Pass Cavallo (Texas)

Pass Cavallo
Pass Cavalla
Pass Cavallo channel to Matagorda Bay
Pass Cavallo is located in Texas
Pass Cavallo
Pass Cavallo
Pass Cavallo is located in the United States
Pass Cavallo
Pass Cavallo
Location
Coordinates28°23′05″N 96°23′02″W / 28.3848°N 96.3839°W / 28.3848; -96.3839
Part ofMatagorda Bay
Primary outflowsGulf of Mexico
Managing agencyGNIS (feature ID 1343640 and 1343809)
ReferencesAOL. "Pass Cavallo, Texas" (Map). Mapquest. AOL.

Pass Cavallo, alternately known as Cavallo Pass, is one of five natural water inlets which separate the Gulf of Mexico and Matagorda Bay, in the U.S. state of Texas.[1] Matagorda Island Lighthouse was originally built on this site.[2] During the Civil War, Pass Cavallo was a major port of entry and was captured by the Union.[3]

French colonization of Texas

In 1684, René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle came ashore on the Texas Gulf Coast at this point establishing the first French colony.[4] In 1686, La Salle's illustrious barque ― La Belle ― navigated the barrier island waterway of the Pass Cavallo.[5]

Illustrations of Pass Cavallo

Pass Cavallo Channel to Matagorda Bay, Texas
Map of Pass Cavallo, Texas ca. 19th Century
Pass Cavallo sketch depicts Texas rebel fortifications and rifle pits at Matagorda Bay, ca. 12/1863 - 01/1864
Geographic map of Matagorda Bay, Texas
Matagorda Island with illustration of Pass Cavallo

References

  1. ^ "Matagorda Bay". Texas A & M University, Corpus Christi. Archived from the original on 24 September 2010. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
  2. ^ "Matagorda Island Lighthouse - Port O'Connor ~ Marker Number: 23382". Texas Historic Sites Atlas. Texas Historical Commission. 2021. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
  3. ^ Underwood, Rodman L (2008). Waters of Discord: The Union Blockade of Texas During the Civil War. McFarland. pp. 7, 78, 79. ISBN 978-0-7864-3776-4.
  4. ^ Sorrells, Colby (2009). Flyfishers Guide to Texas Gulf Coast. Wilderness Adventures Press. p. 131. ISBN 978-1-932098-66-2.
  5. ^ "La Belle: The Ship That Changed History". The Story of Texas ~ Becoming Texas. Bullock Texas State History Museum.