Fort Bend County

Fort Bend County Offices

Fort Bend County Town List

Fort Bend County is in the coastal section of southeastern Texas. The county is named after Samuel Ford. Ford was a pioneer settler and founder of the city of Lumberton. He was born at “Bend”, near present-day Beaumont, on June 6th, 1841. The county seat is Richmond, where county offices are also located.  

History of Fort Bend County Texas 

Karankawa Indians were the earliest inhabitants living along the Buffalo Bayou River before Europeans in 1685. Spanish settlers arrived in 1718 under the Hernando de Soto expedition, during which they established missions, including San Antonio Missions and La Bahia Mission, among others. 

Stephen F. Austin arrived from Nacogdoches with his family and settled in Point Isabel. He was granted land by the Mexican government and later sold it to Stephen Fuller. Later, Fuller laid out the town of Liberty Hill. 

Around 1837, the Congress of the Republic of Texas included Richmond and other townships into new counties. However, the boundaries were never officially recognized until the establishment of Texas’ 28th statehood in 1846. 

In that year, the newly created Harris County took over all areas previously part of Washington County. In 1850, Fort Bend County split off from Houston County.  

Early settlers practiced agriculture, raising cotton and corn and cattle ranching. Many men served in military units stationed here during the Civil War, including Confederate Army troops commanded by General John Bell Hood. 

After the end of the war, most veterans went home and began planting crops again but did not prosper due to lack of rainfall. Many farmers moved west towards California or Oregon, hoping to find more favorable weather conditions. 

By 1870, only about 100 families remained. This encouraged local leaders to form an association called the League of Gentlemen, whose goal was to persuade people back home to return and help rebuild their communities.   

Parks and Recreation 

The county has numerous parks and recreation areas, including: 

• White Oak Lake Park–Located in the county’s northwest corner between FM 3593 & U.S. 59 next to the Trinity River.  
•  FBC Parks and Recreation Department provides fishing and swimming opportunities for residents. There are also several trails around the lake. 
•  Bayside State Park -Located just east of I.H. 10/Business U.S. Highway 90A exit 5, Bayside State Park offers camping facilities like cabins, tent sites, R.V. hookups, and bathhouses. You can rent boats for use on Whiteoak Creek Reservoir. 
•  John Creek Ranch Park – A 1,700-acre recreational facility offers horseback riding, hiking, nature trail, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, tennis courts, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and disc golf course. It’s located north of Interstate 45 Exit 2D. 
•  Wortham Memorial Pool – Located at 1101 FM 2722, Wortham Memorial pool serves the community by providing outdoor tennis courts and volleyball courts. 
• It features indoor pools, saunas, changing rooms, showers, lockers, snack bar, concession stand, and grills for cooking outdoors.
• Northside Community Center – Northside center includes gymnasiums, weight room, classrooms, meeting rooms, kitchenette, library, computer lab, and game room. 
• Eastwood Country Club – Eastwood country club’s golf course opened in August 2008. It has two nine-hole courses designed by professional golfer Bob Tway.  
• Its clubhouse contains a restaurant, pro shop, fitness center, locker rooms, driving range, putting green, chipping greens, and dining facility. 

The Economy of Fort Bend County 

The economy relies on farming, manufacturing, retail trade, healthcare services, education, and government. Other industries include transportation, finance, insurance, real estate, business services, construction, and food service. 

The county’s major employers include Toyota Motor Manufacturing, which employs approximately 3,000 workers and operates three plants within the county borders.  

Other large companies headquartered in the county include American Electric Power Company Inc., AT&T Mobility LLC, Chevron Corporation, and Enterprise Products Partners L.P.  

In addition, there are over 30 smaller businesses that employ hundreds of additional employees. 

Education and Employment Opportunities 

The county has many schools where children and youth attend from prekindergarten through high school. Colleges and most universities offer degree and certificate programs to students who wish to further their education or training. 

These institutions include the University of Houston–Clear Lake, University of Phoenix-Online Campus, and Lone Star College System. Once students complete their education, they can apply for jobs with local businesses, state agencies, and federal departments. There are also many job fairs held throughout the year. 

Most people are self-employed because most small businesses do not require licenses or permits. Many residents work full time while others have second careers. Some residents travel out of town to find better-paying jobs. 

Others commute into larger cities like Sugarland, Rosenberg, or Richmond. However, some choose to remain close to home to spend more quality time with family and friends. 

County Offices 

Fort Bend County Judge’s office handles all civil matters, including divorce cases, landlord-tenant disputes, evictions, child support enforcement, guardianship proceedings, and probate issues. Contact them at 281-342-3411.  

The County Attorney’s office is responsible for handling criminal prosecutions and representing Fort Bend County before courts of law. Reach them at 281-341-4555.  

The Sheriff Office provides police protection, jail security, and emergency medical assistance. The sheriff’s department is located on West Main Street in Missouri City. Call 281-341-4665 for help. 

The County Clerk’s office records deeds, mortgages, leases, liens, judgments, orders, decrees, etc. Contact them at 281-341-8665. 

The treasurer’s office collects taxes and distributes funds to governmental entities such as city governments, counties, special districts, public libraries, and fire stations. Their office is located inside the courthouse. Contact them at 281-341-3750 or [email protected]. 

The tax collector’s office collects property tax payments and distributes money back to tax units. Property owners must pay their property taxes by April 1st each year. Taxpayers should contact their representative offices at 281-341-3710. 

Conclusion 

In summary, Fort Bend County is an excellent place to live and raise your family. The area offers affordable housing options and great shopping centers, parks, public recreation, and educational facilities.