Historical Marker

Port Lavaca

Historical marker location:
Port Lavaca, Texas
( SH 35 between SH 238 & Half Moon Dr., at Bauer Community Center, Port Lavaca)
Marker installed: 1998
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Founded in the aftermath of a Comanche raid on the nearby settlement of Linville, the town of Lavaca ("the cow") was established in 1840. The busiest port in the Matagorda Bay area and a major center for over-land export of cattle and other goods, Lavaca was an able successor to Linville.

Lavaca was the first Calhoun County seat from 1846 to 1852, when Indianola assumed the role. The county seat was returned to Lavaca briefly during the Civil War, when the town withstood fire from Federal gunboats, then returned to Indianola. In 1886 Indianola was ravaged by a hurricane and Lavaca was again county seat. With railroad expansion in Texas, Lavaca moved away from cattle and turned to seafood. Called Port Lavaca from the late 1880s, the village boomed. Tourism and the population increased; several factories were opened; the town became a general law city in 1909. The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway was connected to Port Lavaca in 1913 and a seawall was completed in 1920. Shrimp and frozen seafood became major items for export. Natural gas and oil were discovered in 1934 and 1935. From the late 1940s major manufacturing began to contribute to Port Lavaca' s growth. Port Lavaca became a home rule chartered city in 1956, and a deep water port was located here in 1965.

Port Lavaca celebrated 150 years of rich history in 1990. (1998)

Incise on base: Erected by Calhoun County Historical Commission; George Fred Rhodes, Chairman

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

cities and towns
The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
Texas random facts
Calhoun County, located in southeastern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. The region was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Coahuiltecan peoples. European exploration began in the 16th century when Spanish explorers arrived, followed by French and English settlers in the 18th century.

During the early 19th century, Calhoun County became a part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. However, with the Texas Revolution in 1836, the region gained independence from Mexico and became a part of the Republic of Texas. The county was officially established in 1846 and was named after John C. Calhoun, a prominent statesman and U.S. Vice President.

The economy of Calhoun County has always been closely tied to agriculture, particularly rice and cotton farming. The presence of rich soil and a favorable climate made the region ideal for agricultural production. Later, after the construction of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway in the early 20th century, the county's economy grew with the expansion of the fishing and shrimping industries.

One significant event in the county's history occurred in 1942 when the U.S. Army established the Matagorda Island Army Airfield. The airfield served as a training facility during World War II and trained thousands of pilots. Today, it is part of the Matagorda Island Wildlife Management Area and is a popular tourist destination.

Calhoun County's history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people. The region continues to flourish, balancing its agricultural heritage with advancements in energy, tourism, and commerce, making it a vibrant and thriving community.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Calhoun County, Texas.

  • 1832 - The area now known as Calhoun County is part of the Mexican territory of Coahuila y Tejas.
  • 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico and Calhoun County is established as a separate entity.
  • 1839 - The town of Indianola is founded and becomes a major port on the Texas coast.
  • 1852 - Calhoun County is officially organized, with Indianola as its county seat.
  • 1875 - A hurricane devastates Indianola, leading to the decline of the town as a major port.
  • 1886 - Port Lavaca becomes the new county seat of Calhoun County.
  • 1931 - The Discovery Well is drilled, leading to the discovery of oil in Calhoun County.
  • 1945 - The Calhoun County Navigation District is created to oversee the development and maintenance of the Port of Port Lavaca.
  • 1961 - The Texas Gulf Sulphur Company begins operations in Calhoun County, leading to a significant economic boost.
  • Today - Calhoun County is a thriving coastal community with a strong economy based on industries such as petrochemicals, agriculture, and tourism.