Matagorda is a census-designated place in Matagorda County, Texas, United States. It is located near the mouth of the Colorado River on the upper Texas coast in the United States. In 2020, its population was 313. Matagorda is primarily a tourist town, with commercial and recreational fishing being the top industries. Approximately 23 mi of the beach are accessible by vehicle and 35 additional miles are accessible only by boat. Matagorda is at the end of State Highway 60 and the beginning of Farm to Market Road 2031, which runs over the Intracoastal Waterway and south to the Gulf of Mexico.

History

Matagorda is the third-oldest Anglo-American town in Texas. It was established in 1827 when Stephen F. Austin obtained permission from the Mexican government to build a town to protect incoming settlers. Elias R. Wightman, one of Stephen F. Austin's early surveyors, traveled to Matagorda in 1829 with 60 immigrant settlers. 24 historical markers are in the township of Matagorda. Matagorda was named by early Spanish settlers after the dense foliage which grew near the coast. The name means "fat thicket" in Spanish

Demographics

Matagorda first appeared as a census designated place in the 2010 U.S. Census. As of the 2020 United States census, there were 313 people, 242 households, and 167 families residing in the CDP.

Characteristics

Matagorda's beach area has access to both East and West Matagorda Bays, Matagorda Beach, and the Gulf of Mexico. Since 1997, 234 different species of birds have been spotted by the North American Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Among the species reported are the prairie warbler, common poorwill, broad-winged hawk, MacGillivray's warbler, and Swainson's warbler.

Education

Matagorda Independent School District is the local school district. The designated community college for Matagorda Independent School District is Wharton County Junior College.