Indianola, Texas – Blown Away by the Winds
"So, Indianola has been with thee,
Thou once fair city by the moonlit sea!
Thy fame is ended, and thy beauty fled.
Bleak memory calls thee from the silent dead.
Thy streets are nameless, and seaweeds grow
Along the walks where life did want to flow
Forever dead!
Forever thy dream is o’er!
Thou livest alone on
Memory’s barren shore
The sun that set, yet sets to rise again,
Will smile the same, yet smile on thee in vain
While moonbeams dancing as the billows roar,
Will seem as bright, yet dance on thee no more."
– Jeff Melemona, 1889
These poignant verses, penned by Jeff Melemona in 1889, serve as a haunting elegy for Indianola, Texas, a once-thriving port city on the Gulf of Mexico that was ultimately erased from the map by the relentless forces of nature. Today, little remains of this once-vibrant hub, a stark reminder of the impermanence of human endeavor in the face of overwhelming natural disasters. The story of Indianola is a testament to the rise and fall of a Texas town, a narrative interwoven with ambition, resilience, and the ultimate surrender to the whims of the wind and sea.
The genesis of Indianola dates back to 1846 when Sam Addison White and William M. Cook established a settlement initially known as Indian Point. Strategically located at the terminus of the Chihuahua Trail, a vital military road connecting San Antonio, Austin, and Chihuahua, Mexico, and also serving as a route to San Diego, the town possessed inherent advantages that promised rapid growth. Recognizing its potential, Anglo-American landowners promptly surveyed the site and commenced selling lots in 1846, laying the foundation for a bustling community. The establishment of a post office in September 1847 further solidified Indian Point’s status as a burgeoning settlement.
Adding to the area’s diverse character was the presence of Karlshaven, a small German settlement founded in 1844, predating Indian Point. Johann Schwarts, a German immigrant, constructed the first house in Karlshaven in 1845, marking the beginning of a distinct cultural influence that would eventually merge with the Anglo-American character of Indian Point.
The year 1848 witnessed the commencement of stagecoach service, solidifying Indian Point’s position as a critical deep-water port. Its strategic location soon transformed it into the primary gateway for European and American immigrants streaming into western Texas, fueling its growth and prosperity. The influx of new residents and the burgeoning economic activity cemented Indian Point’s importance as a vital link between the outside world and the developing Texan interior.
As Indian Point flourished, it inevitably expanded, eventually merging with the neighboring settlement of Karlshaven. In February 1849, the two towns officially united, adopting the name Indianola, a symbolic representation of their combined identity. The unified town continued its rapid expansion, extending three miles down the beach to Powderhorn Bayou when Charles Morgan’s New York-based steamship line selected Indianola as its terminus. This strategic decision further amplified the town’s importance as a transportation hub, solidifying its position in the regional economy.
The year 1852 marked a significant milestone for Indianola when it was designated as the Calhoun County seat, underscoring its growing political and administrative importance. This recognition was further amplified by the establishment of the town’s first newspaper, The Bulletin, founded by John Henry Brown. The emergence of other newspapers, including The Courier, The Times, and The Indianolan, further highlighted the town’s vibrant intellectual and social life. In 1853, Indianola achieved official incorporation, solidifying its status as a recognized municipality, and a new City Hospital was established, reflecting the community’s commitment to public health and welfare.
An unusual chapter in Indianola’s history unfolded in 1856 and 1857 when two shiploads of camels were off-loaded at the port. This unique event was part of an experiment spearheaded by Secretary of War Jefferson Davis, aimed at utilizing camels to transport military supplies through the arid southwestern United States. While the "Camel Corps" experiment ultimately proved unsuccessful, it left an indelible mark on Indianola’s history, adding a touch of exoticism to its already diverse narrative.
By 1860, Indianola had grown into a thriving port town, rivaling nearby Port Lavaca in economic importance. Its population had surpassed a thousand residents, reflecting its rapid growth and prosperity. Despite not being heavily reliant on plantation agriculture and having a relatively small enslaved population, the residents of Indianola overwhelmingly voted in favor of Texas secession at the onset of the Civil War. Calhoun County volunteers formed part of the Third Texas Infantry of the Confederate Army, while others joined the Indianola Guards or the Lavaca Guards, which became part of Company A of the Sixth Texas Infantry, demonstrating the community’s commitment to the Confederate cause.
Indianola’s strategic location made it a prime target for the Union forces during the Civil War. On October 26, 1862, the town was bombarded by Union gunboats, resulting in looting and occupation for a month before the Union forces withdrew. However, their absence was temporary, as they returned in November 1863 and seized the city again, maintaining control until 1864. The Civil War years brought significant disruption and hardship to Indianola, hindering its economic progress and leaving lasting scars on the community.
Following the Civil War, Indianola experienced a resurgence, with its population exceeding 2,000 by 1870. The town’s importance as a military depot and its status as the second-largest port in Texas fueled its renewed growth. The introduction of railroad service from Indianola to the interior in 1871 further enhanced its connectivity and economic potential. By 1875, Indianola boasted a population of over 5,000, reaching the zenith of its prosperity and influence.
However, Indianola’s coastal location, which had been a source of economic advantage, also rendered it vulnerable to the destructive power of hurricanes. On September 16, 1875, the town was struck by a devastating hurricane packing winds of 110 miles per hour. The storm inflicted widespread damage, effectively "blowing the town away." While much of Indianola was rebuilt, the damage to its infrastructure and economy was profound, and the town never fully recovered its former glory.
The 1875 hurricane marked the beginning of a period of decline for Indianola. The population dwindled, falling to less than 2,000 by 1880. A second, even more destructive hurricane struck on August 19, 1886, sealing the town’s fate. The devastation was so complete that Indianola was not rebuilt. In 1887, the county seat and post office were relocated to Port Lavaca, signaling the formal abandonment of the town. The remaining residents scattered, with many also relocating to Port Lavaca, effectively ending Indianola’s existence as a viable community.
In 1878, the Southern Pacific Railroad acquired the property of the Morgan Lines, which had been headquartered in Indianola since the 1850s. In 1887, they reopened the war-damaged railroad. This development, coupled with the growth of other railroads across the state, contributed to the decline of Port Lavaca from a major seaport to a fishing center, underscoring the shifting economic landscape of the region.
Today, Indianola is a shadow of its former self, home to little more than 100 residents. Located in Calhoun County on the Texas Gulf Coast, approximately ten miles from Port Lavaca on Highway 316, it stands as a poignant reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of human settlements. The remnants of the old Courthouse, with its inscription commemorating the lives saved within its walls during the storms of 1875 and 1886, serve as a solemn memorial to a town that was ultimately blown away by the winds. One business remains at the marina. A few quiet coastal streets whisper tales of a once-bustling port city, a testament to the enduring legacy of Indianola, Texas.