Montgomery County was the third county formed in Texas. In the 1820's Stephen F. Austin brought four colonies to Texas, and the fourth and last colony came to Montgomery County. Settlers received Mexican land grants, shared their land, built log cabins, and planted crops. Cotton emerged as the main cash crop, while corn was a staple for pioneer families and for livestock. Many landowners began developing large herds of cattle, and beef became an important product. Feed crops were cultivated to sustain livestock, and horse- and ox-drawn farming implements were used before motorized equipment was developed. Agriculture flourished through the 1950's.