Last updated: August 29, 2022
Place
Fort Polk
Wikipedia
Quick Facts
Location:
Port Isabel, TX
Significance:
U.S. Army supply depot during the early stages of the U.S.-Mexican War.
Designation:
Texas State Historic Site
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
1 listed
Parking - Auto
When the U.S. army arrived in the Rio Grande delta in March 1846, General Zachary Taylor first order of business was to establish a supply base. He chose this site, the Mexican settlement known as El Frontón de Santa Isabel or Point Isabel. The garrison would be known as Fort Polk.
Point Isabel and Fort Polk played a significant role in the start of war between the United States and Mexico. After U.S. troops occupied Matamoros on May 18, Point Isabel and Fort Polk declined in military importance. The post had never been anything more than a series of trenches, mounds of earth and piles of brush, fence posts, and overturned wagons.
In 1852 a lighthouse was constructed on the grounds of the old fortification. Today, visitors can walk the grounds of the lighthouse and climb the stairs to the observation deck 50 feet above the ground. Nearby, visitors will also find the Port Isabel Historical Museum and the Treasures of the Gulf Museum.
Please contact the Museums of Port Isabel for information about hours and admission to the lighthouse and museums.
Point Isabel and Fort Polk played a significant role in the start of war between the United States and Mexico. After U.S. troops occupied Matamoros on May 18, Point Isabel and Fort Polk declined in military importance. The post had never been anything more than a series of trenches, mounds of earth and piles of brush, fence posts, and overturned wagons.
In 1852 a lighthouse was constructed on the grounds of the old fortification. Today, visitors can walk the grounds of the lighthouse and climb the stairs to the observation deck 50 feet above the ground. Nearby, visitors will also find the Port Isabel Historical Museum and the Treasures of the Gulf Museum.
Please contact the Museums of Port Isabel for information about hours and admission to the lighthouse and museums.