The original name of the city of Conroe, Texas was Conroe Switch, named after lumberman Isaac Conroe, a Northern-born, former Union cavalry officer, who founded a sawmill on the I-GN rail juncion. When the first post office of the new city was established, Isaac Conroe became its first postmaster. Within a decade later Conroe Switch, TX was shortened to Conroe, TX.
The wealth and growth of the city of Conroe, TX is due to the lumber and oil industries which brought about an influx of people in the late 19th century. By 1900, Conroe, Texas was considered the largest community within Montgomery County and became incorporated in 1904 with the establishment of the first mayor and city council in 1905. The lumber and agricultural industry helped Conroe, TX to rapidly grow and thrive until 1930 when the Great Depression struck the area and forced many sawmills to close and was followed shortly after by the failing of the only bank in Conroe. The failure of Conroe's bank created a enormous economic hardship on its residents and institutions. In December 13, 1931, George W. Strake brought about the revival of Conroe, TX with the discovery of oi seven miles southeast. With the discovery of oil and the rapid revival of the local economy, the only school district, Conroe ISD, become of of the wealthiest in the state of Texas. For a brief period of time, Conroe, TX could claim more millionaires per capita than any other place in the United States (US). World War II brought about the revival of the lumber industry for a brief time period before it started a steady decline after 1950.