Collinsworth fought in Battle of Velasco, raised troops for Goliad

George Morse Collinsworth (Collingsworth), soldier, planter, and civil servant, was born in Mississippi in 1810.   He was living in Brazoria, Texas, in 1832, when he participated in the battle of Velasco.   In July of that year he was serving as secretary of the Brazoria Committee of Vigilance.

The Lost Santa Rosa treasure ship in West Matagorda Bay

Matagorda Bay is a large body of water located in-between Galveston and Victoria.   The bay itself is divided into two separate entities, East and West Matagorda, and both empty directly into the Gulf of Mexico.

Jane McManus: Texas’ only female colonizer

Jane Cazneau [pseuds.: Montgomery, Cora Montgomery, Corrine Montgomery], journalist, author, promoter, and unofficial diplomat, daughter of William Telemachus and Catharina (Coons) McManus, was born in or near Troy, New York, on April 6, 1807.

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.