State Antiquities Landmark

Fort Anahuac

Historic 1830's
Fort Anahuac County Park, one mile south of center of town on State Highway 564, Anahuac Texas
Significance:
Mexican Republic ( Fort Anahuac (41CH226). )

Jurisdiction:
Chambers County

State Antiquities Landmarks (SALs) are designated by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and receive legal protection under the Antiquities Code of Texas (the Code). The Code defines all cultural resources on non-federal public lands in the State of Texas as eligible to be designated as SALs. Historic buildings and other aboveground historic resources must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places before they can be designated as SALs, but archeological sites do not have the same prerequisite.

SAL designation does not mean that sites or buildings cannot be altered or destroyed. The land-owning agency must consult with the THC about such proposed actions through the permit process, and the THC will determine whether the work will be allowed.

Buildings designated as SALs are listed in the Texas Historic Sites Atlas. However, information about designated archeological sites is not available to the general public to protect the sites from vandalism and destruction.

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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.