The Matagorda County Museum, located in the heart of Bay City, TX, is a treasure trove of local history. One of its many captivating exhibits is dedicated to the legendary La Belle shipwreck. Let’s discover more information about the La Belle shipwreck and explain how you can get up close and personal with these fascinating artifacts at the Matagorda County Museum.
Discover the La Belle Shipwreck at the Matagorda County Museum
The Matagorda County Museum, located in the heart of Bay City, TX, is a treasure trove of local history.
This county museum gives visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of Matagorda County's past. One of its many captivating exhibits is dedicated to the legendary La Belle shipwreck. Let’s discover more information about the La Belle shipwreck and explain how you can get up close and personal with these fascinating artifacts at the Matagorda County Museum.
Overview of the Matagorda County Museum
Matagorda County Museum is a historic landmark housed in the former federal post office. This beautiful building, constructed in 1912, has been a cornerstone of the community for over a century. The Matagorda County Museum Association took over the building in 1990 and turned it into the beloved museum it is today. This museum stands as a testament to the county's cultural heritage!
Beyond the La Belle, the museum offers a diverse collection of exhibits that showcase the county’s rich history. Some of these collections include regional ranching and farming heritage, early Texas exploration, and the bygone era. The Matagorda County Children’s Museum offers younger visitors a fun and interactive learning experience. Kids can explore a one-room schoolhouse, perform in the opera house, dress up in vintage clothing, see the inside of a prairie home, or even work as a barber in a recreated old-time barbershop.
You can also rent the museum at an affordable rate for business meetings, banquets, receptions, birthday parties, and other events.
History of the La Belle Shipwreck
The La Belle, a French vessel, is integral to Texas history. In 1685, it was one of four ships commanded by the renowned explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, on a grand expedition to establish a French colony at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Unfortunately, fate had other plans.
In 1686, the La Belle met a tragic end when it was wrecked in a storm and sank in the depths of Matagorda Bay. This maritime disaster marked a turning point for La Salle's expedition, ultimately leading to its failure. As the last remaining ship of the fleet, its demise cast a long shadow over the colony's survival.
For over three centuries, the La Belle remained entombed in the bay's muddy seabed as a forgotten relic of the past. But in 1995, a groundbreaking discovery would rewrite the pages of Texas history. A team of state archaeologists, led by Kathleen Gilmore, successfully located the La Belle and initiated an epic underwater excavation, leading to extraordinary results and more than 1.6 million artifacts!
What to See in the La Belle Shipwreck Exhibit
Matagorda County Museum houses a captivating collection of artifacts and information about the legendary La Belle shipwreck. This exhibit serves as a local gateway to understanding the broader significance of this historic event.
While the actual La Belle shipwreck is now meticulously preserved at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin, the Matagorda County Museum allows visitors to delve into the local connection to this iconic vessel.
The museum’s exhibit showcases a selection of artifacts recovered from the shipwreck that give insight into the ship's crew and the challenges they faced. Some of these excavated artifacts include:
- Finger rings, colored glass beads, and knives that the French planned to trade with the American Indians.
- Brass pots, a colander, and a ladle made with 17th-century wood carving.
- Weaponry like muskets, powder horns, an early explosive device, and a bronze cannon with handles shaped like dolphins
Visitors can explore interactive displays that tell the story of La Belle's journey, its tragic end, and the subsequent discovery and excavation. The museum has done an exceptional job of bringing this piece of Texas history to life, making it accessible and engaging for people of all ages.
Details & How to Visit the Matagorda County Museum
- Address — 2100 Avenue F, Bay City, TX 77414
- Hours — Wednesday – Saturday (1 PM - 4 PM)
- Admission Fees — Adults: $4, Seniors (50+): $3, Children age three and older: $2
- Parking — Available on-site
- Phone Number— (979) 245-7502 (Call before visiting to verify hours and pricing)
In addition to its fascinating exhibits, the museum is also dedicated to education. It offers a variety of programs, workshops, and events throughout the year, including school field trips and family-friendly activities. Check the website or contact the museum directly for upcoming programs.
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The Matagorda County Museum serves as a portal to the past, giving visitors a glimpse into the captivating story of the La Belle shipwreck and its lasting impact on Texas history. From the recovered artifacts to the interactive exhibits, the museum brings this pivotal event to life for visitors of all ages.
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