Old Town Katy was once a wide open prairie, a setting much like those featured in old-time Western movies. It was the hunting ground of the Karankawa Indian tribes and the winter feeding grounds of great herds of buffalo. Vast flocks of wild ducks, geese and whooping cranes joined large populations of wild longhorn cattle, deer and wolves. Consistent early settlement began in the 1890’s. The first railroad depot was finished in 1898, enlarged in 1919, and sold to the City of Katy in 1977. In 1990, this depot was obtained by the Katy Historical Society and turned into a museum. Some people believe the city of Katy was named for the Missouri, Kansas and Texas (MKT) Railroad, known as the Katy. Former Mayor Arthur Miller said he had good evidence that the town was named to honor Katy Mares, a popular saloon keeper. Former postmaster D. Stanberry said his grandfather recalled hearing railroad workers saying “Let’s go to Katy’s” before the town took the name.