A Little History on Stafford’s Economy

The city of Stafford, Texas, has seen its fair share of ups and down in terms of population growth and economy! Despite challenges faced over the years, Stafford residents show the same bold resilience and determination as the town’s founder, and their entrepreneurial spirit has really shown through over the past century and a half of the city’s history.

A Little History on Stafford’s Economy

In the early 1800s, William Stafford established a plantation in the state of Texas and soon began running a cotton gin and cane mill on his land. For those unfamiliar, a cotton gin is a machine that quickly separates cotton buds or fibers from their seeds, allowing for faster cotton processing. A cane mill works to process sugar cane plants, creating the fine white sugar used in baking and food manufacturing.

Stafford faced a setback some years after he began his businesses, during the Texas Revolution of 1835-1836. Mexican generals surrounded his plantation and ordered it burned to the ground, destroying everything for which Stafford had worked.

Not so easily defeated, Stafford rebuilt his plantation and stayed there until his death in 1840. During that time, settlers moved into the area around his plantation. That settlement began to grow and flourish so that it soon became a stop for several railway lines and, by the late 1800s, the townsite boasted its own grocer and two general stores. The city was soon incorporated and its population continued to grow over the years.

Stafford’s Modern Day Economy

As with many American cities, Stafford has shifted over the decades from an agricultural based economy to manufacturing and service sectors. Corporations such as the United Parcel Service and Tyco have had operations in the city of Stafford at one time or another.

One notable employer in Stafford was Texas Instruments (TI), operating a production facility in the city for many years. This particular production facility manufactured what are called wafers, or a thin semiconductor, often found in cell phones, certain high-definition televisions, and some solar technology. As demands for semiconductors changed, in 2012 TI announced it would be closing their Stafford plant and shifting production to another facility.

Despite this setback, Stafford still benefits economically from the community college located in the city, home to some 8000 students each year. Other area schools as well as city parks, the local theater for the performing arts, and the large library all bolster the city’s economy as well.

Keeping Stafford’s Entrepreneurial Spirit Alive

As with many businesses in the United States, companies have shifted from manufacturing to a service based operation. In Stafford, residents keep alive the founder’s entrepreneurial spirit by doing the same, offering a variety of contracting services to residents and those in nearby cities. Stafford residents have seen tremendous success with home repair and renovation services, HVAC installation and repairs, power washing, and so much more!

Here at the City of Stafford site, we’re proud to call Stafford home and of the determination of fellow residents. We know that the city will no doubt face many more economic “ups and downs” in the future, but also know that the ingenuity and tenacity of its residents will always see them through.

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