History of Tomball, Texas

Tomball, Texas is a small city located in Harris County, just north of Houston. The area was first settled in the mid-1800s by German immigrants who were attracted to the fertile land and abundant natural resources. The settlement was originally named Peck, after a prominent civil engineer, and was one of the stations on the Trinity and Brazos Valley Railway.

In 1907, the Trinity and Brazos Valley Railway came through the area and a depot was built, which spurred growth and development in the town. On December 2, 1907, the town was renamed Tomball in honor of Thomas Henry Ball, who played a crucial role in routing the railway to the area. The city continued to grow and prosper, and by the mid-20th century, Tomball had become a thriving center of commerce and industry.

Today, Tomball is known for its historic downtown area, which features a number of charming shops, restaurants, and other businesses. The city is also home to a number of community events and festivals, including the Tomball German Heritage Festival and the Tomball Farmers Market.

Editor’s note (October 2026): The railway name, the origin of the name Peck, and the 1907 renaming date were corrected using the Texas State Historical Association’s Handbook of Texas entry for Tomball.