Calhoun County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 20,106. Its county seat is Port Lavaca. The county is named for John Caldwell Calhoun, the seventh vice president of the United States. Calhoun County comprises the Port Lavaca, TX Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Victoria-Port Lavaca, TX Combined Statistical Area.
| Name: | Calhoun County |
|---|---|
| FIPS code: | 48-057 |
| State: | Texas |
| Founded: | 1846 |
| Named for: | John C. Calhoun |
| Seat: | Port Lavaca |
| Largest city: | Port Lavaca |
| Total Area: | 1,033 sq mi (2,680 km²) |
| Land Area: | 507 sq mi (1,310 km²) |
| Total Population: | 20,106 |
| Population Density: | 39.7/sq mi (15.3/km²) |
| Time zone: | UTC−6 (Central) |
| Summer Time Zone (DST): | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| Website: | www.calhouncotx.org |
Calhoun County location map. Where is Calhoun County?
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 276-18 votes 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 Gulf tropical storm 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 5 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.
Calhoun County Road Map
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,033 square miles (2,680 km), of which 507 square miles (1,310 km) is land and 526 square miles (1,360 km) (51%) is water. It borders the Gulf of Mexico.
Adjacent counties
- Jackson County (north)
- Matagorda County (east)
- (Gulf of Mexico) (southeast)
- Aransas County (southwest)
- Refugio County (west)
- Victoria County (northwest)
National protected area
- Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (part)
Calhoun County Topographic Map
Calhoun County Satellite Map
Calhoun County Outline Map
