Region: Gulf Coast
City had its beginnings in 1882 when the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad
built a sliding switch in northern Brazoria County. It was named Mark Belt when
the settlement got a post office in 1893 and became Pearland when a plat for the
town site was filed in 1894. Pearland's development was closely linked to the
railroad. After the destruction of the pear trees by the hurricane of 1900, the
Santa Fe Railroad provided free transportation for anyone who wanted to leave
town.
Booms in development came when the city was marketed as a place where oranges
could be grown on a commercial scale and also in 1912 for growing figs on a
commercial scale. Oil and gas discoveries nearby helped swell the population in
1934. Several of Pearland's major employers continue to support the petroleum
industry through direct and indirect products and services. The city's proximity
to Houston resulted in Pearland experiencing a rapid amount of growth that was
recognized in a 2007 Forbes magazine article denoting the city as the 34th
fastest growing suburb in the United States.
Golfing is available at two public courses—Southwyck Golf Club (713/436-9999)
and Clear Creek Golf Course (713/738-8000)—and one private course—Country Place
Golf Club (713/436-1533). The NGA Hooters Pro Golf Tour is held annually at the
Golfcrest Country Club (281/485-4323).
The city is 20 minutes equidistantly between the Texas Medical Center in
Houston and the Johnson Space Center/Space Center Houston, and it is 45 minutes
from Galveston and Brazoria County beaches. It was named an All-America City in
1999 by the National Civic League.