Region: Gulf Coast
First settled in 1872, the town square was laid out in 1895. The city was
named for the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad. William Eule introduced rice
farming to the dry-land farmers in 1901, and rice replaced cotton, peanuts and
corn. Today, Katy is still renowned as a rice farming and rail center, and it
also is known for one of the largest gas fields in the state. Katy's city limits
are in three counties—Harris, Waller and Fort Bend. Proximity to Houston
provides Katy with all the benefits of a big city with the community life of a
small town.
Numerous parks provide recreational opportunities throughout the city.
Shoppers find bargains at Katy Mills outlet mall at I-10 and Katy–Ft. Bend Road.
The area on the Katy Prairie is excellent for hunting, bird watching and nature
study. Annual events include the Katy Home & Garden Show in January, FFA
Rodeo in March, Folk Life Festival in April and the Rice Harvest Festival in
October.