McManus’ adversaries deny her entry to ball in Matagorda; Her supporters demand a pistol duel

   In January 1838, Jane registered the Waco, Matagorda, and headright claims that totaled 83,272 acres.   The Texas Land Board and Matagorda County Commissioners agreed that her claims were valid, but others had claimed the same land.

Texas Navy unveils painting, honors Crockett

Black rice farmers in Matagorda County history

   Rice farming in Matagorda County, had its beginning around 1899 or 1900. Teams of mules, horses or oxen were used to ready the land into rice acreage.    The more modern equipment had not been established.  Canal companies came into existence and irrigation pumps were utilized.

A. G. Hilliard: Son of slaves becomes educator of his people

   EDITOR’S NOTE: The following profile of A.G. Hilliard was written by Rockette Woolridge, Junior Historian, McAllister Junior High and published first July 2, 1976.  The halls are deserted and an ominous silence hangs over the area. there are rusted hinges and hanging cobwebs in some of the rooms.

Palacios Colored School served students from 1920s to 1963

I. CONTEXT:  Education was a priority to the earliest residents of Matagorda County. School was held early in the settlement of most of the communities—usually under less than acceptable circumstances and with few materials.

"Hilliard High School construction culminated years of work" By Blanche M. Franklin Johnson

   In this narrative history of Booker T. Washington-Hilliard High School, students and citizens are referred to as Colored, Negroes, Blacks and African-Americans, all denoting one race of people.  The early 20th century is sometimes phrased as the second great era of reform in America.

"Confederate Defenses at the Mouth of Caney Creek" By John G. Forister and Hershel R. Horton

   The event to be described by this historical marker is the Confederate defense of the Texas coast which occurred at the mouth of Caney Creek.  The specific actions at the mouth of Caney Creek occurred in January and February of 1864.

Caney Creek once widely traveled waterway

   Caney Creek, originally named Canebrake Creek after the dense cane growth that banked its sides until white settlement of the area, rises one mile south of Matthews in Colorado County, within the maze of irrigation canals, dead-water sloughs, and old stream channels of the flat prairie near the...