A Historical Perspective of The Woodlands

The Woodlands Township - A History

The vision of George Mitchell

The Woodlands, Texas, is a master-planned community that has grown from a bold vision to a thriving hub of dining, retail, and entertainment. Spanning over 28,000 acres and home to more than 114,000 residents (as of 2020), its history is a fascinating tale of ambition and innovation.

The Origins of The Woodlands

The story of The Woodlands began in 1963, when George Mitchell, an oil and gas entrepreneur, purchased 5,000 acres of timberland at $125 per acre. While the precise timeline of its development remains debated, key milestones stand out:

Early Plans: Initial reports suggest Mitchell originally bought 50,000 acres of timberland, managed by the Grogan-Cochran Lumber Company. Of this, just over half became the foundation for The Woodlands Township.
Development Vision: Though early intentions for the land are unclear, reliable sources indicate Mitchell began planning as early as 1966, allowing time to secure HUD funding and establish the groundwork for a master-planned community.

Residential Growth and Community Expansion

The first residential area, Grogan’s Mill, was initially set aside on 2,800 acres but quickly expanded to over 17,000 acres. Today, The Woodlands covers 28,000 acres, offering a mix of residential neighborhoods, green spaces, and commercial areas.

By 1974, the community was ready for its grand debut.

The Grand Opening of The Woodlands

The official introduction of The Woodlands to the public took place on Saturday, October 19, 1974, at 9:30 a.m. The ceremony included a flag-raising at the original Information Center, located at The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center in Grogan’s Mill.

At the time, fewer than 40 residents lived in Settler’s Corner, the first neighborhood located on South Millbend Road. These early pioneers embraced Mitchell’s vision of a planned community that balanced nature with urban convenience.

As more people moved in, the community’s appeal grew steadily.

The Legacy and Growth of The Woodlands

Under the stewardship of the Howard Hughes Corporation, The Woodlands has continued to grow, with 1,372 acres of unsold residential land (equating to 4,532 lots) and 936 acres of commercial land still available as of 2011.

Today, the community is a vibrant suburban oasis known for:

Its piney landscapes and preserved green spaces.
A dynamic blend of residential, retail, and entertainment areas.
A strong presence of the oil, gas, and healthcare industries.

Moreover, The Woodlands has developed a reputation for balancing environmental preservation with urban progress. This balance has attracted residents and businesses alike, ensuring the community’s sustained success.

The Woodlands: A Vision Realized

From its beginnings as a timberland purchase to a thriving, world-class community, The Woodlands stands as a testament to George Mitchell’s foresight and dedication. Indeed, its carefully planned growth, rich history, and thriving community continue to make it one of the most desirable places to live, work, and play.

Over the years, The Woodlands has continually adapted to changing times while preserving its core vision. This combination of innovation and tradition ensures its place as a model of master-planned community development.

1964

George Mitchell purchases the Grogan’s Cochran Lumber Company land – including 2,800 acres creating the genesis of The Woodlands, by marking the original transaction. An additional 300+ land transactions were added creating a 28,500-acre, forested, master-planned community.

1971

Lamar Elementary, the first public school in The Woodlands, Texas, opened its doors as a cornerstone of education and community tradition. Since its opening, it has been a foundation for learning and growth in the area.

1972

HUD announces a $50 million loan guarantee to spark community development. On September 6, $50 million in 7.1% U.S. Governmental New Community Debentures were issued. This funding energizes projects that transform neighborhoods and empower residents. A milestone for innovation and progress!

1974

Grogan’s Mill, the first village of The Woodlands, holds a special place in its history. On October 19, the community reached a milestone with the grand opening of “The Woodlands” Real Estate Division. This event marked a new chapter as they settled into their sleek new home at 2201 Timberloch Place.

1975

The Houston Golf Association kicks off a 10-year partnership to host the PGA Houston Open in The Woodlands, TX. This long-term deal brings world-class golf and excitement to the community’s greens. A thrilling decade for golf enthusiasts starts now!

1976

The Woodlands continues to grow with the exciting debut of its second village—welcome to The Village of Panther Creek! Nestled among scenic surroundings, this vibrant community brings even more charm and opportunity to the area.

1983-1984

The Village of Cochran’s Crossing opened in 1983, followed by the Village of Alden Bridge. In 1984, the Village of Indian Springs was established, becoming the smallest village and the only one without a public school. However, it is home to The John Cooper School.

1985

The Woodlands Hospital Opened

This year marked the inauguration of The Woodlands Hospital, a state-of-the-art facility that brought advanced medical care and essential healthcare services to the growing community. The hospital became a cornerstone for local health needs and economic growth.

Lake Woodlands Filled with Water

In the same year, Lake Woodlands was filled with water, transforming it into a centerpiece for recreation and natural beauty. The lake provided opportunities for outdoor activities and enhanced the area’s appeal, aligning with the community’s vision of blending urban development with nature.

1983-1987

During a severe economic downturn caused by collapsing energy prices and a crash in the Houston market, The Woodlands demonstrated resilience. While surrounding areas struggled, The Woodlands increased its share of the housing market, attracting buyers with its planned community design, amenities, and stability amidst the crisis.

1990

April marked the grand opening of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, adding a world-class cultural venue to the community. The Woodlands achieved the #1 spot in new home sales and closings in Houston for the first time, with total investments surpassing $2 billion. To top it off, the Arnold Palmer Golf Course opened, bringing premier golfing to this thriving community.

1993

Construction of The Woodlands Mall began, leading to its grand opening on October 5, 1994. Around the same time, plans for the Town Center Development were formally announced, marking a new phase of growth. Additionally, the announcement of a community college campus underscored the community’s commitment to education and opportunity.

1995

The Village of College Park stands out with its unique layout, divided by Interstate 45, offering a remarkable variety compared to other Villages in The Woodlands. Adding to its appeal is the presence of the Lone Star College-Montgomery campus, enhancing its educational and community value.

1996

The population surpassed 45,000, and Town Center welcomed its first movie theater, Tinseltown Cinema. A record 1,053 new homes were sold, marking the first time sales exceeded 1,000 in a calendar year. It was also the 7th consecutive year The Woodlands ranked #1 in new home sales in the region.

1997

The population surpassed 50,000 as The Woodlands hit a major milestone. On July 31, 1997, The Woodlands Corporation and its assets were acquired by a partnership between Morgan Stanley and Crescent Real Estate Equities in a landmark $543 million deal.

1999

Construction of The Woodlands Waterway began, marking a new chapter in the community’s development. Around the same time, Harper’s Landing, a neighborhood with 1,300 homes, opened its doors, adding to the area’s residential appeal.

2000

Windsor Hills, an “active adult” neighborhood, and the Village of Sterling Ridge, including the gated Carlton Woods, opened, with Carlton Woods initially its own village. Resident Laura Wilkinson won Olympic gold in diving at the Sydney Games. A record 1,679 new homes were sold, and the community celebrated reaching 100 miles of hike and bike trails.

2002

The Gosling Road Bridge opened, connecting The Woodlands to Harris County. The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center and the Anadarko Tower were occupied, along with Chevron Phillips Chemical’s new Town Center building. The population surpassed 70,000, marking continued growth.

2003

The first urban residential projects opened along the Waterway in Town Center, marking a new phase of development. The Market Street project also began construction in Town Center. Meanwhile, The Rouse Company acquired Real Estate Equities’ 52.7% stake in The Woodlands, signaling a major ownership shift.

2004

Market Street construction began in 2003, opening its doors in 2004 as a vibrant hub for shopping and dining. Later, it underwent a major transformation with the redevelopment of Central Park in 2018 and 2019, enhancing its appeal as a community centerpiece.

2007

The Village of Creekside Park opened as the latest development by The Woodlands Development Company in Harris County. It features plans for 5,516 single-family homes, 541 homes for residents aged 55 and over, 738 multi-family residences, and 298 custom and estate homes within the gated Carlton Woods Creekside community.

2010

Per the 2010 U.S. Census, The Woodlands, Texas, had a population of 93,847. This figure highlighted the area’s rapid growth as a master-planned community, solidifying its reputation as a thriving residential and business destination in the Houston region.

2011

The Howard Hughes Corporation acquired Morgan Stanley’s interest in The Woodlands, taking a key role in its development. ExxonMobil announced plans for a new North Houston campus near the future Grand Parkway, strategically located at the intersection of Interstate 45 and Hardy Toll Road.

2012

The Woodlands, Texas, has experienced significant population growth, with the U.S. Census recording 114,436 residents in 2020. Estimates indicate the population reached approximately 118,402 in 2022 Data USA and 122,494 in 2024 World Population Review. This upward trend reflects the community’s ongoing appeal and development.

2013

Hughes Landing, a a 66-acre mixed-use development situated on the 200-acre Lake Woodlands opens. Hughes Landing houses Whole Foods, Starbucks, multi-family housing, Restaurant Row, Embassy Suites, The Hughes Landing Bandstand, walking paths, and so much more.

2016

The Woodlands was honored as “Humanitarian of the Year” by the Greater Houston Builders Association in both 2016 and 2017. In 2015, the community received the “Master Planned Community of the Year” award from the same association.

2017

The Woodlands Development Company announced the groundbreaking of Waterway Landing at East Shore, a 5.4-acre gated community featuring 59 luxury townhomes. Developed by Waterway Builders, these three- and four-story homes range from 2,862 to 4,561 square feet. Prices start in the upper $700,000s and exceed $1 million.

2019

The Woodlands, a 28,000-acre master-planned community, emphasizes environmental preservation. It is home to over 116,000 residents, with more than 66,000 people working within its boundaries. Recognized nationally, The Woodlands ranks among the top-selling master-planned communities in Texas and the U.S.