Matagorda, Texas

History

Matagorda is the third-oldest Anglo-American town in Texas. It was established in 1827 when Stephen F. Austin obtained permission from the Mexican government to build a town to protect incoming settlers. Elias R. Wightman, one of Stephen F. Austin's early surveyors, traveled to Matagorda in 1829 with 60 immigrant settlers. On August 1, 1829, Wightman, Hosea H. League, James E. B. Austin, and partners Thomas M. Duke and William Selkirk met and elected town officers. In 1830, Matagorda was incorporated.

In 1837, Matagorda served as the county seat of Matagorda County. After the Texas Revolution, the town became a shipping port and social center. Theaters and hotels were in operation by 1838.

24 historical markers are in the township of Matagorda. Matagorda was named by early Spanish settlers after the dense foliage which grew near the coast. The name means "fat thicket" in Spanish

Demographics

|align-fn=center 1850–1900 1910 1920 1930 1940

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020

Matagorda first appeared as a census-designated place in the 2010 U.S. census.

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 313 people, 242 households, and 167 families residing in the CDP.

Characteristics

Matagorda's beach area has access to both East and West Matagorda Bays, Matagorda Beach, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Since 1997, 234 different species of birds have been spotted by the North American Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Among the species reported are the prairie warbler, common poorwill, broad-winged hawk, MacGillivray's warbler, and Swainson's warbler.

Education

Matagorda has had several schools in town including the Matagorda Academy, which was established in 1839. Other schools in town were the Lafayette Academy and a 'Young Ladies School'. In 1854, after the Texas Education Act was implemented, Matagorda county was divided into six school districts, with the first public schools open in Matagorda. Matagorda is currently served by the Matagorda Independent School District and serves students from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th Grade.

The designated community college for Matagorda Independent School District is Wharton County Junior College.

References

References

1. {{GNIS. 2586960
2. "Matagorda Bay". Random House, Inc.
3. (September 2012). "Texas: 2010 — Population and Housing Unit Counts". United States Census Bureau.
4. "Matagorda Area Chamber of Commerce".
5. J., KLEINER, DIANA. "MATAGORDA, TX".
6. Association, Texas State Historical. "History and Development of Matagorda, Texas".
7. Association, Texas State Historical. "History and Development of Matagorda, Texas".
8. "Matagorda County Historical Markers".
9. Cambridge.org
10. "Decennial Census by Decade".
11. "1900 Census of Population - Population of Texas By Counties And Minor Civil Divisions".
12. "1910 Census of Population - Supplement for Texas".
13. "1920 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas".
14. "1930 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas".
15. "1940 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas".
16. "1950 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas".
17. "1960 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas".
18. "1970 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas".
19. "1980 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas".
20. "1990 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - Texas".
21. "2000 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - Texas".
22. "2010 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - Texas".
23. "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Matagorda CDP, Texas".
24. "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Matagorda CDP, Texas".
25. "Matagorda Area Chamber of Commerce — Birding".
26. Association, Texas State Historical. "History and Development of Matagorda, Texas".
27. [https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.130.htm Texas Education Code Sec. 130.211. WHARTON COUNTY JUNIOR COLLEGE DISTRICT SERVICE AREA.]