History

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"King Van Estate Cemetery dedicated" by: Mike Reddell

News Staff

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Approximately 25 people attended the Dedication Ceremony for King Van Estate Cemetery Saturday, March 15.

The Lost Santa Rosa treasure ship in West Matagorda Bay

News Staff

Thursday, March 13, 2025

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

News Staff

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

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

News Staff

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

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.

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"Stone highlights Maya Angelou in annual Black History exhibit" by: Jessica Shepard

News Staff

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Time’s running out to catch Donnye Stone’s annual Black History exhibit in the Matagorda County Museum lobby. Museum operating hours are Wednesday-Saturday from 1-4 p.m. and it is located at 2100 Ave. F in Bay City.

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Texas Navy unveils painting, honors Crockett

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Thursday, February 27, 2025

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"Jones-Jackson Cemetery now a Historic Texas Cemetery" by: Mike Reddell

News Staff

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Jones-Jackson Cemetery in northern Matagorda County was designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery in 2021 through the efforts of the Jones/Jackson family. A historical marker was dedicated at the cemetery located a few miles north of Pledger off FM 1301 at a ceremony Saturday afternoon, Feb.

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Black rice farmers in Matagorda County history

News Staff

Thursday, February 20, 2025

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

News Staff

Thursday, February 13, 2025

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

News Staff

Thursday, February 13, 2025

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.

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