Katy was formerly known as Cane Islands in the early 1800s. It was called islands because of the foreign cane-filled creek running through the site. Later on, the land was acquired as a grant by James J. Crawford and later named Katy. It was named after the MKT railroad company—that developed the original railroads and train stop—which people always refer to as K-T. Fortunately, when Interstate 10 opened, Katy saw massive development as Houston expanded westward.