Historical Marker

Lone Star Canal

Historical marker location:
Anahuac, Texas
( SH 61 at Washington Ave.)
Marker installed: 1979
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Berriman Richard Garland (1840-1918), a native of Indiana, saw the need for fresh water for rice crops in east Chambers County. Garland and A. L. Williams began in 1902 acquiring land and constructing this irrigation canal. It started at the mouth of Turtle Bay, now known as Lake Anahuac.

In 1904, "Lone Star Canal Company" was incorporated. E. O. Emerson and Burt H. Collins directed the business in 1906. Sailing vessels anchored next to the warehouse carried the rice to market. In dry seasons, salt water backed into Turtle Bay and into the canal, killing the rice crops. To prevent the damage, the Trinity River Irrigation District formed in 1911 and built a dam and locks at the mouth of the bay. Thomas S. Ellis changed the name to "Anahuac Canal Company" in 1914. After the 1915 hurricane destroyed the dam, pumping plant, and warehouse, the company changed owners several times, closing from 1927-32. In 1932 four men purchased the canal, resumed the name "Lone Star Canal," and reopened operations.

In 1947 the Chambers-Liberty Counties Navigation District purchased the canal. Water is available for industrial as well as agricultural use with the goal of improving the economy of the area

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.

agriculture water topics
The Battle of San Jacinto fought on April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and led to the capture of Santa Anna and the end of the conflict.
Texas random facts
Chambers County, Texas has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Atakapas tribes. European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, with the region becoming a part of Mexican Texas in 1821.

In 1824, Thomas Jefferson Chambers, a lawyer and land speculator, was granted a colonization contract for the area, which later became known as Chambers County. He established a settlement called Anahuac, which quickly grew into a thriving port town. However, tensions between American settlers and the Mexican government eventually led to the Anahuac Disturbances in 1832, a series of conflicts over local issues such as trade regulations and land titles.

During the Texas Revolution in 1836, Chambers County played a significant role. The Battle of Anahuac took place in May of that year, with Texian rebels successfully capturing the Mexican garrison and securing control of the region. After Texas gained independence, Chambers County became part of the Republic of Texas in 1836.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Chambers County's economy was heavily dependent on agriculture, with cotton and rice being the primary crops. The discovery of oil and natural gas in the early 20th century brought a new wave of economic growth to the region. The establishment of several petrochemical plants contributed to the county's industrial development, transforming it into an important hub for the oil and gas industry.

Today, Chambers County continues to evolve and thrive. It is renowned for its natural beauty and offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The county's historical significance, coupled with its economic growth, makes it an attractive place to live and visit in Southeast Texas.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Chambers County, Texas.

  • 1830s - Native American tribes such as the Karankawa and Atakapa are present in the area.
  • 1822 - The Mexican government establishes the Municipality of Atascosito, which includes present-day Chambers County.
  • 1835-1836 - The Texas Revolution takes place, leading to Texas gaining its independence from Mexico.
  • 1836 - Chambers County is officially founded and named after Thomas Jefferson Chambers, a landowner and early settler in the area.
  • 1840 - The town of Anahuac becomes the county seat of Chambers County.
  • 1850s - Rice becomes an important crop in the county, leading to economic growth.
  • 1861-1865 - Chambers County residents participate in the American Civil War, with many serving in the Confederate Army.
  • 1875 - The Galveston, Houston, and Henderson Railroad is completed, boosting trade and transportation in the county.
  • 1900 - The devastating Galveston Hurricane causes significant damage to Chambers County.
  • 1901 - The Spindletop oil strike in nearby Beaumont leads to an oil boom in Chambers County.
  • 1933 - The completion of the Intracoastal Waterway greatly benefits the county's shipping and trade industries.
  • 1943-1945 - During World War II, the county hosts the Chambers County Airport, which serves as a training base for the United States Army Air Forces.
  • 1957 - Chambers County becomes home to the Chambers County Nuclear Power Plant, which operates until 1974.
  • 2005 - Chambers County is impacted by Hurricane Rita and experiences significant damage.