Port Lavaca in Calhoun County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Alsatian Immigration through Lavaca Bay

Photographed by James Hulse, August 30, 2021

1. Alsatian Immigration through Lavaca Bay Marker

Inscription. Texas land empresario Henri Castro contracted to bring colonists of various European nationalities to Texas beginning in 1842. The first of these were Alsatians, most of whom spoke German and held German sympathies. They arrived at Galveston, their official port of entry, with 114 passengers from France in early 1843; most then sailed for Lavaca (later Port Lavaca). They waited here before beginning their overland journey to what became Medina County, to establish the town of Castroville. Another, largely Alsatian, group of 129 arrived at Galveston January 1, 1844. About 40 continued to Lavaca, landing on the 10th. Conditions were difficult, and many immigrants succumbed to various coastal fevers. Other ships followed in 1845 and 1846. Castro's contract expired in 1847, after he had transported more than 2,000 colonists to Texas, most through Lavaca Bay.

Erected by Calhoun County Historical Commission George Fred Rhodes, Chairman

Erected 1999 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 1147.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is January 1, 1844.

Location. 28° 37.316′ N, 96° 37.515′ W. Marker is in Port Lavaca, Texas, in Calhoun County. It is on Harbor Street 0.1 miles south of Broadway Street (State Highway 238), on the left when traveling south. The marker is located at the entrance to the cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 610 Harbor Street, Port Lavaca TX 77979, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of

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Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ranger Cemetery (here, next to this marker); First Baptist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Civil War Torpedo Works (approx. 0.4 miles away); Naval Shelling of Lavaca (approx. 0.4 miles away); Civil War Bombardment of Port Lavaca (approx. 0.4 miles away); Beach Hotel (approx. 0.4 miles away); San Antonio & Mexican Gulf Railroad (approx. half a mile away); First United Methodist Church of Port Lavaca (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Lavaca.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 30, 2021

2. Alsatian Immigration through Lavaca Bay Marker

The Alsatian Immigration through Lavaca Bay Marker is the marker on the left of the two markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 30, 2021

3. The Alsatian Immigration through Lavaca Bay Marker is the marker on the left of the two markers

The view of the markers from the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 30, 2021

4. The view of the markers from the street

Credits. This page was last revised on September 7, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 685 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 7, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.