History

Northern Headquarters: An experiment in irrigated farming

   The Northern Headquarters situated to the east of Markham in the W.E. Bell and Jacob Robertson surveys was in operation from June 24, 1902 until 1947.   During those years the Northern Irrigation Company was incorporated for the purpose of creating and operating a water irrigation system.

Atwell early Matagorda printer, editor, publisher

   James Attwell (Atwell), printer, newspaper publisher, and editor, was born in New York and apparently moved to Texas soon after the Texas Revolution.  He was publisher and printer of the Matagorda Colorado Gazette and Advertiser, the first issue of which appeared on May 16, 1839, with W.

Morrison served in special ops as a ranger

   Texas special operations units of the Texas Military Forces conduct special operations for the Texas Military Department via the Domestic Operations Command (DOMOPS) while under Title 32 command, and via United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) while under Title 10 command.

Morrison, Austin organized “Ranging Men” in 1823

   After the Revolution, "Texians" (as they were called) were more reliant on the Rangers than ever.   The "Ranging men" organized by Moses Morrison and Stephen F. Austin in 1823, served as needed through the War of Independence.

Palacios, Collegeport July 4th celebrations always big affairs

   Celebration A Big SuccessSix to Eight Thousand People Attend the Giant Celebration at Palacios July Fourth.  Probably the largest and most successful 4th of July celebration ever held in this section of the Gulf Coast, was celebrated when Palacios honored her Matagorda County heroes.

Porter family provides gallery of Bay City photographs

   Vance Coralton Porter was born near Hillsboro, Laurence County, Alabama, on October 13, 1888.   He was the eldest son of Robert Lee Porter, Sr., and Rose Ella Le May Porter.   His early education was provided by tutors who lived in the homes of the several families whose children were taught.
Bay City Texas 1919-1943 Public Gallery West side of Bay City square, mid-1920s.

Bay City Texas 1919-1943 Public Gallery West side of Bay City square, mid-1920s.

Bay City Texas 1919 -1943 Public Gallery

   Welcome residents of Bay City. Many of the people in these photos are unidentified.   “My Aunt, Bobbie Gaspard, recently moved from our long-time family home on Avenue E, Bay City.   In her possession were some 500 photographic negatives shot by my grandfather, Vance C.