Matagorda Area Chamber

History...

Matagorda, Texas is the 3rd oldest town in Texas, established in 1827 by Elias R. Wightman, one of Stephen F. Austin’s early surveyors. At the time, this area belonged to Mexico. Afraid that the French and Native American Indians would take over the territory, the Mexican government hired Stephen F. Austin to bring colonists to the area. In exchange for a free land grant, the colonists had to become Mexican citizens and Catholics. In 1828 Wightman journeyed to his native state of New York and one year later arrived back in Matagorda with a colony of 60 immigrants (50 from New York and 10 from New Orleans).

Matagorda flourished and by 1834 had a population of 1,400. As the second largest port in Texas, Matagorda developed transportation and industry. Immigrants by the hundreds disembarked at this port to take up land grants in the colonies of Stephen F. Austin.

The oldest house in Matagorda County still stands. Built in 1832 by early colonist Samuel R. Fisher, the house is located in the town of Matagorda and currently operates as a Bed & Breakfast. The current owners welcome tours of the house. Many other original townsite homes still exist and can be viewed via a leisurely drive around town. The old Matagorda Post Office and the Frontier Building are located at the ballpark in town. Both buildings are over 100 years old. One of the earliest cemeteries in Texas, the Matagorda Cemetery was founded soon after the town was settled, circa 1829. The Cemetery is registered in the National Historical Register.

The Rev. Caleb Ives established the first Episcopal Church in Texas, the “Mother Church”, in Matagorda in 1838. This church, as well as other early churches such as the Methodist and Baptist, continues to conduct services today. For tours for information call the Episcopal Church office at
979-863-7239.

The Matagorda Historical Society, the Matagorda County Historical Commission and the Matagorda County Museum are all active organizations that support the preservation of Texas history in this area. Matagorda County boasts over 100 historical markers. The Bay City Tribune newspaper publishes a free booklet entitled, “Historical Markers in Matagorda County”. For a copy, contact the newspaper at www.baycitytribune.com or call the Matagorda County Visitor’s Bureau at 979-245-8333.




		History... Matagorda, Texas is the 3rd oldest town in Texas, established in 1827 by Elias R. Wightman, one of Stephen F. Austin’s early surveyors. At the time, this area belonged to Mexico. Afraid that the French and Native American Indians would take over the territory, the Mexican government hired Stephen F. Austin to bring colonists to the area. In exchange for a free land grant, the colonists had to become Mexican citizens and Catholics. In 1828 Wightman journeyed to his native state of New York and one year later arrived back in Matagorda with a colony of 60 immigrants (50 from New York and 10 from New Orleans). Matagorda flourished and by 1834 had a population of 1,400. As the second largest port in Texas, Matagorda developed transportation and industry. Immigrants by the hundreds disembarked at this port to take up land grants in the colonies of Stephen F. Austin. The oldest house in Matagorda County still stands. Built in 1832 by early colonist Samuel R. Fisher, the house is located in the town of Matagorda and currently operates as a Bed & Breakfast. The current owners welcome tours of the house. Many other original townsite homes still exist and can be viewed via a leisurely drive around town. The old Matagorda Post Office and the Frontier Building are located at the ballpark in town. Both buildings are over 100 years old. One of the earliest cemeteries in Texas, the Matagorda Cemetery was founded soon after the town was settled, circa 1829. The Cemetery is registered in the National Historical Register. The Rev. Caleb Ives established the first Episcopal Church in Texas, the “Mother Church”, in Matagorda in 1838. This church, as well as other early churches such as the Methodist and Baptist, continues to conduct services today. For tours for information call the Episcopal Church office at 979-863-7239. The Matagorda Historical Society, the Matagorda County Historical Commission and the Matagorda County Museum are all active organizations that support the preservation of Texas history in this area. Matagorda County boasts over 100 historical markers. The Bay City Tribune newspaper publishes a free booklet entitled, “Historical Markers in Matagorda County”. For a copy, contact the newspaper at www.baycitytribune.com or call the Matagorda County Visitor’s Bureau at 979-245-8333.