Matagorda is the third-oldest Anglo-American town in Texas.[4] It was established in 1827 when Stephen F. Austin obtained permission from the Mexican government to build a town to protect incoming settlers.[5]Elias R. Wightman, one of Stephen F. Austin's early surveyors, traveled to Matagorda in 1829 with 60 immigrant settlers. On August 1, 1829, Wightman, Hosea H. League, James E. B. Austin, and partners Thomas M. Duke and William Selkirk met and elected town officers. In 1830, Matagorda was incorporated.[6]
In 1837, Matagorda served as the county seat of Matagorda County. After the Texas Revolution, the town became a shipping port and social center. Theaters and hotels were in operation by 1838[7].
24 historical markers are in the township of Matagorda.[8] Matagorda was named by early Spanish settlers after the dense foliage which grew near the coast. The name means "fat thicket" in Spanish [9]
Matagorda CDP, Texas – Racial and ethnic composition Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Matagorda has had several schools in town including the Matagorda Academy, which was established in 1839. Other schools in town were the Lafayette Academy and a 'Young Ladies School'. In 1854, after the Texas Education Act was implemented, Matagorda county was divided into six school districts, with the first public schools open in Matagorda. [26] Matagorda is currently served by the Matagorda Independent School District and serves students from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th Grade.
