You’ll find Texana’s remains beneath Lake Texana in Jackson County, Texas. Originally named Santa Anna in 1832, the settlement was renamed Texana in 1835 and became Jackson County’s first county seat in 1836. The port town flourished between 1879-1882, with property values soaring from $710,000 to over $1,000,000. Though now submerged, this ghost town‘s rich history as a military post, trading center, and cultural hub holds countless untold stories.
Key Takeaways
- Texana, established in 1832, served as Jackson County’s first county seat before becoming a ghost town submerged under Lake Texana.
- The town flourished as a vital port between 1879-1882, with property values exceeding $1 million during its peak.
- Religious and social institutions, including the Methodist Church (1838) and Masonic Lodge (1852), formed the town’s cultural foundation.
- Originally named Santa Anna, the town was renamed Texana in 1835 to reflect shifting political allegiances during the Texas Revolution.
- The creation of Lake Texana flooded the historic settlement, preserving its remains underwater as an archaeological site.
The Birth and Naming of a Texas Settlement
The humble beginnings of Texana emerged in 1832 when Dr. Francis F. Wells and Pamelia McNutt Porter established this pioneering settlement in Jackson County.
As founding figures of one of Texas’s earliest Anglo-American communities, they initially named the settlement “Santa Anna” after Mexico’s liberal leader.
You’ll find it fascinating that the town’s identity shifted dramatically in 1835 when Santa Anna betrayed his republican principles. Browser settings must be properly configured to view historical maps and documents from this period.
The settlers, expressing their growing independence, renamed their community “Texana.” This name change wasn’t just a simple rebranding – it marked a defining moment when the townspeople chose to align themselves with the emerging Texas identity rather than Mexican rule.
The settlement’s transformation from “Santa Anna” to “Texana” symbolized the broader political awakening sweeping through Texas during the prelude to revolution. The town quickly became a crucial port of entry during the Texas Revolution, supporting the region’s independence efforts.
Rise as Jackson County’s First County Seat
Following its emergence as a settlement, Texana achieved a pivotal milestone in 1836 when it was designated as Jackson County’s first county seat during the Republic of Texas period.
You’ll find that the town’s strategic location made it a natural choice for county governance, serving multiple roles including military post and trading center. Jackson County thrived with the Alabama Settlement colonists who helped establish the early foundations of the area.
The settlement’s military significance became evident during the Texas Revolution when it hosted volunteer companies like the Alabama Red Rovers and provided training grounds at nearby Camp Independence.
While residents temporarily fled during the Runaway Scrape of 1836, Texana quickly rebounded to establish essential institutions.
You’ll discover that the Methodist Church (1838), Masonic Lodge (1852), and Presbyterian Church (1855) all took root here, cementing the town’s position as Jackson County’s administrative and cultural hub.
A Thriving Port Town’s Golden Era
During its peak years between 1879 and 1882, Texana flourished as a bustling port town with up to 20 ships docking weekly at its naturally deep landing.
You’d have witnessed remarkable economic prosperity as property values soared from $710,000 to over $1,000,000. The town’s steamboat commerce created a vibrant business hub that connected you to regional markets. Originally founded by Dr. Francis Wells and Pamelia McNutt Porter in 1832, the town steadily grew into a major port. The Masonic Lodge established in 1852 helped foster a strong sense of community among residents.
- Regular steamboat service transported your cotton and corn to distant markets
- The town’s newspaper, the Clarion, kept you informed of business opportunities
- Stage and mail routes provided essential connections to other Texas communities
- Natural port depth eliminated the need for expensive wharf construction
- A thriving business district offered you various commercial establishments
The port’s strategic location and efficient transportation system made Texana a symbol of economic freedom and opportunity in late 19th-century Texas.
Religious and Social Foundations
When settlers established Texana in 1832, religious institutions quickly became the cornerstone of community life. The Methodist Church organized first in 1838, followed by the Presbyterian Church in 1855. These Protestant institutions predated many other civic establishments, highlighting religion’s central role in early Texas society.
You’ll find that social bonds extended beyond church walls through fraternal societies like the Masonic Lodge, which formed in 1852. The courthouse, churches, and lodge halls served as essential gathering spaces where you’d witness the blending of civic duty and social life.
While Anglo-American Protestant culture dominated, the community included diverse voices, including those of enslaved African Americans like “Uncle” Jeff Parson, whose accounts provide rare insights into Texana’s social fabric during pivotal moments like the Runaway Scrape. The town’s identity shifted dramatically when residents chose to rename it from Santa Anna after the Mexican leader became a dictator.
The Underwater Legacy of Lake Texana
The creation of Lake Texana through the Palmetto Bend Dam construction transformed more than just the landscape – it submerged the remnants of a once-thriving Texas settlement.
Similar to how underwater archaeology surveys revealed significant findings at Spring Lake near San Marcos, underwater archaeology hasn’t revealed significant findings within the lake itself, and the ecological impact of damming the Navidad River reshaped the region’s environmental dynamics. The rich history of human occupation spanning 13,000 years discovered at Spring Lake provides a stark contrast to Lake Texana’s limited archaeological findings.
- The nearby Mary Summers shipwreck on the Navidad River stands as a monument to the area’s maritime history.
- The lake’s formation altered local wildlife habitats and vegetation patterns.
- You’ll find the lake serves dual purposes: flood control and recreational activities.
- The Texas State Historical Commission actively protects historic sites in the region.
- Water management efforts continue to balance preservation with community needs.
The reservoir’s creation may have submerged physical remnants, but it’s opened new chapters in the region’s ongoing story of adaptation and change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Were There Any Documented Crimes or Lawlessness in Texana’s Early Days?
Like a tumbleweed rolling past a quiet courthouse, you’ll find sparse crime statistics from Texana’s early days, with just one documented murder trial and routine law enforcement handling basic cases.
What Types of Artifacts Have Been Recovered From Beneath Lake Texana?
You’ll find significant artifact discoveries beneath Lake Texana including stone tools, projectile points, pottery sherds, hunting weapons, and botanical remains like corn and medicinal plants, revealing their historical significance to Native American life.
Did Any Famous Outlaws or Notable Texas Figures Visit Texana?
You won’t find records of major outlaw encounters in Texana, though historical figures like Dr. Jack Shackelford and his Alabama Red Rovers camped there during Texas’ fight for independence.
What Happened to the Residents’ Properties When the Town Was Abandoned?
In 1836, you’d have seen 100% of properties abandoned during the Runaway Scrape, left to property decay. Later, when residents fled the railroad bypass, abandoned structures deteriorated until Lake Texana submerged everything in 1979.
Were There Any Native American Settlements in the Texana Area Before 1832?
You’ll find both Karankawa and Caddo Native tribes occupied the area around Texana before 1832, with historical significance shown through archaeological evidence of seasonal camps, fishing activities, and trade networks.
References
- https://atlas.thc.texas.gov/Details/5239005237
- https://www.historictexas.net/city/texana-texas
- https://texashighways.com/culture/arts-entertainment/speaking-of-texas-texana/
- https://www.texasescapes.com/TexasGulfCoastTowns/Texana-Texas.htm
- https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/texana-tx
- https://www.usgenwebsites.org/TXJackson/texana_info.htm
- https://thcc.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=496051&module_id=123681
- https://texastimetravel.com/directory/texana-museum/
- https://passporttotexas.org/the-forgotten-city-beneath-a-lake/
- https://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/your-county/about-us/history
