Region: Prairies and Lakes
This town was settled about 1860 and named by Native Americans for the many
springs that still flow through historic Katy Park. Growth and industry came
when the Texas Central Railroad established headquarters here in 1881. Until the
shops burned and the Katy Railroad chose not to rebuild, it was the largest town
between Fort Worth and Waco.
The town was home to Texas Ranger J.J. Cureton, one of the first settlers of
Palo Pinto County, and James Buckner "Buck" Barry. Historic markers for both are
in Katy Park, open 8 a.m.–10 p.m.