City Tour of Tomball


Tomball is located along State Highway 249, 28 miles Northwest of downtown Houston. Although it’s close to Houston, it is far from being a suburb. Tomball has been here for 90 years, first as a railroad town, and later as an oil town. The community’s name was given in honor of State Senator Thomas Henry Ball in 1907 because of his influence in establishing Tomball as a railroad center for the transport of agricultural products. An oil boom hit Tomball when a 100 foot gusher was brought in during 1933, attracting hundreds of new residents. Local residents received free natural gas for over 50 years in exchange for exclusive rights by Humble Oil and Gas to drill within the city. Functioning as a commercial center for a large portion of Houston’s rapidly growing northwest quadrant, the Tomball area has developed a strong economic base: Compaq Computer Corporation, Kwik Kopy Corporation, Friendswood Development, BJ Services and many other companies. As a result of Tomball residents approving an increase of ½ cent to the city’s sales tax for various economic development, The Tomball Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) was formed.

Numerous projects have resulted from this additional half penny on the dollar; two new firetrucks, a new fire station, new police department construction, rehabilitation of the city’s baseball fields, along with funding an infrastructure (engineering) study for long range plans dealing with annexation and increasing sewer and water lines. The TEDC is also funding a sub-regional detention pond that will help with drainage in the area, and is taking a pro-active approach to bring quality business and manufacturing to Tomball. Future projects for the TEDC include the south side sewer plant, a new swimming pool and a staff to execute their mission and development of Tomball’s south and west sides.

Education in Tomball is top class with The Tomball Independent School District (TISD) and many private and parochial schools offered. TISD has implemented successfully innovative vocational programs such as SmartLab, where students work on computer-assisted design and matching CAD/CAM workstations. Strong community commitment to education is reflected by the addition of several new schools within the district. Special features included are a high-tech design center and a life skills center. When Tomball College opened in 1988, projected enrollment was 700 students. More than twice that number actually enrolled and the campus has grown to over 4,000 students today.

This comprehensive community college offers life-long learning opportunities, with programs ranging from traditional academic transfer and occupations and career programs to community education courses and workforce training options. The college is recognized for its quality of education and outstanding faculty members who hold masters and doctorate level degrees. Unlimited academic transfer programs featuring courses, which transfer to four-year institutions, are available in mathematics, the sciences, humanities, business and physical education. Ten career and technology programs allow students to earn associate degrees or certificates with job related skills. Career programs include Engineering Technology, Computer Information Systems and Veterinary Technology. Counselors and advisors are available to discuss a student’s specific educational goals and to ensure progress towards that goal.


Tomball Links
City of Tomball
Tomball Schools