Port O'Connor in Calhoun County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Port O'Connor

Photographed By James Hulse, August 30, 2021

1. Port O'Connor Marker

Inscription. In 1909, the Calhoun County Cattle Company laid out a townsite on land that had been a part of a large ranch and settlement known as Alligator Head, named Port O'Connor for Thomas O'Connor of Victoria, from whom the company had purchased the ranch land, the town began its development into a coastal resort and recreational area.

Surrounded on three sides by bay waters, Port O'Connor attracted many visitors, particularly after the St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway built an excursion line to Port O'Connor in 1910. Hotels, service industries and other businesses formed to accommodate residents and visitors. Port O'Connor suffered heavy damage during the Gulf Storm of 1919 but determined to rebuild.

In 1927 a high demand for shrimp brought many shrimpers to the area, which helped spur Port O'Connor's development after the storm. In 1939, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway linked Port O'Connor to Corpus Christi and New Orleans via the inland water channel, further developing its accessibility and opportunities for economic growth. Port O'Connor suffered a severe setback in 1961, when Hurricane Carla destroyed 90 percent of the town, leveling the five-block central business district. Determined to carry on, residents rebuilt their town. Port O'Connor's proximity to the Matagorda Island Air Field helped reestablish

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

it as a viable community.

During the latter half of the 20th century, Port O'Connor became well known for its fishing, hunting and water sport opportunities. By the year 2000, it boasted 2000 permanent residents

Erected 2001 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12486.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Railroads & Streetcars • Sports • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.

Location. 28° 27.128′ N, 96° 24.307′ W. Marker is in Port O'Connor, Texas, in Calhoun County. Marker is at the intersection of Park Street and Monroe Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Park Street. The marker is located in front of the King Fisher Park and Beach by the parking area. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 409 Park Street, Port o Connor TX 77982, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Port O'Connor Cemetery (approx. 2.7 miles away); Ed Bell (approx. 6½ miles away); Site of the Town of Indianola (approx. 7.2 miles away); Calhoun County Courthouse (approx. 7.2 miles away); The Chihuahua Road (approx. 7.2 miles away); Indianola Cemetery

The Port O'Connor Marker in front of the park and beach image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, August 30, 2021

2. The Port O'Connor Marker in front of the park and beach

(approx. 7.8 miles away); Sgt. William Henry Barnes (approx. 7.8 miles away); Rene Robert Cavelier Sieur de la Salle (approx. 8.2 miles away).

The view of the Port O'Connor Marker from the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, August 30, 2021

3. The view of the Port O'Connor Marker from the street

Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 231 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 28, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.