Visiting Indianola: The Ghost Town History Near Port Lavaca

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Drive south from Port Lavaca and you'll reach a quiet stretch of shoreline on Matagorda Bay. There are a few homes, a fishing spot and some historical markers. It's hard to believe this was once one of the busiest ports in Texas.

This is Indianola, one of the best-known ghost towns on the Texas coast. If you like history, it's an easy and meaningful side trip during your stay.

From Indian Point to a Major Texas Port

The town got its start in 1846 as a small landing called Indian Point. A few years later, in 1849, it took the name Indianola. Ships could unload goods and passengers right on the bay, and the town grew fast.

By the 1850s, Indianola was the second most important port in Texas, after Galveston. Thousands of immigrants, many from Germany, stepped off ships here before heading inland to start new lives. Goods moved through the port to towns and forts across the state.

In 1852, Indianola became the county seat of Calhoun County. It had a courthouse, stores, homes and busy wharves.

The Camels and Other Surprising Stories

One of the strangest chapters in Indianola's history came in 1856. The U.S. Army brought camels to Texas as part of a test to see if they could carry supplies across the dry Southwest. The camels came ashore at Indianola.

The experiment didn't last, but it left a fun piece of history. Today, a metal cutout of a camel at the site honors the Army Camel Corps.

Indianola is also linked to the French explorer La Salle, who landed on the Texas coast in the 1680s. A tall granite statue of La Salle stands near the old townsite and looks out over the water.

Two Hurricanes That Ended a Town

In September 1875, a powerful hurricane hit Indianola. Storm surge flooded the town and wiped out much of it. Between 150 and 300 people died.

The people who stayed rebuilt. Then, on August 19, 1886, a second hurricane struck. A fire broke out during the storm and burned what the water didn't destroy. This time, the town didn't come back.

The county seat moved to Port Lavaca. In 1887, the Indianola post office closed for good, and the town was declared dead. Over the years, erosion pulled much of the old townsite into the bay.

What You Can See at Indianola Today

Indianola sits about 15 miles southeast of Port Lavaca. Most of the old town is gone, but there's still plenty to see if you know where to look:

• The La Salle monument. The large granite statue is the easiest landmark to spot.
• The courthouse marker. A granite marker sits offshore where the old courthouse once stood.
• The old cemetery. Early residents are buried here, and the graves tell part of the town's story.
• Historical markers. Signs around the area share details about the port, the storms and the people who lived here.
• The beach and bay. The shoreline is open to the public, and it's a nice spot for fishing, birding and a quiet walk.

There aren't many services out there, so bring water, sunscreen and snacks. Wear shoes that can handle sand and shell. Respect the cemetery and any private property you pass along the way.

Make It a History Day

For the full picture, stop by the Calhoun County Museum in Port Lavaca before or after your visit. The museum has exhibits on Indianola and the hurricane that ended it. It also has displays on La Salle's expedition and a huge Fresnel lens that once lit the Matagorda Island lighthouse.

On the way back, you can stop at Magnolia Beach, which is close to Indianola, or swing by the Lighthouse Beach & Bird Sanctuary in Port Lavaca. Late afternoon is a nice time to catch the light over the bay.

Give yourself at least half a day so you don't feel rushed. Bring binoculars, since the marsh and shoreline are full of herons, egrets and other birds.

Seeing the place where a thriving port once stood is a humbling experience. It's a reminder of how much the Gulf shapes life along this coast.

Stay Close to the History

Texas Lakeside RV Resort in Port Lavaca makes a great home base for exploring Indianola and the rest of Calhoun County. After a day of sightseeing, come back to full hookups, a swimming pool and hot tub, and our private stocked fishing lake.

Check our RV site rates for nightly, weekly and monthly stays. Rates start at $65 a night and can change, so call (361) 551-2267 to confirm. You can also reach out to our office with any questions about planning your trip.