History

New Caney is located in Montgomery County, Texas. The community is located directly north of the city of Houston. Like most of the region, the community’s history has been one of relatively mild growth followed by a massive boom. The area’s original inhabitants were the Orcoquiza Tribe of Native Americans. They lived and prospered in the region until Europeans began moving in. Over the course of a hundred years, the native tribes were all displaced by European settlers. The area was rich in timber and settlers quickly found a market for their valuable commodity with the coming of the railroads.

New Caney got its start in 1862 with the name Presswood. It was named after the pioneers that settled there. The community began as mills, stores, and ranches along Caney Creek. The railroad arrived in the community in 1877 and it brought new industries and growth. The population of the community more than doubled between 1884 and 1892.

The area’s growth was stunted during the Great Depression. Like many parts of the country, the economic downturn significantly hurt the budding communities in the Houston area. Luckily though the downturn in the lumber industry was followed by the discovery of oil just to the northwest in Conroe. This oil boom has fueled a period of massive growth in the region that has yet to subside.

Today

Like the rest of the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugarland Metropolitan area, New Caney has experienced massive growth over the last 100 years. At that time, the population was just over 150 people. Today the population is nearly 20,000. The region is one of the fastest growing in the entire country and New Caney is right in the middle of it.

Things to do

The community’s location within the metropolitan area gives it unlimited access to all that Houston and the surrounding cities have to offer. The cities are full of activities that range from sporting events, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, educational experiences, and other entertainment venues. Houston is home to four professional sports teams, the Astros, the Texans, the Dynamo, and the Rockets. There is at least one team playing virtually year round. In addition to those teams, Houston is also home to Rodeo Houston, which is a famous rodeo in a state that is known for rodeos. Houston is also home to the Houston Zoo, the Houston Space Center, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Houston Aquarium, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Children’s Museum of Houston, and the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. As the Houston region continues to grow, it is quickly becoming known for its culinary experiences. The area is emerging as a place for chefs to make a name for themselves and residents benefit from it.

The area around New Caney is known for its nature as well. There are several amazing nature locations around the community. Top of the list is the Lake Houston Wilderness Park, which is located just to the east of the community. Just to the north is the Sam Houston National Forest and Lake Conroe, which are both popular spots for locals and visitors. These are just a few of the many locations within a short drive of the town.