The population of Bomont City, Texas, grew to 9,427 people in 1900. The city's population in 1890 was 3,296 people. Since then, the population has steadily increased. The city is now a bustling center of commerce and education, attracting many residents to move there. Its low housing costs and low cost of living make it a desirable place to live. The city has many museums, outdoor activities, and delicious eats. For those who are looking for higher education, Lamar University offers degrees in business, nursing, and liberal arts. There are currently 5,243 undergraduate students.
In the early 1900s, the city was a small farming community. This town grew quickly in the oil industry. A new oil field was discovered in the area in 1901. Three major oil companies grew in Beaumont during this period. One of these oil companies, Magnolia Refinery, became the city's largest employer and eventually became Mobil's largest manufacturing plant. The city also became an important seaport when the Neches was channeled into Port Arthur.
In 1861, the town grew and became a center for cattle raisers. Later, it became a lumber town, and later, a rice mill. Beaumont also had the first commercial rice mill in the state. During the late 1800s, the town saw a boom in both industries. This boom was made possible by railroad expansion after the Civil War. The Southern Pacific railroad system and the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe railroad system served the city. The town's rapid growth was fueled by the arrival of a railroad.