Historic cemeteries in
Matagorda, Texas

Andrews Cemetery Ashby Cemetery Bay City Cemetery Berean Cemetery Blessing Cemetery Collegeport Cemetery Cornelius Cemetery East End Cemetery Free System Cemetery Free System Cemetery Grimes Cemetery Hawley Cemetery Hudgins Cemetery Lacy Cemetery Matagorda Cemetery Matthews Cemetery Midfield Cemetery Partain Cemetery Pleasant Green Cemetery Sargent Cemetery Union Cemetery Unknown Cemetery Unknown (Kennedy Sch) Cemetery Unknown (Lake Bowie) Cemetery Unknown (St Mark Ch) Cemetery Unknown (Union Ch) Cemetery Unknown (Vine Grove) Cemetery Unknown (W Of Palacios) Cemetery Williams Cemetery
Texas is also home to the world's largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth. The venue covers three acres and can hold up to 6,000 people.
Texas random facts
Matagorda County, located in Texas along the Gulf Coast, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Coahuiltecan peoples. It was first explored by Europeans in the late 17th century, with expeditions led by René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle and Alonso De León. These explorations laid the foundation for future colonization efforts.

In the 1820s, Anglo-American settlers began to arrive in Matagorda County, attracted by the fertile land and natural resources. The Mexican government granted land grants to individuals, and the population grew rapidly. The county played a significant role in the Texas Revolution, with the Battle of Matagorda taking place in 1832. The victory of Texan forces led to the expulsion of Mexican troops from the area.

The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought a new wave of economic growth to Matagorda County. This led to the establishment of oil refineries and other industries, transforming the region's economy. However, the boom was followed by a period of decline due to the Great Depression and changes in the oil industry. The county experienced a resurgence in the late 20th century with the growth of tourism and recreational activities along the Gulf Coast.

Today, Matagorda County is known for its beautiful beaches and wetlands, attracting visitors from all over. It continues to be an important center for fishing, agriculture, and petrochemical industries. The county's history is preserved through museums and historical sites, providing a glimpse into its vibrant past.

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

  • 1825 - Stephen F. Austin established a colony around Matagorda Bay.
  • 1832 - Matagorda County was officially created and named after the Matagorda Bay.
  • 1834 - The town of Matagorda became the county seat.
  • 1836 - Texas gained independence from Mexico.
  • 1846 - Matagorda County became part of the state of Texas when it was admitted to the United States.
  • 1856 - The town of Bay City was established as a trade center.
  • 1875 - The county courthouse in Matagorda was destroyed by fire.
  • 1882 - Bay City became the new county seat.
  • 1942 - The Matagorda Island National Wildlife Refuge was established.
  • 1998 - Hurricane Frances caused significant damage to Matagorda County.