Matagorda County

Matagorda County is an administrative division on the Texas Gulf Coast that encompasses several cities and communities. The area includes a network of rivers, bays, and coastal waterways that define the landscape.

The name comes from Spanish words referring to the thick canebrakes that once covered the coastal landscape. Settlement began in the 1830s and the region played a key role in early Texas coastal development.

The county maintains multiple wildlife refuges, including Big Boggy and San Bernard, which support local environmental education and conservation efforts.

This area is best explored by car, as towns are spread across the region. Visitors should plan for travel time and check local conditions before visiting different parts.

A nuclear power facility operates within the county's boundaries and contributes significantly to Texas energy production. This industrial aspect contrasts with the otherwise rural and natural landscape of the region.

Location: Texas

Inception: March 6, 1834

Capital city: Bay City

Shares border with: Wharton County, Brazoria County, Calhoun County, Jackson County

Website: http://co.matagorda.tx.us

GPS coordinates: 28.78000,-96.00000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:06