Indianola

Indianola is a ghost town on Matagorda Bay along the Texas Gulf Coast. The abandoned settlement displays granite markers and the foundations of its courthouse, which become visible during low tide.

The town was founded in 1846 and quickly became a major port on the Texas coast. Two powerful hurricanes, one in 1875 and another in 1886, destroyed the community and led to its permanent abandonment.

The place served as a main landing point for German immigrants seeking to settle on the Gulf Coast. The community grew around this role as a gateway for new arrivals.

The ruins are located near the intersection of South Ocean Drive and Broadway Street and can be explored during favorable weather. Keep in mind that some remains lie in the water and are easiest to see when the tide is low.

The US Army conducted experimental camel transportation trials here in 1856 to test their use in desert operations. This unusual chapter reveals the variety of military experiments undertaken during that era.

Location: Calhoun County

GPS coordinates: 28.51194,-96.48750

Latest update: December 19, 2025 04:26