Pass Cavallo (Texas)

Natural water inlet in Texas, United States

AOL. "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

Pass Cavallo sketch depicts Texas rebel fortifications and rifle pits at Matagorda Bay, ca. 12/1863 - 01/1864

Matagorda Island with illustration of Pass Cavallo

References

^ "Matagorda Bay". Texas A & M University, Corpus Christi. Archived from the original on 24 September 2010. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
^ "Matagorda Island Lighthouse - Port O'Connor ~ Marker Number: 23382". Texas Historic Sites Atlas. Texas Historical Commission. 2021. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
^ 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.
^ Sorrells, Colby (2009). Flyfishers Guide to Texas Gulf Coast. Wilderness Adventures Press. p. 131. ISBN 978-1-932098-66-2.
^ "La Belle: The Ship That Changed History". The Story of Texas ~ Becoming Texas. Bullock Texas State History Museum.

External links

"Cavallo Pass". Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association.
Fly over of Pass Cavallo - Port O'Connor Texas on YouTube
"NOAA Nautical Chart 11319" [Cavallo Pass, Texas]. NOAA Office of Coast Survey. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.