Historical Marker

Holy Cross Catholic Church

Historical marker location:
2001 Katy Ave, Bay City, Texas
( 2001 Katy Avenue)
Marker installed: 2006
Marker size: 27" x 42"

In May 1847, the Catholic church established a new frontier diocese in Galveston. During the next several years, many Polish Catholic immigrants moved to Matagorda County, and priests from nearby towns visited their small community, known as St. Francisville. In the latter part of the 19th century, Louisiana Thompson Bowie was instrumental in bringing the priests to deliver Mass to area residents. Born to Anna Taliferro and Elbert A. Thompson in 1848, Louisiana grew up across Caney Creek from Harris Walker Bowie, whom she married. On April 13, 1895, while in New Orleans, she was baptized into the Catholic faith at Immaculate Conception parish. Back in Texas, at her home on the Bowie Plantation, she arranged for priests to stay with her family and traveled with them to the church in St. Francisville. Bay City became Matagorda County's seat of government in 1895, and visiting priests held Mass in the courthouse or in private homes. Monsignor Jacob B. Schnetzer became priest for the Bay City area in 1907, by which time the Bowies lived in the growing town; Schnetzer stayed in their home. In March 1907, he bought lots at Avenue M and Fifth Street to build a sanctuary for the Bay City parish. Designed by prominent Galveston architect Nicholas Clayton, the structure served the congregation for many years. As the church grew during the 20th century, it built new facilties, including a rectory, school, new sanctuary and other facilities. Today, Holy Cross Catholic Church offers worship and education programs and connects its members to their faith and to their history. (2006)

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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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 concise overview of the key events in the history 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.