Historical Marker

Judge Henry Joseph Huck

Historical marker location:
N. Ocean Drive, Indianola, Texas
( Near Magnolia Beach, N. Ocean Drive, west side about 0.3 miles south of 24th Street)
Marker installed: 2017
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

Henry Joseph Huck was born on August 3, 1882, in Ottenhofen, Baden, in southern Germany. He graduated from Heidelberg University and, with the inheritance from his mother's death, Henry venture to London and established a merchant business at the age of 17. On Sept. 29, 1845, at the age of 23, Henry sailed on the ship Wellington to New York City, and later traveled to New Orleans and then Indian Point (later named Indianola). Huck opened a lumber yard in Indian Point and a satellite yard in Powderhorn, importing and exporting Florida pine and later calcasieu lumber.

In 1846, following the admission of Texas into the Union, Henry J. Huck was one of the organizers and first Probate Judge of Calhoun County. Judge Huck was a trustee of the Indianola and Guadalupe Valley Railroad and a proponent of many transportation advancements. Huck enlisted in 1861 in the Indianola Guards Battalion, Texas Militia. Huck advanced in the military to the Chief Quartermaster of Texas with the rank of major by May 1865.

Following the war, Huck return to Indianola and was elected Commissioner of Pilots at the Port of Indianola and returned to his lumber business, which expanded rapidly. Judge Huck serve as a Commissioner of Schools and on the Board of School Examiners, as well as chairman of the Indianola Relief Association after the 1875 hurricane. When the 1886 hurricane struck, the city of Indianola was devastated, and Judge Huck lost his lumber inventory. He sold his holdings and moved to Austin, where he passed away on December 18, 1905. Judge Huck significantly impacted Indianola and the State of Texas as a pioneer businessman, commissioner, soldier and statesman. (2017)

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.

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The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
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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 concise overview of the key events in 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.