Matagorda in Matagorda County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

James Henry Selkirk

Photographed by Dave W, January 31, 2026

1. James Henry Selkirk Marker

Inscription.
Born to William Selkirk (1792-1830) and Matilda (Hallenbake) Selkirk (1794-1820), James Selkirk (1815-1862) was heir to his father's old 300 Spanish land grant in Matagorda. He possessed an astute business mind which fostered regional import and export activity during the plantation and Civil War eras. Selkirk built a docking pier, warehouse and wharf, greatly increasing Matagorda’s economic prospects. Selkirk also served in numerous city and county positions and as a Commissioner of the free education system. His daguerreotype studio created a photographic library of great interest. A man of vision and action, his numerous contributions were crucial to Matagorda’s early success.

Erected 2021 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 23351.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 28° 42.082′ N, 95° 57.337′ W. Marker is in Matagorda, Texas, in Matagorda County. It is at the intersection of Matagorda Cemetery Road (County Road 260)

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and S Gulf Road (County Road 259), on the right when traveling north on Matagorda Cemetery Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 75 County Rd 260, Matagorda TX 77457, 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 Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Graves of Unknown Matagorda Settlers (a few steps from this marker); First Burials in Matagorda Cemetery (a few steps from this marker); The Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1862 (a few steps from this marker); Matagorda Cemetery (a few steps from this marker); Hannah Carr (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Matagorda Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); The Matagorda Incident (within shouting distance of this marker);

Photographed by Dave W, January 31, 2026

2. James Henry Selkirk Marker

Richard Royster Royall (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Matagorda.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 34 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 2, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.