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.

Get Ready for Fireworks!

Saturday, July 2, 2011

One of the oldest traditions in Port O Connor is about to be celebrated, The 4th of July Fireworks Show. This event will take place on Saturday, July 2nd at around dusk at the King Fisher Front Beach Park. And as always, all are welcome to come and enjoy this spectacular fireworks show at absolutely no charge. At a cost of over $20,000.00, this event could not be held without the support of friends and residents of Port O Connor and donations from local businesses. Fund raising letters have gone out and Bill Tigrett of the Port O Connor Chamber of Commerce is currently soliciting support from businesses in the area. He wants to let folks know who is supporting this years effort and will be publishing photos of business and corporate donors beginning with this issue of Dolphin Talk. If you would like to be included, please call Bill at 361-920-2671. If you receive a donation flyer, please consider helping with this years show. Donation cans will also be available at local businesses. Donations of any amount are appreciated. If you would like to mail your contribution in, please do so by making your check payable to the POC Chamber of Commerce PO Box 701 Port O Connor TX 77982

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.