New Caney, Texas

New Caney is an unincorporated area in Montgomery County, Texas, United States within the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area. In 1980, population reached estimated 8000.^[1]

History

New Caney was established in 1862 under the name Presswood, named for its founders, pioneers Austin and Sarah Waters Presswood.^[1] Captain John Robertson and other settlers followed, and cattle ranches, mills, and stores were opened along Caney Creek.^[2] In 1877, the town received a railroad from the East and West Texas Railway, and Caney Station became a shipping point for imports and exports, bringing more business to the area.^[1] In 1882, Presswood received its first post office, registered under the name New Caney, as the name Caney already was in use by another Texas town.^[1] This development led to the name of Presswood falling out of use, as New Caney became the preferred term.

In 1884, the population of New Caney was sixty people.^[1] By 1892, it had grown to 150 residents and was able to support several general stores.^[1] Throughout the 20th century, the community continued to expand.

Government and infrastructure

The USPS New Caney Post Office is located at 20811 U.S. Highway 59^[3] and the ZIP code is 77357.^[4] New Caney's Fire and EMS protection is provided by a joint effort of the New Caney Fire Department ESD#7 and the Montgomery County Hospital District (MCHD). New Caney Municipal Utility District services the area.

In 2013, Earth Quest Adventures is scheduled to open in New Caney. It is a 1,600-acre (6.5 km²) resort and theme park. The park will promote environmental research, awareness, and appreciation.^[5]

Education

Public schools are operated by the New Caney Independent School District.^[6] New Caney High School is the district high school. The New Caney Independent School District area joined the North Harris Montgomery Community College District, now Lone Star College, area in 1981.^[7] Montgomery County Memorial Library System operates the R. B. Tullis Branch Library at 21569 U.S. Highway 59.^[8]

Notable citizens

• Robert L. Crippen (Captain, USN, Ret.), NASA Astronaut (former)^[9]
• Adam Dunn - professional baseball player

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d e f} Byrne, David D. "New Caney, TX." Texas State Historical Association. Accessed on August 3, 2011.
2. ^ "Town of New Caney, Montgomery County, Texas." Accessed on August 3, 2011.
3. ^ "Post Office Location - NEW CANEY." United States Postal Service. Retrieved on December 8, 2008
4. ^ "Montgomery County, Texas Election News." Elections Administrator, May 2006. Accessed on August 3, 2011.
5. ^ "Community Development and Housing Consolidation Action Plan 2011." Montgomery County Community Development. Accessed on August 3, 2011.
6. ^ New Caney Independent School District. Accessed on August 3, 2011.
7. ^ "History." North Harris Montgomery Community College District. December 22, 2002. Retrieved on April 5, 2010.
8. ^ "R. B. Tullis Branch Library." New Caney Independent School District. Retrieved on December 8, 2008
9. ^ Biographical Data Robert L. Crippen. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Retrieved on December 8, 2008

External links

Houston portal

• Official Montgomery County website
• New Caney Independent School District
• Official New Caney Fire Department Website
• Official Montgomery County Memorial Library System Website
• U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: New Caney, Texas

Coordinates: 30°09′19″N 95°12′41″W / 30.15528°N 95.21139°W / 30.15528; -95.21139