Stafford

In 1820, when the land that is now Texas was under the rule of Spain, Stephen F. Austin took advantage of a Spanish offer to settle a vast area of the territory in exchange for expansive land grants. William J. Stafford became intrigued with the offer and was one of Austin’s “Old 300” families that made the migration west and settled here.
The City of Stafford is a home rule city. Home rule cities are cities with populations of more than 5,000 in which citizens have adopted home rule charters.

Stafford’s citizenry is enriched by many diverse cultures and heritages. The 2000 Census revealed a truly international community with nearly equal numbers of Anglos, Asians, African-Americans, and Hispanics. The 2010 Census shows an even more expanded diversification. Diversity also is reflected in a wide spectrum of religious faiths. There are over 45 houses of worship in the City including a Buddhist Temple, a Hindu Temple, a Muslim Mosque, an Orthodox Church, an Arabic Evangelical Church, a Chinese Baptist Church, and many Christian denominations.