Matagorda County

by Matagorda County Museum Association

Overview

Matagorda County is centered in the Texas Coastal Bend at the crossroads of the Colorado River and the Gulf of Mexico. The name Matagorda, Spanish for "thick brush," was derived from the canebrakes that formerly lined the extensive shoreline. This vast coastal prairie is rich in history and tradition, with its roots dating back to 1685 when the explorer LaSalle sailed into Matagorda Bay. Later Stephen F. Austin used the seaports of Matagorda and Brazoria to build his new colony. The Gulf of Mexico, the rivers, the rich agricultural soil, the natural habitat full of wild game and birds, and the determined spirit of the people make the cities of Bay City, Palacios, Blessing, Sargent, and Matagorda an exquisite mix of history and tradition.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780738556406
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	10/13/2008
Series:	Images of America Series
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

The Matagorda County Museum Association is dedicated to preserving the history of the county's unique cross section of communities. This volume includes more than 200 vintage images from the museum's extensive photographic archives to illustrate the compelling history of the county and to help preserve its legacy for years to come.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 6

Introduction 7

1 Our Founding Fathers: City and County Government 9

2 And Then the Seeds Grew: Farm and Ranch Scenes 15

3 Teaching Our Children: Education in Matagorda County 31

4 Beautiful Buildings: Structures in the County 43

5 A Step Back in Time: Street Scenes from Matagorda County Communities 57

6 And a Surrey with a Fringe on Top: Transportation and River Scenes 71

7 O Come All Ye Faithful: Religion and Churches 87

8 Coexistence: Industry in the County 95

9 Disasters: Hurricanes, Floods, and Fires through the Years 101

10 Ending on a Happy Note: Entertainment and Other Fun Things 111