Calhoun County, Texas

Calhoun County
County
Calhoun County Courthouse
Location within the U.S. state of Texas
Texas's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 28°26′N96°37′W / 28.44°N 96.61°W / 28.44; -96.61
Country	United States
State	Texas
Founded	1846
Named for	John C. Calhoun
Seat	Port Lavaca
Largest city	Port Lavaca
Area
• Total	1,033 sq mi (2,680 km2)
• Land	507 sq mi (1,310 km2)
• Water	526 sq mi (1,360 km2)  51%
Population  (2020)
• Total	20,106
• Density	39.7/sq mi (15.3/km2)
Time zone	UTC−6 (Central)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district	27th
Website	www.calhouncotx.org

Calhoun County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 20,106. ^[1] Its county seat is Port Lavaca. ^[2] The county is named for John Caldwell Calhoun, the seventh vice president of the United States. Calhoun County comprises the Port Lavaca, TX Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Victoria-Port Lavaca, TX Combined Statistical Area.

History

• Paleo-Indians Hunter-gatherers, and later Comanche, Tonkawa, and Karankawa tribes, first inhabitants. ^[3]
• 1685-1690 René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle lands near Powderhorn Lake in Calhoun County. France plants its flag on Texas soil, but departs after only five years. ^[4]
• 1689 The future county is explored by Spaniards, including Alonso De León. ^[5]
• 1825 Martín De León of Mexico establishes a ranch near the old La Salle fort. ^[3]
• 1831 Linnville becomes the first Anglo settlement, established by Irish-born merchant, statesman, soldier John J. Linn. ^[6]
• 1840 Comanche Indians loot and sack Linnville. ^[7]
• 1842-1847 Empresario Henri Castro contracts to bring Alsatian immigrants from France, who use Port Lavaca as a holding site before moving on to settle Castroville in Medina County. ^[8]
• 1845 Thousands of German immigrants are stranded at port of disembarkation Indianaola on Matagorda Bay. ^[9]
• 1846 Calhoun County is formed from parts of Victoria, Jackson, and Matagorda counties. It is named for then Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee John C. Calhoun. Lavaca was the first county seat. ^[3]
• 1852 Indianola becomes the county seat. The Morgan steamship lines ^[10] runs regular service from Indianola to New York City. Slave trading peaks at Indianola. ^[11]
• 1854 Poles begin to arrive in Indianaola. ^[9]
• 1858 Half Moon Reef Lighthouse is constructed in Matagorda Bay. ^[12]
• 1860 County population is 2,642, including 414 slaves. ^[3]
• 1861 Calhoun County votes 276-18 for secession from the Union. Contributes volunteer companies to the Confederate cause. ^[3] Fort Esperanza, on Matagorda Island, is constructed by Confederate forces using slave labor. ^[13]
• 1862 Union gunboats bombard Port Lavaca. ^[14]
• 1875 A hurricane heavily damages Indianola. ^[9]
• 1886 A hurricane destroys Indianola and causes much damage to Houston. ^[15]
• 1892 The Lutheran community of Olivia is established by Swedes. ^[16]
• 1909 Port O’Connor is established. The St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway establishes a terminus at Port O’Connor. ^[17]
• 1920 Port Lavaca builds a seawall to protect itself against hurricanes. ^[3]
• 1931 Lavaca Bay causeway is constructed. ^[3]
• 1934-1935 Oil and natural gas discovered near Port Lavaca. ^[3]
• 1947 Alcoa opens a plant at Point Comfort. ^[18]
• 1952 Union Carbide opens a plant near Seadrift. ^[3]
• 1961 Category 4 Hurricane Carla makes landfall between Port Lavaca and Port O’Connor. ^[19]
• 1983 Matagorda Island State Park and Wildlife Management Area is run by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department under an agreement between the United States Department of the Interior and the state of Texas. ^[20]

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,033 square miles (2,680 km²), of which 507 square miles (1,310 km²) is land and 526 square miles (1,360 km²) (51%) is water. ^[21] It borders the Gulf of Mexico.

Adjacent counties

• Jackson County (north)
• Matagorda County (east)
• (Gulf of Mexico) (southeast)
• Aransas County (southwest)
• Refugio County (west)
• Victoria County (northwest)

National protected area

• Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (part)

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1850	1,110		—
1860	2,642		138.0%
1870	3,443		30.3%
1880	1,739		−49.5%
1890	815		−53.1%
1900	2,395		193.9%
1910	3,635		51.8%
1920	4,700		29.3%
1930	5,385		14.6%
1940	5,911		9.8%
1950	9,222		56.0%
1960	16,592		79.9%
1970	17,831		7.5%
1980	19,574		9.8%
1990	19,053		−2.7%
2000	20,647		8.4%
2010	21,381		3.6%
2020	20,106		−6.0%
U.S. Decennial Census [22] 1850–2010 [23] 2010–2020 [1]

2020 census

Calhoun County, Texas – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.

Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic)	Pop 2000 [24]	Pop 2010 [25]	Pop 2020 [26]	% 2000	% 2010	% 2020
White alone (NH)	10,774	9,794	8,374	52.18%	45.81%	41.65%
Black or African American alone (NH)	521	519	361	2.52%	2.43%	1.80%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)	55	36	34	0.27%	0.17%	0.17%
Asian alone (NH)	665	943	1,112	3.22%	4.41%	5.53%
Pacific Islander alone (NH)	7	4	0	0.03%	0.02%	0.00%
Other race alone (NH)	16	15	56	0.08%	0.07%	0.28%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH)	161	148	311	0.78%	0.69%	1.55%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)	8,448	9,922	9,858	40.92%	46.41%	49.03%
Total	20,647	21,381	20,106	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 20,106 people, 8,027 households, and 5,502 families residing in the county. As of the 2010 United States census, there were 21,381 people living in the county. 81.5% were White, 4.4% Asian, 2.6% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 8.8% of some other race and 2.1% of two or more races. 46.4% were Hispanic or Latino (of any race).

As of the census ^[27] of 2000, there were 20,647 people, 7,442 households, and 5,574 families living in the county. The population density was 40 people per square mile (15 people/km²). There were 10,238 housing units at an average density of 20 per square mile (7.7/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 78.04% White, 2.63% Black or African American, 0.49% Native American, 3.27% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 13.19% from other races, and 2.32% from two or more races. 40.92% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 11.4% were of German, 9.4% American and 5.5% English ancestry according to Census 2000. 67.9% spoke English, 29.1% Spanish and 1.2% Chinese as their first language.

There were 7,442 households, out of which 35.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.20% were married couples living together, 11.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.10% were non-families. 21.30% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.20.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 28.50% under the age of 18, 8.70% from 18 to 24, 27.30% from 25 to 44, 22.30% from 45 to 64, and 13.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $35,849, and the median income for a family was $39,900. Males had a median income of $35,957 versus $19,772 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,125. About 12.70% of families and 16.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.30% of those under age 18 and 11.70% of those age 65 or over.

Education

All of Calhoun County is served by the Calhoun County Independent School District. ^[28]

All of the county is in the service area of Victoria College. ^[29]

Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic School, pre-K through grade 8, has also served the county since 1996.

Transportation

Major highways

• U.S. Highway 87
• State Highway 35
• State Highway 185

Airport

Calhoun County Airport, a general aviation airport, is located in unincorporated Calhoun County northwest of Port Lavaca.

Communities

Cities

• Point Comfort
• Port Lavaca (county seat)
• Seadrift

Census-designated places

• Alamo Beach
• Magnolia Beach
• Port O'Connor

Other unincorporated communities

• Long Mott
• Olivia
• Port Alto
• Schicke Point

Ghost town

• Indianola
• Kamey
• Sixmile

Politics

United States presidential election results for Calhoun County, Texas ^[30]

Year	Republican		Democratic		Third party(ies)
	No.	%	No.	%	No.	%
2024	5,939	75.74%	1,853	23.63%	49	0.62%
2020	5,641	71.80%	2,148	27.34%	67	0.85%
2016	4,638	66.50%	2,118	30.37%	218	3.13%
2012	4,144	62.33%	2,410	36.25%	94	1.41%
2008	4,106	59.69%	2,729	39.67%	44	0.64%
2004	4,348	62.75%	2,561	36.96%	20	0.29%
2000	3,724	56.74%	2,766	42.15%	73	1.11%
1996	2,832	46.33%	2,753	45.04%	528	8.64%
1992	2,640	38.94%	2,550	37.62%	1,589	23.44%
1988	3,183	48.79%	3,314	50.80%	27	0.41%
1984	4,434	62.99%	2,586	36.74%	19	0.27%
1980	3,312	50.57%	3,034	46.33%	203	3.10%
1976	2,377	39.22%	3,642	60.09%	42	0.69%
1972	3,614	64.93%	1,936	34.78%	16	0.29%
1968	1,672	31.25%	2,612	48.82%	1,066	19.93%
1964	1,031	23.25%	3,398	76.64%	5	0.11%
1960	1,599	44.49%	1,961	54.56%	34	0.95%
1956	1,912	63.90%	1,067	35.66%	13	0.43%
1952	1,406	63.28%	813	36.59%	3	0.14%
1948	346	33.59%	589	57.18%	95	9.22%
1944	158	14.73%	732	68.22%	183	17.05%
1940	152	13.97%	935	85.94%	1	0.09%
1936	92	11.78%	685	87.71%	4	0.51%
1932	100	10.59%	834	88.35%	10	1.06%
1928	333	46.84%	375	52.74%	3	0.42%
1924	181	20.07%	686	76.05%	35	3.88%
1920	95	16.93%	363	64.71%	103	18.36%
1916	84	15.44%	388	71.32%	72	13.24%
1912	36	7.84%	355	77.34%	68	14.81%

See also

• Texas portal

• List of museums in the Texas Gulf Coast
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Calhoun County, Texas
• Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks in Calhoun County

References

1. "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Calhoun County, Texas". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2022.
2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
3. Kleiner, Diana. "Calhoun County". Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved December 2, 2010.
4. Little, Carol Morris (1996). A Comprehensive Guide to Outdoor Sculpture in Texas. University of Texas Press. pp. 358–359. ISBN   978-0-292-76036-3.
5. Wade, Marian F and Don E; Hester, Thomas R (2002). The Native Americans of the Texas Edwards Plateau, 1582-1799. University of Texas Press. p. 145. ISBN   978-0-292-79156-5.
6. Roell, Craig H. "John Joseph Linn". Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved December 2, 2010.
7. Roell, Craig H. "Linnville Raid of 1840". Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved December 2, 2010.
8. Morgenthaler, Jefferson (2009). Promised Land: Solms, Castro, and Sam Houston's Colonization Contracts. TAMU Press. p. 135. ISBN   978-1-60344-119-3.
9. "Indianola". Texas Escapes. Texas Escapes - Blueprints For Travel, LLC. Retrieved December 2, 2010.
10. "MORGAN LINES". tshaonline.org. June 15, 2010. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
11. Obedele-Starks, Ernest (2007). Freebooters and Smugglers: The Foreign Slave Trade in the United States after 1808. University of Arkansas Press. p. 119. ISBN   978-1-55728-858-5.
12. Jones, Ray (2002). American Lighthouses, 2nd: A Definitive Guide . Globe Pequot. pp.  169–170. ISBN   978-0-7627-2269-3.
13. Townsend, Stephen A (2006). The Yankee Invasion of Texas. TAMU Press. p. 28. ISBN   978-1-58544-487-8.
14. "Port Lavaca". Texas Escapes. Texas Escapes - Blueprints For Travel, LLC. Retrieved December 2, 2010.
15. Norcross, Bryan (2007). Hurricane Almanac: The Essential Guide to Storms Past, Present, and Future. St. Martin's Griffin. pp. 38–39.
16. "Oliva, Texas". Texas Escapes. Texas Escapes - Blueprints For Travel, LLC. Retrieved December 2, 2010.
17. "Port O'Connor". Texas Escapes. Texas Escapes - Blueprints For Travel, LLC. Retrieved December 2, 2010.
18. "Point Comfort". Texas Escapes. Texas Escapes - Blueprints For Travel, LLC. Retrieved December 2, 2010.
19. Michaels, Patrick J (2005). Meltdown: The Predictable Distortion of Global Warming by Scientists, Politicians, and the Media. Cato Institute. p. 112. ISBN   978-1-930865-79-2.
20. "Matagorda Island Wildlife Management Area". Shannon D. Moore. Archived from the original on December 1, 2010. Retrieved December 2, 2010.
21. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
22. "Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decades". US Census Bureau.
23. "Texas Almanac: Population History of Counties from 1850–2010" (PDF). Texas Almanac. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
24. "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Calhoun County, Texas". United States Census Bureau.
25. "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Calhoun County, Texas". United States Census Bureau.
26. "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Calhoun County, Texas". United States Census Bureau.
27. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved May 14, 2011.
28. "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Calhoun County, TX" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau . Retrieved November 29, 2024. - Text list
29. Texas Education Code Sec. 130.208. THE VICTORIA COLLEGE DISTRICT SERVICE AREA.
30. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 10, 2018.

External links

• Calhoun County government
• Calhoun County in Handbook of Texas Online at the University of Texas
• "Calhoun County Profile" from the Texas Association of Counties

28°26′N96°37′W / 28.44°N 96.61°W / 28.44; -96.61