Calhoun County, Texas: History
Paleo-Indians Hunter-gatherers, and later Comanche, Tonkawa, and Karankawa tribes, first inhabitants.
1685-1690 René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle lands near Powderhorn Lake in Calhoun County. France plants its flag on Texas soil, but departs after only five years.
1689 The future county is explored by Spaniards, including Alonso De León.
1825 Martín De León of Mexico establishes a ranch near the old La Salle fort.
1831 Linnville becomes the first Anglo settlement, established by Irish-born merchant, statesman, soldier John J. Linn.
1840 Comanche Indians loot and sack Linnville.
1842-1847 Empresario Henri Castro contracts to bring Alsatian immigrants from France, who use Port Lavaca as a holding site before moving on to settle Castroville in Medina County.
1845 Thousands of German immigrants are stranded at port of disembarkation Indianaola on Matagorda Bay.
1846 Calhoun County is formed from parts of Victoria, Jackson, and Matagorda counties. It is named for then Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee John C. Calhoun. Lavaca was the first county seat.
1852 Indianola becomes the county seat. The Morgan steamship lines runs regular service from Indianola to New York City. Slave trading peaks at Indianola.
1854 Poles begin to arrive in Indianaola.
1858 Half Moon Reef Lighthouse is constructed in Matagorda Bay.
1860 County population is 2,642, including 414 slaves.
1861 Calhoun County votes 276-18 for secession from the Union. Contributes volunteer companies to the Confederate cause. Fort Esperanza, on Matagorda Island, is constructed by Confederate forces using slave labor.
1862 Union gunboats bombard Port Lavaca.
1875 A hurricane heavily damages Indianola.
1886 A hurricane destroys Indianola and causes much damage to Houston.
1892 The Lutheran community of Olivia is established by Swedes.
1909 Port O’Connor is established. The St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway establishes a terminus at Port O’Connor.
1920 Port Lavaca builds a seawall to protect itself against hurricanes.
1931 Lavaca Bay causeway is constructed.
1934-1935 Oil and natural gas discovered near Port Lavaca.
1947 Alcoa opens a plant at Point Comfort.
1952 Union Carbide opens a plant near Seadrift.
1961 Category 4 Hurricane Carla makes landfall between Port Lavaca and Port O’Connor.
1983 Matagorda Island State Park and Wildlife Management Area is run by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department under an agreement between the United States Department of the Interior and the state of Texas.