The story of Tomball is inseparable from the story of the railroad. What began as a small farming community in the late 1800s was transformed into a thriving town almost overnight when the railroad arrived — and that history is still very much alive in Old Town today.
From Tom Ball to Tomball
The town was named after Thomas Henry Ball, a Huntsville attorney and U.S. Congressman who played a pivotal role in convincing the International-Great Northern Railroad to route its line through the area in 1907. In gratitude, the residents renamed their town "Tomball" in his honor.
The arrival of the railroad was a turning point. Suddenly, local farmers could ship their cotton, timber, and produce to markets in Houston and beyond. A depot was built, businesses sprang up along what would become Main Street, and Tomball was officially incorporated in 1933.
The Historic Storefronts
Many of the brick storefronts along Main Street and Commerce Street date to the 1910s and 1920s, and the streets themselves follow the original town plat laid out when the railroad arrived. Walking through Old Town today is walking through a century of Texas history.
The Tomball Museum Center
For a deeper dive into Tomball's history, the Tomball Museum Center on Pine Street preserves a collection of historic structures from the pioneer era, including a one-room schoolhouse, a log cabin, a blacksmith shop, and more. Volunteers in period costume offer guided tours on Saturdays, bringing the stories of early Tomball to life.
Visiting the Historic District
Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a charming place to spend an afternoon, the story of Tomball's railroad heritage adds a rich layer of meaning to every visit. Stop in at Elite Antiques & Books for a piece of history to take home, or grab a seat at The Whistle Stop Tea Room — named in honor of the town's railroad roots.