George Butler moved his family from Louisiana in 1854 and settled at the junction of Clear Creek and Chigger Bayou. He became the area’s most successful cattle rancher, which lead this area to be known as Butler Ranch, or sometimes by the name of Clear Creek. However, in 1890, John C. League, a Galveston businessman, purchased land near the ranch from a man named Muldoon who was surrendering all property in order to enter priesthood. League laid out a new town along the Galveston, Houston, & Henderson Railroad, which brought in new families and helped the area grow. The first post office referred to the town as Clear Creek, but in 1896, the name was changed to League City. Unhappy residents petitioned to the have the name changed back to Clear Creek in 1897. However, those wanting to honor Mr. League worked have the name revert back to League City in 1902; and that name remains.
Various crops were grown on farms around the town. Among its businesses was a small hospital and a broom and mop factory. During World War I, troops camped in League City.
The history of Walter Hall Park is in interesting one that predates the actual town founding. In 1886, county commissioners purchased about 200 acres from the Stephen F. Austin land grant to be used as a poor farm. Elderly county residents who had no means to care for themselves lived at the farm in cottages surrounded by gardens tended by convicts. By 1913, financial issues forced the closing of the institution and the ten remaining elderly people were sent to St. Mary’s Infirmary in Galveston. Eventually, most of the land was sold, but about 70 acres were dedicated as a park in 1928.
