Where is Conroe?
Conroe is a city in central Montgomery County and the county seat. It lies on Interstate 45, about seven miles southeast of Lake Conroe, according to the Handbook of Texas. The city sits at the junction of the Union Pacific and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroads.
The 2020 Census counted 89,956 residents in the city of Conroe. The Census Bureau measured the city’s land area at 72.00 square miles in 2020.
How did Conroe develop?
In 1881 Houston lumberman Isaac Conroe established a sawmill on Stewarts Creek. He later moved his operations to the rail junction, where his new mill became a station on the I-GN railroad. A post office opened in 1884 under the name Conroe’s Switch.
In 1889 Conroe replaced Montgomery as county seat. The town was incorporated in 1904 with a population of 1,009.
On December 13, 1931, George W. Strake discovered oil seven miles southeast of town. The Handbook of Texas has a separate entry on the Conroe oilfield.
Who governs Conroe, and who provides services?
Conroe operates under a city charter. The City Council adopts the laws and policies of the city. It reviews and acts on the annual budget, which the mayor submits to the council. Council seats are numbered by place.
A city administrator handles the general administration of the city. The administrator reports to the mayor and City Council, coordinates department operations and leads budget and financial management. The council also appoints the city secretary.
Who provides water and wastewater service in Conroe?
The city’s Public Works Department maintains streets, water, sewer, drainage and traffic signals. Its Water Production staff maintain the city’s water wells and water plants. The city runs two wastewater treatment plants:
- Southwest plant, 2400 Sgt. Ed Holcomb Boulevard, permitted for 12 million gallons per day
- Conroe Central plant, 1890 Ed Kharbat Drive, permitted for 6 million gallons per day
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issues the plants’ discharge permits under the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. The permits are valid for five years.
Which school districts serve Conroe?
Conroe Independent School District lists Conroe among the communities it serves. The district was established in 1892. It covers about 348 square miles and operates 75 campuses.