Early Settlement and Founding

Humble, Texas, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of a Texan town with a history dating back to the late 19th century. While Joseph Dunman is thought to be the first person to move here in 1828, the story begins when settler Pleasant Smith Humble (nicknamed “Plez) established a post office in 1886.

Pleasant Smith Humble, affectionately called “Plez,” arrived in the region shortly before the Civil War. Securing land along the San Jacinto River, he swiftly established a ferry near the present-day Highway 59 crossing. Beyond his role as a ferry operator, Mr. Humble also served justice of the peace for the area. In 1886, Pleasant Humble extended his community contributions by inaugurating a post office within his home, marking the official adoption of the Humble name.

The Humble area quickly turned into a bustling hub for business due to its abundant timber resources. C. O. Bender played a key role by constructing a sizable sawmill, making Humble a central point for moving lumber. Bender not only bought the town site but also set up a commissary where workers exchanged tokens for goods. In the early days, the town boasted two hotels, two general stores, a church, and a school.

The Oil Boom

Humble’s history took a transformative turn with the discovery of the Humble Oilfield in the early 20th century. In 1904, the “Humble Oil Field,” recognized as the largest producing field in Texas, brought about an oil boom that forever changed the landscape of the town. The Humble Oil and Refining Company later became Exxon and emerged as a major player in the industry. It brought economic prosperity to the region and helped solidify Humble’s place on the map.

The oil industry’s success triggered rapid growth in Humble. As the railway connections strengthened and businesses flourished, Humble evolved into a bustling community with a unique blend of industrial and residential areas. During this changing time, large companies began moving to areas surrounding Humble’s Oilfield, which at that time was the largest in Texas. The convergence of industry and community laid the groundwork for Humble’s enduring identity.

Impact on World War II

The significance of Humble reached a global scale during World War II when its oil industry played a crucial role in supporting the war effort. The Humble Oil and Refining Company became a key supplier of petroleum products for the military and contributed to the success of the Allied forces. This period of the town’s history marked a shift in demographics and solidified Humble’s position as an essential player in the energy sector.

Modern Transformation

In the latter half of the 20th century, Humble underwent a modern transformation. The town diversified its economic base while holding onto its influence in the oil industry. As oil production slowed down, many landowners shifted back to activities like truck farming, dairy farming, and lumbering. In 1933, Humble officially became a town, staying relatively small and quiet until the opening of Houston Intercontinental Airport in 1969.

Today, the city of Humble is the central hub for businesses and retail in Northeast Harris County. The town provides essential amenities like several modern hospitals, quality schools, a spacious mall, a civic center, and a covered civic arena. Dedicated employees efficiently manage city services and ensure the smooth maintenance of the community’s infrastructure.

Humble is located in Northeast Harris County and spans 10 square miles with a diverse population of 14,000 to 15,000 residents. The daytime population increases due to numerous businesses in the city. Its evolution from early settlement to a key player in the oil industry is evident in the welcoming Texan community it is today.

Sources:

• “Humble, Texas”, Texas State Historical Association
• “Humble, Texas – History”, CityTownInfo
• “Humble, Texas History and Facts”, The Portal to Texas History
• “Humble History”, Humble, TX Official Website