This Web site, sponsored by the Port O'Connor Chamber of Commerce, is provided in part by local businesses and individuals to bring you news, information, and resources on our community.

Area Features. Explains the various activities and sites of our area.

Events. An up-to-date calendar of major happenings in Port O'Connor.

Business Directory. Need a vacation rental? A new boat? A fishing guide? Whatever you need, you can find here!

Local Weather. Always an important topic, get the latest reports from the National Weather Service.

Classified Ads. Free to locals and others linked to Port O'Connor. Low-cost for others.

History. We're steeped in history. Find out more about the rich lore of Port O'Connor.

More Info. Can't find it online? Just ask. We're here to help.

Map & Directions. Regional and local maps to help you get around.

Youth Night in POC--Every Friday(except the 1st Friday of month-7 to 10p.m.@Fisherman's Chapel

POC Sports Association meets the 3rd Monday of each month-6:30 p.m.@POC Community Center

POC Chamber of Commerce--2nd Monday each month @ MUDD Office-7p.m.

Commissioner's Court meets 2nd & 4th Thursdays of each month-10a.m.1st floor of Courthouse in Port Lavaca

POC Service Club-1st & 3rd Thursday of each month @ POC Community Center-10 a.m.

START PLANNING YOUR 2010

APRIL 17---PORT O'CONNOR SERVICE CLUB GARAGE AND BAKESALE>P/>

APRIL 24th---HAPPY HOOKES TOURNAMENT

APRIL 30th & MAY 1st------TAILS & TUNES FISHING TOURNAMENT & MUSIC FEST

MAY 8th--SALTWATER ROUNDUP TOURNAMENT

MAY 21 & 22-----WARRIORS WEEK-END

MAY 29th----KIDS MEMORIAL DAY FISHING TOURNAMENT

MAY 29th--POCSA COOK-OFF

MAY 29th to SEPTEMBER 9th--CCA TEXAS STAR TOURNAMENT

MEMORIAL DAY to LABOR DAY--FISHING CENTER SUMMERLONG TOURNAMENT

JUNE 4-5th--ABC TEXAS MID COAST FISHING TOURNAMENT

JUNE 25-26th---PESCADO GRANDE TOURNAMENT

JULY 3rd----ANNUAL 4th FIREWORKS DISPLAY

JULY 14th thru-17th---POCO BUENO

JULY 23-24th--BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA

AUGUST 7th--POSSUM INVITATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT

AUGUST 13-15TH----PORT O'CONNOR INVITATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT(POCIFT)

AUGUST 14th---POCIFT PARADE-(PISCELES IS COMING)

AUGUST 21-22nd--TEXAS REDFISH SERIES

SEPTEMBER 11th--POC LADIES CLASSIC TOURNAMENT

OCTOBER 1-2nd--CHRIS RAGUSIN POC GRAND SLAM

OCTOBER 23rd--MID-COAST CCA GUIDES CUP

DECEMBER 4th---ANNUAL TOY RUN

DECEMBER 4th----ANNUAL LIGHTED BOAT PARADE

The 92-foot-tall, charcoal-colored lighthouse is actually the second such structure to be built on the eastern tip of the barrier island overlooking Pass Cavallo that leads from the Gulf into Matagorda Bay. The original lighthouse, known as the Matagorda Light Station, was erected in 1852, funded by $1,500 appropriated by the U.S. Congress. It suffered extensive damage in the early 1860s when Confederate troops removed its Fresnel lens and tried to destroy the tower to prevent the Union Army benefiting from its guiding light. In 1873, what remained of the old structure was dismantled and a new lighthouse erected two miles inland, using the same iron plates. At that time the red and white striped tower was painted black and a new Fresnel lens was installed. That lens, which was removed in 1977, is now on display at the Calhoun County Museum in Port Lavaca.

In 1956, electric power was brought to Matagorda Island and the light was automated. That ended the era of the lighthouse keeper, and Arthur Barr, the last of a long series of lighthouse keepers, and his family moved inland. Mr. Barr's window, Ruth, and their daughter were among the honored guests at the Dedication Ceremony held in June. Also attending and recognized were descendants of the first lighthouse keeper, James Cummings, who, on New Year's Eve, 1852, lit the light on the first Matagorda lighthouse.

The Matagorda Island Lighthouse has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of The Interior. To find out how you can visit this historic monument, which is just a short boat ride from Port O'Connor, call the Texas Parks and Wildlife's Matagorda Island State Park office at 361-983-2215.