Shoreacres in Morgan's Point in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Col. James Morgan
Morgan purchased 1600 acres from Nicholas Clopper in December of 1835 and began to lay out his proposed town of New Washington. He built his own home on the site that Clopper had named Orange Grove.
Although General Santa Anna burned the plantation on the day before the Battle of San Jacinto, it was immediately rebuilt. The town of New Washington never prospered, but James Morgan’s plantation became a popular stopping place for travelers. Among those stopping as Morgan’s home during their travels were the German naturalist Ferdinand Roemer, the Prince of Salms, famous wildlife artist James Audubon and wealthy English yachting enthusiasts Mr. and Mrs. Houstoun. Other frequent visitors were neighbors Sam Houston, David Burnet and Ashbel Smith.
James Morgan was influential in the early days of the Republic of Texas, was in charge of the defense of Galveston during the revolution and was involved in the sale of the Texas Navy after the war.
Morgan died March 1, 1866 and is buried with his family in the old Orange Grove Cemetery now used by the city of Morgan’s Point.
Erected by City of Morgan's Point.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • War, Texas Independence. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1978.
Location. 29° 40.308′ N, 95° 0.394′ W. Marker is in Morgan's Point, Texas, in Harris County. It is in Shoreacres. Marker is at the intersection of East Main Street and North Wilson Road, on the right when traveling west on East Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1415 East Main Street, La Porte TX 77571, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. New Washington (a few steps from this marker); John A. Grimes Memorial Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Gribble-Hofheinz House (approx. half a mile away); Governor Ross Sterling Mansion (approx. 0.7 miles away); Bay Ridge / Morgan's Point (approx. 0.7 miles away); Wade and Mamie Irvin House (approx. ¾ mile away); Five Points - The Hub of the City (approx. 0.9 miles away); Morgan's Point Cemetery (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Morgan's Point.
Also see . . .
1. Col. James Morgan in The Handbook of Texas. (Submitted on November 3, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas.)
2. The Town of Morgan's Point Website. (Submitted on November 3, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,091 times since then and 49 times this year. Last updated on November 6, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. Photos: 1. submitted on January 5, 2019, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. 2. submitted on November 3, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. 3. submitted on January 5, 2019, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.