General-
Founded 1912 by the Townsite
Company, a New York sulphur mining group, now hub of
Brazosport area with variety of recreational, industrial,
port, and commercial fishing enterprises. Includes Quintana,
Texas' oldest seaport where Stephen F. Austin's first
colonists landed in 1822, Historic village of Velasco, where
peace treaty between Texas and Mexico was signed after Texas
had won its independence on the battlefield of San Jacinto
(see DEER PARK), is now part of adjacent Surfside Beach. Old
Brazos River Harbor hosts a shrimp boat fleet.
For details on area
attractions visit Brazosport Chamber of Commerce, 420 Texas
332 west.
The Acadia-
Wreck of a Confederate blockade runner in shallow
water off Surfside Beach; boilers on ship still visible,
accessible with scuba equipment. The 160-ft. copper-clad
side-wheeler was built for speed to elude federal blockade
ships during the War Between the States. The Acadia ran
aground the night of Feb. 6, 1865.
Brazoria National
Wildlife Refuge-
See ANGLETON.
Bryan Beach State
Recreation Area-
on Gulf of Mexico, Intracoastal
Waterway and
Brazos River. Activities include fishing, beach-type
recreation, primitive camping. Southwest 2 mi. on F.M. 1495,
then 3 mi. south on Gulf beach.
Fishing-
Extensive facilities for fishing, both inshore and
deep-sea, Local jetties, piers and surf are popular spots for
catches of speckled trout, drum, redfish, sheepshead,
flounder and gafftop; tackle and bait available nearby' For
deep-sea fishing there are party and charter fishing vessels
for hire at several docks. Offshore fishermen seek bonito,
ling, marlin, snapper, dolphin, king mackerel, warsaw and
sailfish.
Gulf Intracoastal
Waterway-
Slicing through lowlands near Surfside Beach, canal
is most valuable waterway in America, carrying as much annual
tonnage as the Panama Canal and more than twice that of St.
Lawrence Seaway. The protected waterway was authorized in
1942 and completed in 1949, Now stretches 1,066 miles from
Brownsville, Texas, to Carrabelle, Florida. Surfside bridge
on Texas 332 east spans Intracoastal Waterway to waters of
the Gulf of Mexico.
 Quintana Beach County Park-
Offers exceptional recreational facilities on
picturesque island. Day-use facilities include: paved,
off-beach parking, shaded pavilions, rest rooms, showers,
multilevel fishing pier, and playground. Two historic homes
within park: Coveney House features period museum and natural
history display, and Seabum House is park office. Elevated
boardwalks (all with wheelchair ramps) connect pavilions,
rest rooms, and showers. RV facilities include 56 camping
sites, full hookups, dump station, RV bathhouse with rest
rooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Reservations accepted
for camping. From Texas 288, take F.M. 1495 south 1.7 miles;
County Road 723 east three miles to park entrance. (409) 849-5711, ext. 1541, or 1-(800)-872-7578. Fees.
 Shrimp Boat Monument-
The former shrimp trawler mystery honors historic,
colorful shrimp industry of Brazosport area. 60-foot boat,
built of cypress timber more than five decades ago, brought
in millions of pounds of delicious Gulf shrimp during her
quarter-century career. Rigged in trappings of her youth,
mystery is on display at head of Brazosport harbor channel on
Texas 288.
Surfside Beach-
Name is both a town and a description of this
resort-recreation area. Swimming, sailing, surf fishing,
camping and shell collecting. Cottage rentals available.
Surfside, San Luis, Bryan and Quintana beaches and numerous
bays and sloughs are nationally known roosting grounds for
migratory birds. The highest national 12-hour bird count ever
taken was in Brazosport area in 1973-226 species. |
