Colorado and build a town. In exchange for the free land grant, the
colonists had to become Mexican citizens and Roman Catholics.
Fifty-two families from New York and New England became the
first settlers.
The town was abandoned during the Mexican invasion but Matagorda County was formed when the people returned after the Battle of
San Jacinto and made Matagorda the county seat in 1836. The town
quickly prospered and soon boasted a newspaper, as well as several
schools. As the second largest port in Texas, Matagorda developed
transportation and industry. Immigrants by the hundreds disembarked
at this port to take up land grants in the colonies of Stephen F. Austin.
The oldest house/building in Matagorda County was built in 1832 and
is located on St. Mary’s Street in the town of Matagorda. Built by early colonist Samuel R. Fisher, it has been fully restored and now operates as the Stanley-Fisher House Bed & Breakfast. The house is listed
as a Texas Historic Landmark and is listed in the National Register
of Historic Places. Early colonist Samuel Rhoads Fisher was also the
first Secretary of the Republic of Texas Navy and a signer of the Texas
Declaration of Independence. More than likely, Stephen F. Austin and
Sam Houston were guests in the house from time to time.
Having withstood the tests of time and the elements, the house has
been restored to its original splendor with modern amenities for
guests. A true bed and breakfast, a home-cooked breakfast is served
to houseguests by their hosts.
Matagorda Cemetery is a Historic Texas Cemetery and is one of the earliest cemeteries in Texas. It was founded soon after the town was settled.
Those buried there include soldiers of the Texas Revolution, War of 1812
and the Civil War, along with victims of Karankawa
Indian attacks. Several patriots of early Texas are buried there as well, including
Samuel Rhoads Fisher.
The first Episcopal Church in
Texas was built in Matagorda
in 1838 and this church as well
as other early churches, continue to conduct services today.
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