Matagorda Island Lighthouse
a.k.a. Matagorda Lighthouse
Matagorda Island, Port O'Connor, TXThe Matagorda Lighthouse is significant because it is the first lighthouse built on Matagorda Bay. It was built in 1852, and a 79-foot tower was in place, stationing the Third Order lens 96 feet above sea level. It was constructed on cast iron. The tower had a unique color scheme for the Gulf Coast, with black, red, and white horizontal bands. The revolving light, showing a flash every 90 seconds, was visible for 16 miles.
The Rebels attempted to blow the cast-iron tower up but only several plates were broken. In 1865, the Rebels stole the lens and clockwork from the tower. Due to neglect during the Civil War, the sea eroded the tower and it had to be dismantled in 1876 to prevent its collapse. The lens and clockwork were recovered and placed in the present tower built with its original cast iron.
The lighthouse board decided that a light similar to that at Bolivar Point in Galveston Bay should be erected. After a considerable delay in acquiring the site, the light was rebuilt by July 1873, on the west side of Pass Cavallo, Two miles from the original site.
Lighted on September 1, 1873, the lantern showed a flash every 90 seconds from 91 feet above sea level.
On August 19-20, 1886, a "Severe storm raged at this station. The water rose to an unusual height and stood some four feet deep in the tower." The storm swept away everything on the station grounds except the tower itself, and the keeper's quarters.
There were calm days, too. On October 12, 1918, it was calm, and not a bit of air, and the bugs got so thick that they obscured the light. The next morning, the keeper climbed the spiral staircase armed with a shovel to scoop the dead insects from the lantern and gallery.
The light is still in full use, on the west side of Pass Cavallo, visible for 25 miles to sea. The paint scheme is now black.
Local significance of the structure:
The Rebels attempted to blow the cast-iron tower up but only several plates were broken. In 1865, the Rebels stole the lens and clockwork from the tower. Due to neglect during the Civil War, the sea eroded the tower and it had to be dismantled in 1876 to prevent its collapse. The lens and clockwork were recovered and placed in the present tower built with its original cast iron.
The lighthouse board decided that a light similar to that at Bolivar Point in Galveston Bay should be erected. After a considerable delay in acquiring the site, the light was rebuilt by July 1873, on the west side of Pass Cavallo, Two miles from the original site.
Lighted on September 1, 1873, the lantern showed a flash every 90 seconds from 91 feet above sea level.
On August 19-20, 1886, a "Severe storm raged at this station. The water rose to an unusual height and stood some four feet deep in the tower." The storm swept away everything on the station grounds except the tower itself, and the keeper's quarters.
There were calm days, too. On October 12, 1918, it was calm, and not a bit of air, and the bugs got so thick that they obscured the light. The next morning, the keeper climbed the spiral staircase armed with a shovel to scoop the dead insects from the lantern and gallery.
The light is still in full use, on the west side of Pass Cavallo, visible for 25 miles to sea. The paint scheme is now black.
Commerce; Engineering; Maritime History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
About Calhoun County
Calhoun County Timeline
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.
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.
Calhoun County Timeline
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.