Texas Historical Marker #09564
Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. This complex of barge canals and natural channels-- most valuable waterway in America-- stretches 1,116 mi. from Brownsville, Texas, to St. Mark's, Florida. Is longer, carries more tonnage than Suez and Panama canals. Is a vital link in economy of Texas and has been one of main causes of rapid development of Gulf Coast area. The canal system was begun in 1854 when a short canal was built from Galveston Bay to mouth of Brazos River as aid to Texas trade; it was 50 ft. wide, 3.5 ft. deep and dug by hand-labor and mule teams. Later projects widened, lengthened canal along the coast. Most important period in growth of the waterway system was result of determined efforts by two Texas businessmen, Clarence S. E. Holland and Roy Miller. In 1905-07 these men organized the initial financial support, arranged construction and won congressional backing for canal improvements. By 1966 annual total tonnage of the waterway exceeded 78,500,000 tons. (1967) #9564
?, Surfside Beach, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #09605
Velasco. Here was fought a battle-- the first collision in arms between Texas colonists and the Mexican military-- a conflict preliminary to the Texas War for Independence. On June 26, 1832, when Texans under John Austin and Henry Smith came down river with cannon for use against Mexican forces at Anahuac, they ran against the resistance of Lt. Col. Domingo de Ugartechea. As commander of Mexican forces at Velasco, Ugartechea refused passage through the mouth of the Brazos River to the vessel bearing the cannon to Anahuac. Some 112 Texans attacked the port at midnight, and after 9 hours under the fire of Texas rifles and cannon, the Mexican garrison was forced to surrender. The Battle of Velasco, brought on by a customs quarrel at Anahuac, was unknowingly fought after the dispute at Anahuac had been peaceably settled. After the victory at San Jacinto 4 years later, President David G. Burnet moved the capital of the Republic of Texas temporarily to Velasco. Here the Treaty of Velasco, ending hostilities between Texas and Mexico, was signed on May 14, 1836. (1965) #9605
?, Surfside Beach, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #09607
Old Velasco, C. S. A.. Historic and key Texas port of entry located near here. During the Civil War was fortified by troops and 8 gun batteries at the mouth of the Brazos River, to provide shelter and landing facilities for blockade runners; to protect rich farmlands; and to prevent Federal invasion. The South exchanged cotton for European guns, ammunition, milled goods and medicines for army and home use. Velasco was one of the busiest ports. Federal vessels attempted to stop vital trade, and constantly fired upon runners as well as the shore defenses and patrols. The runners would approach the port on dark nights when the waters were smooth, and by the use of sounding lines could determine nearness to shore and avoid blockaders. Boilers would be kept well fired with hard coal that burned with a minimum of smoke, in case it became necessary to outrun Federal patrol ships. Union ships had to go to New Orleans for drinking water, food and fuel, because Texas marines on rafts or dredgeboats or Texas cavalry and infantry units kept them off the shores. The raw courage of the Texas coastal defenders made this a most dramatic story in the history of the Confederacy. (1964) #9607
?, Surfside Beach, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #09616
The Lively. First vessel with emigrants to Austin's colony landed here December 23, 1821. The Battle of Velasco was fought here June 26, 1832. Public and secret treaties of peace between the Republic of Texas and General Santa Anna were signed here May 14, 1836. Dedicated May 14, 1936 The Battle of Velasco was fought here June 26, 1832. Public and secret treaties of peach between the Republic of Texas and General Santa Anna were signed here May 14, 1836. Dedicated May 14, 1936 #9616
?, Surfside Beach, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #09517
Sinking Site of the Blockade Runner "Acadia". The sidewheel steamer "Acadia", owned by Canadians, set out on her maiden voyage in Dec. 1864 for Nassau, Havana, and vera Cruz. Loaded with food, hardware, and clothing, she braved the Federal blockade to bring the goods to suffering Texans. Early on feb. 6, 1865, in heavy fog she grounded in sticky clay 300 yards off this beach. Her crew and cargo came safely ashore. When the fog lifted, the foe sighted and shelled her, but could not board and burn the crippled ship, as Confederate Cavalry defended her from the shore. The "Acadia" then became a coastal landmark. #9517
?, Surfside Beach, TX, United States