, residents enjoy mild winters and hot summers, which make their lifestyle comfortable.
Humble Oil Discovery
Humble City is best known as an oilfield. The city became a boomtown for oil in the early 1900s. The Humble oil was discovered near the townsite where the residents were laid out.
Several months later, over 10,000 people relocated to the area, and economic and social growth began. In 1905, the Humble oilfield became the largest oil-producing field in Texas.
The area became a center for businesses and institutions such as banks, hotels, theaters, and schools. However, in 1906, oil production started to decline, the population reduced, and the town lost its original fancy touch.
These occurrences show that oil discovery played a role in improving the area economically. After a few years, the Humble Oil ND Refining Company, currently known as Exxon in the USA, was formed.
Though the headquarters was moved to Houston, it still served Humble residents. The second oil boom happened right before World War I.
During that time, residents were highly affected by the war, which put them into a great depression. The population of the area declined to 1,500 people. The area remained small and quiet until the construction of the great Houston Intercontinental Airport.
As of today, oil production has led to an increased population of over 15,000 people. Humble city residents currently practice truck farming, the timber industry, and dairy farming.
Education in Humble City
Humble City has some of the best performing schools in Texas. Many Humble City students get their education from the Humble Independent School District. Overall, the city has several elementary schools, namely:
- Humble Elementary School
- Lakeland Elementary School
- Jack M. Fields, Senior Elementary School
Other students seek further education at the University of Houston or utilize their local high-education institutions. Some available colleges include:
- The Lone Star College System, previously known as North Harris Montgomery Community College
- The North Harris County College District
- Aldine Independent School District
Health Care Facilities
Since 1991, health centers in Humble have been increasing in number and quality. One of the largest health centers in the area is the Harris County Hospital District. The institution operates under the E. A. Lyons Health Center within Humble City. Currently, Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital serves Humble residents as among the best hospitals in northern Houston.
Humble City prides itself on having one of the best surgical hospitals in the area. The Humble Surgical Hospital is a multi-specialist hospital that has been operational for over a decade now.
Humble Arts and Culture
The city has a predominant culture that many residents follow. Since the area carries different kinds of people, the diversity of culture is embraced.
There are numerous museums and other interesting areas within the city. Some common museums and interesting areas in Downtown Humble are:
- The Humble Museum
- Humble African-American Cemetery
The area is also known for manufacturing sports cars through the DeLorean Motor Company. For residents to showcase their art, they have a film factory where they create their movies.
The Bottom Line
Humble City is one of the popular cities in Texas. The city has been experiencing drastic economic growth. Many people are moving to the area due to the development and growth of the Humble oil refineries. Humble City is not only prestigious for oil but also good for farming.
