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

San Antonio & Mexican Gulf Railroad

Photographed By James Hulse, August 30, 2021

1. San Antonio & Mexican Gulf Railroad Marker

Inscription. Chartered in 1850, the San Antonio & Mexican Gulf Railroad was one of the first railroads in Texas. San Antonio investors hoped it would open trade from the Gulf. As the line was built westward from Port Lavaca, wagons loaded with goods met the train on the open prairie. In 1863 Confederates destroyed the track to keep it out of Union hands. In the 1870s the line was associated with Charles Morgan's steamship company. Southern Pacific bought the railroad in 1884. Until the 1930s weekend excursions were offered to Port Lavaca beaches.

Erected 1979 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4518.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.

Location. 28° 36.931′ N, 96° 37.597′ W. Marker is in Port Lavaca, Texas, in Calhoun County. Marker is at the intersection of North Virginia Street (Farm to Market Road 1090) and Railroad Street, on the right when traveling north on North Virginia Street. The marker is located in front of the old Southern Pacific train depot building. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Port Lavaca TX 77979, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Beach Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Calhoun County Participation During World War II

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Calhoun County Hurricanes (approx. 0.2 miles away); Howard Gallemore Hartzog, Sr. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wood Barrels of Cement (approx. ¼ mile away); Grace Episcopal Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Mt. Sinai Baptist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Civil War Torpedo Works (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Lavaca.

Also see . . . San Antonio and Mexican Gulf Railroad.

In antebellum Texas the increasing amount of freight arriving at Indianola and Port Lavaca destined for western markets demanded a better method of transportation than the poor wagon roads from the coast were able to deliver. Railroad entrepreneurs envisioned a number of lines to serve this market and hoped as well to tap the rich cotton-growing areas of the interior. Source: The Handbook of Texas

(Submitted on September 7, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

San Antonio & Mexican Gulf Railroad depot and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, August 30, 2021

2. San Antonio & Mexican Gulf Railroad depot and Marker

The view of the San Antonio & Mexican Gulf Railroad Marker from the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, August 30, 2021

3. The view of the San Antonio & Mexican Gulf Railroad Marker from the street

The Southern Pacific Railroad Depot and train image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, August 30, 2021

4. The Southern Pacific Railroad Depot and train

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 226 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 7, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.