Pearland is one of the fastest growing cities in Texas. The city now boats 96,000 residents after having a population of 19,000 two decades ago. Pearland’s history dates back centuries to when Native Americans hosted European explorers starting in 1528. Cabeza de Vaca, La Salle and Stephen F. Austin all passed through the area of present day Pearland. The city is governed by a council-manager form of government in accordance with the home rule charter adopted by voters in February 1971.