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

Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse

Photographed by Brian Anderson, March 16, 2019

1. Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse Marker

Inscription. Constructed in 1858, this three-story hexagonal lighthouse was originally located in Matagorda Bay, at the southern tip of Half Moon reef. The beacon served as an aid to ships trading in Port Lavaca and the nearby town of Indianola (14 mi. SE). During the Civil War the light was disabled by Confederate troops in an attempt to disrupt Federal efforts to capture southern blockade runners. The lighthouse was restored to full operation in 1868 and remained in service until 1943 when it was moved to Point Comfort (7 mi. NE). It was relocated here in 1979.

Erected 1980 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2332.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.

Location. 28° 38.218′ N, 96° 37.035′ W. Marker is in Port Lavaca, Texas, in Calhoun County. It is at the intersection of State Highway 35 and State Highway 328 on State Highway 35. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Port Lavaca TX 77979, United

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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,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Half Moon Reef Lighthouse (here, next to this marker); Port Lavaca (within shouting distance of this marker); First Baptist Church (approx. one mile away); Alsatian Immigration through Lavaca Bay (approx. 1.1 miles away); Ranger Cemetery (approx. 1.1 miles away); Civil War Bombardment of Port Lavaca (approx. 1.3 miles away); Naval Shelling of Lavaca (approx. 1.3 miles away); Civil War Torpedo Works (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Lavaca.

Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse Historical Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Zacharias Beau T, May 31, 2011

2. Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse Historical Marker

This old building was visited by dozens of terrible hurricanes, Federal land and sea forces, and today scores of tourists everyday.

Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brian Anderson, March 16, 2019

3. Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse

Credits. This page was last revised on January 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 2, 2012, by Zacharias Beau T of Alpine, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,147 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 19, 2019, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. 2. submitted on March 2, 2012, by Zacharias Beau T of Alpine, Texas. 3. submitted on March 19, 2019, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.