Foreward
This year marks the Third Anniversary of the Bay City Rice Festival and the 47th Birthday of rice harvesting in Matagorda County. To commemorate these two events, the Bay City Lions club is presenting this booklet: Historic Matagorda County.

Every effort has been expended to give a factual and accurate picture of Matagorda County, its life, industries, topography, and other topics of interest. Naturally, it is impossible to present a complete history of the county because of the limits of space. However, we believe that an overall picture has been painted of "The Cradle of Texas History."

The editors wish to acknowledge with deep appreciation the efforts of all who contributed so graciously toward making this booklet possible, especially those who's advertisements appear herein. Without their aid it would not have been possible to present this booklet to you.
We of the Bay City Lions Club sincerely believe that you will enjoy your brief visit in Matagorda County as you read through these pages. We extend to you a sincere and hearty invitation to visit us at your leisure. You will be most cordially welcomed, and we know your visit here will be most pleasant.

Matagorda County, often known as "The Cradle of Texas History", has run the gamut of time, beginning in 1685 when LaSalle founded Fort St. Louis on Matagorda Bay. Like Texas, Matagorda County has seen many flags flying over her lush acres, and like Texas, has added much to the history and culture of the Nation.

Matagorda is one of twenty-nine counties in Texas which has a physiographic name. There is some controversy as to the origin of this name. It is made up of two Spanish words, "Mata," which is defined as "small brush, shrubs, sprigs, blades, etc.," and "Gorda", which is defined as "fat, corse, thick, dense, etc." The most conspicuous geographical feature of this country was the dense canebrake through which flowed "Old Caney", an ancient bed of the Colorado River. However, Matagordians prefer an obsolete translation of the Spanish words "Mata" (slaughter) and "Gorda" (fat). There is more romance attached to the translation: "Fat Slaughter", they believe.

But be that as it may, Matagorda Countyans are proud of their heritage and history, and rightly call it "The Cradle of Texas History".

The first serious attempt of American colonization in Matagorda county came in 1822. In March of that year, at the mouth of the Colorado River, Indians put to death five men guarding provisions from two vessels loaded with the first American colonists to the Texas coast.

Stephen F. Austin can rightly be called the "Father of Matagorda county." It was he who began colonization of what is now Matagorda county. He did not, however, stop there but began colonization of land now embraced by the counties of Austin, Brazoria, Burleson, Colorado, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Jackson, Lavaca, Lee, Matagorda, Waller, Washington and Wharton.

The fertilization, ample rainfall, navigable rivers centrally situated, ample fuel and wood for building purposes, and fine range land for stock attracted the far-sighted Austin.

Early deeds recorded in the Matagorda county courthouse in Bay City gave an insight to the number of families settling in the county. Many present-day families are descendants of those early settlers and even as in yesteryears are leaders in the county.

Created in 1836 along with twenty-three other counties, Matagorda county assumed its place in the Texas Republic, but it wasn't until 1837 that the organization of the county was completed. In February of 1838 the town of Matagorda was incorporated by special act of the House and Senate. Harvey Kendrick was the first mayor.

Two years later a chamber of commerce, one of three in Texas, was organized in the capitol of Matagorda county. The coastal community soon reached a population of a thousand persons. Three respectable seminars of learning, churches, two hotels and a Masonic lodge were supported. The town became a thriving shipping point and a social center where folk from miles around gathered.

Many beautiful homes were erected in the county, and even to this day, nearly one hundred years later, they still stand in much of their former glory.

Gracious living in Matagorda county ended with the War of Secession. Danger and sorrow were the lot of Matagorda countians.

On June 26, 1860, the first step was taken toward participation in the Civil war. A company was authorized, and committees formed to secure funds to support the soldiers. A camp-site was set up on Matagorda Peninsula, and the company spent the summer months familiarizing themselves with the art of warfare.

Although rice was more than 5,000 years in coming from the Orient to America, soon after gaining a foothold in the South it became a major crop.

Matagorda county was no different than a number of its sister counties in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and California in taking to rice and its allied industries. Introduced in Matagorda county about the turn of the century, the golden-headed crop became one of the major money producers in the county.

From an ignoble beginning, rice began rising in this section of Texas, which is so adaptable to the production of this cereal, until it is now the top grain crop produced here.

It has been estimated that the rice crop in Matagorda county alone will amount to more than six millions of dollars this year. Coupled with the processing and sales of rice, and its allied industries an estimated revenue of nearly ten millions of dollars will have been released into the county from this crop alone.

It is of little wonder that Matagorda countians speak of the "Golden Harvest" each fall.
More than 45,000 acres of rice were planted in the county during 1947. The "Golden Harvest" is nearly in, but the huff and puff of the rice mills in the county continue their merry sound.

The rice industry in Matagorda county includes eight rice dryers and one rice mill. More than 300 miles of irrigation canals criss-cross the county, bringing the much needed water to the rice fields. Major sales offices and water offices are maintained and staffed throughout the year, adding much to the payrolls in the county.

Truly, Matagorda county's rice industry is properly called "Golden Harvest."


The legendary figures of "Shanghai" and Jonathan Pierce, had much to do with the development of ranching in Matagorda county. From a humble beginning, "Shanghai" Pierce rose to great heights. He became one of the most famous cattle barons in the entire southwest, and even today the Pierce Estate is one of the largest in this county and neighboring, Wharton county.

Rice caught the attention of the county's farmers at the turn of the century, and is now a top money crop, bringing in millions of dollars annually.

It would be impossible to determine the number of years that fish and oysters have been taken from the Bay of Matagorda. Everyone was allowed to help himself to the abundance of fresh sea food.

Matagorda at one time led the state as fishing and oyster shipping point. Today, the City of Palacios has three large shrimp companies operating large fleets of shrimp boats. The northern and eastern markets are fertile grounds for Matagorda county's fish, oyster and shrimp industry.

Although the county capitol was at Matagorda, a town which had existed since 1829, a move to transfer the county seat to Bay City was voted by an overwhelming majority in 1894.

In one short generation, Bay City has grown from a village in the center of the prairie, at the end of one railroad, to a community of 10,000 persons with three railroads and all modern facilities.

Many are reluctant to predict the future of Bay City and Matagorda county, but the future is indeed bright with prospects. The fertility and productivity of the soil, the climate and the natural resources coupled with the inbred pioneer spirit of the county's founding father promise much to Historic Matagorda County.

Climate
The climate is one of the most attractive features of Matagorda county. A semi-tropical atmosphere makes the county a year-round recreation center, and offers 290 days of growing season. The annual rainfall is 41.14 inches and the annual temperature is 69 degrees.

Soil and Drainage
Matagorda county is located in the heart of the level Gulf Coastal Prairie. It is drained by three major streams, the Colorado River, Tres-Palacios River and Caney Creek, and made up for the most part of fertile, level prairie soils which belong to the Lake Charles and Edna Clay soil series, and with alluvial soils from the three rivers.

Two-thirds of the surface of the county is open prairie. The top soil of the bottom lands is 20 feet deep, and the land around Caney has been chemically tested and found far richer than the famed Nile Valley alluvial deposits.

Matagorda county drains toward the Gulf of Mexico through its three rivers-Colorado, Tres-Palacios and Caney. Drainage at one time was a major problem, but with the establishment of drainage districts, the problem was alleviated.

Water Supply and Irrigation
Ample water is available in Matagorda county. The water level in the county is one of the highest in the entire state, and is far from the "critical" stages of many Texas counties. The county's rivers, plus ample rainfall, afford an ample supply of water.

Irrigation ditches criss-cross the county, but are only used to irrigate the county's annual rice crop. More than 300 miles of canals supply the county's rice farmers with sufficient water necessary for the production of rice. No other crops are irrigated. However, the canals and ditches are available should this become necessary.

Intercoastal Canal
Bay City and Matagorda county undoubtedly has a splendid industrial future in developing navigation of the Colorado River as a feeder for the 15,000 mile inland waterway system extending to Florida on the east, Mexico on the south, and the navigable streams of the Mississippi River system.

Enormous quantities of freight are moving in the Inter-Coastal Canal today between Apalachee Bay, Florida and the Mexican border-more than 20,000,000 tons moved in 1946. The average rate for barge movement of freight today is 2.5 mills per ton mile for a 500 mile haul.

The whole of Matagorda county is served by this inland waterway, which enters the east side of the county just below Sargent and has its exit on the southwest below Palacios. A remaining link in the chain of waterways is the dredging of 18 miles of the Colorado River from the Matagorda Bay to Bay City. This has been authorized by Congress.

Cotton
Cotton is no doubt the oldest crop raised in Matagorda county. And for years it was considered the top money crop of the county. The entire economy of the county was based upon the cotton production maintained. However, in recent years, other crops have taken the lead. Over 18,000 acres in Matagorda county are devoted to production of cotton. And last year nearly 5,000 bales were produced. A much larger crop is anticipated this season.
In acreage planted, corn is given the number three position. Approximately 12,000 acres of fertile Matagorda soil was alloted to the cultivation of corn. A total of 176,281 bushels was gathered last year, and a greater yield is expected this year.

Truck Gardening
Although the county boasts of 290 days of growing season, little advantage of this fact is taken by Matagorda county farmers. Truck farming falls to the bottom of the list as far as farmers in the county are concerned. However, those who do truck farming realize a sizeable income from their crops of melons, beans, cabbage, sweet potatoes and fruits. An extra crop-pecans-is not considered in the truck farming class, but a nice income is derived from this source. Approximately 500 acres in the county is under cultivation for commercial vegetables.

Churches
Throughout all the years, Matagorda countians have been a God-loving people, and have continued to place their religious obligations on a high level. All denominations are represented in the county, and each denomination respects the rights of others. The first Protestant church in Texas was started in Matagorda in 1835.

Fraternal Organizations
It has been said that Matagorda countians are "joiners." In many respects this is true. With many fraternal organizations represented in the county, it boasts one of the oldest Masonic Lodges in the State, of Texas, Matagorda lodge No. 7, A. F. & A. M.

Civic Organizations
Following along with the "joiner" idea, many civic and service clubs have been organized in Matagorda county. Chambers of Commerce, Junior Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Lions, League of Women Voters, Federations of Women's clubs and many others round out the list which are constantly working for the betterment of their community and county. Veterans' organizations, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, also add their weight to community betterment projects.

"We've got growing pains" said one of Bay City's patriarchs, "but, thank goodness, we can take care of any aches or pains which might become serious."

Yes, Bay City is able to take care of any aches or growing pains. That is being proven each and every day.

Situated in the center of the Gulf Coast area, 140 miles northeast of Corpus Christi and 80 miles southwest of Houston, Bay City has grown from a dream of two men to a thriving city of more than 10,000 inhabitants. The county seat of Matagorda county is not a boom town, nor has it ever been. Its growth has been steady and conservative until 1941, and like other cities, began to grow more rapidly. Bay City nearly doubled its population in the past six years.

Arising from a simple townsite of less than 25 inhabitants in 1894, in less than two generations the city now is considered one of the most modern of small cities in South Texas. Bay City boasts of its friendly atmosphere, wide paved streets, the only daily newspaper from Corpus Christi to Houston on Hug-the-Coast Highway, a weekly newspaper, The Matagorda County Tribune, which celebrated its Centennial in 1945, its 1,000 watt radio station KIOX, its modern businesses, banks, churches, schools and its people. Yes, Bay City is a proud town. But not to the extent of wishing to remain at a stand-still.
With more than a half century of progress behind them, the city is anticipating the next half-century. The future is bright, and Bay Citians are preparing for the future.

In 1894 the county seat was moved from Matagorda to what was then known as Bay Prairie, a site situated between Caney Creek on the east and the Colorado River on the west. From its very inception, the new county seat began to take on new stature.

Three railroads, Missouri Pacific, Southern Pacific, or T. & N. O., and Santa Fe moved into the city to aid in the development of the "dream town." Bay City is not located on Matagorda Bay, but is less than 30 miles north of open water.

At first the community was just a meeting place for farmers, who usually came in once a week to transact business in the courthouse and to purchase their week's supplies. Soon, the wheels of progress began turning and Bay City began moving forward.

The town's growth was slow but steady. From 1894 until 1940 the city experienced no growing pains. But after 1940 the influx of population and growing business increased at such a rapid pace that the city was hard pressed to keep up with its growth.

Palacios
Correctly called "The City by The Sea", Palacios is located on Matagorda Bay in a beautiful semi-tropical setting of palm trees and other tropical flora.

A prosperous city of nearly 3,000, Palacios has long been noted for its excellent shrimp, oysters and fish. Three canning companies are kept busy preparing shrimp and oysters for outside consumption. A large freezing-plant supplies one of the largest grocery firms in the mid-west and east with its supply of frozen shrimp.

However, Texans do not think of the fishing and shrimp industry when Palacios is mentioned. The Baptist Encampment is usually thought of first. For nearly 50 years, Texas Baptists have been holding their annual summer encampment on the spacious grounds at Palacios. Modern buildings dot the grounds, which are situated right on the Bay, and afford all who attend the annual outing the most modern and comfortable conveniences.

Palacios is also the home of Camp Hulen, a former Texas National Guard camp, which was turned over to the Federal Government in September of 1940. Thousands of GIs were trained at Camp Hulen during the recent war, and many of these former soldiers have returned to Palacios and Matagorda county to resume their lives as civilians.

Palacios boasts of the only airport in Matagorda. Constructed during the wars as an anti-submarine patrol base, and later as an over-water training base, the airport has five miles of concrete runways. Modern hangars and allied buildings are located on the field, and are owned and operated by the City of Palacios.

A recreational playground, Palacios has ample space for boating, swimming and other forms of recreation. Truly, the "City by The Sea" has a bright future.

Other towns and communities in Matagorda include Matagorda, former county seat and the oldest community in the county. It is an oyster and shrimp shipping point and is situated on the Inter-Coastal canal. Gulf was formerly the home of the Texas Gulf Sulphur Company. Large deposits of sulphur were mined in the vicinity. However, the plant is now abandoned. Van Vleck, Markham and Blessing are thriving small communities which are being developed by the oil industry.

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