Morgan’s Point

Did James Morgan ever imagine his point on Galveston Bay becoming a “Gold Coast”? Here at Morgan’s Point, the whispers of history and the echoes of laughter from bygone eras intertwine. Morgan’s Point wasn’t always a playground for the wealthy. In 1822, Nicholas Rightor, a surveyor for Stephen F. Austin, first settled this area. He sold it to Johnson Calhoun Hunter, and later, Joseph C. Clopper cultivated citrus orchards here. Finally, in 1834, James Morgan acquired the land and established the short-lived colony of New Washington. Morgan, a colonel who supplied the Texan army during the Texas Revolution, saw his settlement destroyed by Mexican forces. A captivating legend surrounds Morgan’s Point, involving Emily West, also known as the “Yellow Rose of Texas.” It’s said she captivated Mexican General Santa Anna, contributing to his capture and the end of the war. The Houston Ship Channel’s dredging in the late 19th century brought new life to Morgan’s Point. The community thrived on the cross-channel traffic to and from Goose Creek, now Baytown, with the Morgan Point Ferry connecting the two until the mid-20th century. The Texas oil boom of 1901 transformed Morgan’s Point into a summer haven for Houston’s elite. Bayridge Road became lined with opulent summer homes, including the iconic Sterling Mansion, once the residence of a Texas governor. The area between Morgan’s Point and Sylvan Beach even earned the nickname “Gold Coast” during the 1920s and 1930s. While the allure of Morgan’s Point as a summer retreat waned with the growth of La Porte and Baytown, it officially became a city in 1949. Many 19th and early 20th-century buildings still stand, a testament to its layered past. The Barbours Cut shipping terminal opened in 1977, significantly impacting Morgan’s Point’s economy, though the Port of Houston’s use of eminent domain displaced many residents. Morgan’s Point, a small city of 273 residents as of 2020, remains a fascinating blend of history, legend, and economic evolution. Here, at the edge of Galveston Bay, the stories of early settlers, a legendary woman, and the rise and fall of a “Gold Coast” converge, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Texas history.