General-
Although these two cities are
separate communities, these twin cities share heritage,
business and living areas.
Texas City was
originally called Shoal Point; It's real growth began in
1891 when financiers from Minnesota purchased this site
for real estate, rail, and port development.
La Marque was originally known as Highland; the name
changed in 1882 when the post office was granted. It
became a station on the International-Great Northern
Railroad in 1896.
Today these twin cities between Houston and Galveston are both pleasant residential areas. They
are also the sites of major industrial and port
facilities. Industries include: tin smelter, oil
refineries, metal fabrication and chemical plants, Port
ships, grain, cotton, sulfur, petroleum and chemical
products. The College
of the Mainland is also located
here.
Recreational opportunities include
boating, fishing, swimming, sailing and picnicking;
municipal golf course and all-weather municipal shooting
range, Shoppers find bargains at the Lone Star Factory
Outlet Stores on 1-45 at Delanv Rd. in La Marque.
For a list of special events, dining opportunities, or
additional information for both cities, visit the chamber
of commerce office Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m, 5 p.m. at 8419
Emmett F. Lowry Expressway., Suite 105, or call (409)
935-1408 or (713) 280-3917.
College of the Mainland Art
Gallery-
Features exhibitions of art by
regional and national artists. Open Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m. -
4 p.m. during exhibitions. 8001 Palmer Highway. For
information, 409/938-1211, ext. 348.
Dike and Marina-
This Texas City Dike extends five
miles into Galveston Bay with 600-foot fishing pier
beyond tip of dike. Pier offers the deepest water for pier
fishing in state where anglers
often take speckled trout, red fish, flounder, and
tarpon. Visitors also find beach, boat launching and
service facilities, bait, camping, and motel
accommodations.
Frank B. Davison Home-
A beautiful 1897 Victorian
structure with period furnishings and archives dating
back to Karahkawa Indians and Jean Laffite's Pirates.
Tours are on the 1 st. Sunday of each month, 2 - 5 p.m.
109 Third Ave. N. There is an admission fee.
Gulf
Greyhound Park-
This park features Greyhound racing
year round. This Air-conditioned grandstand facility
features four levels, each offering dining and viewing
options. Evening racing Tues. - Sun. with post time at
7:30 p.m. Matinee racing is Wed., Fri., Sat., Sun. with
post time at 1:30 p.m. Gates open 30 minutes prior to
post time. Located one block west of I-45 South at Exit
15 in La Marque. For racing information call, (409) 986-9500
or 1-800-ASK 2 WIN (275-2946) outside the 409 Area Code.
Parks-
Twelve municipal parks offer
playgrounds, 2 swimming pools, baseball diamonds, tennis
courts and picnic grounds.
Visitor Center-
Gateway Visitors Center, operated
by Galveston County, offers information on events,
accommodations, dining and points of interest for
Galveston County. Open daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. At 1849 Gulf
Freeway South (I-45), Exit 22. 1-800-264-2684 or
(713)332-8822. |