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About
La Porte
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LaPorteTexas.Net
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About
La Porte
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OUR STORY: La Porte was founded in 1889 by French settlers. The name La Porte means "The Door" or "A Gateway" and refers to the town's location at the mouth of what is today known as the Houston Ship Channel. Advertisements in northern publications touted La Porte as being a fig and citrus growing area drawing settlers from all over the country and creating a land boom. La Porte was incorporated in 1892. Because there were no roads in the early days, settlers arrived by boat. By the mid to late 1890's the railroad came through La Porte and the Sylvan Beach Train Depot was born. The area soon became a popular playground as Sylvan Beach was built-up along with a pier and later a pavilion where dances were held and the sounds of the "Big Bands" could be heard. The Sylvan Hotel and Artesia Hotel also became popular places to stay. In 1897 the Houston Yacht Club was founded. The Hurricane of 1900 destroyed much of the city. In 1915 a fire destroyed much of what is today Main Street in Old La Porte. In 1924 the first "Miss Sylvan Beach" was crowned. Sylvan Beach flourished as a tourist mecca until the 1950's after rail service had long since discontinued. In the 1970's and '80's La Porte began to diversify its economy and capitalize on its location at the entrance to the Houston Ship Channel. Many chemical and petroleum factories were built in La Porte creating a second land boom for the town. Today, La Porte (pop. 35,000) prides itself on its small town atmosphere, strong industry and economy, numerous parks and recreational activities, and the friendliness of its people. The chemical and petroleum industry as well as the ship channel provide jobs for the area residents. La Porte also boasts a top notch golf course, a wave pool, 2 public fishing piers, seasonal festivals such as Sylvan Beach Day, the Houston Yacht Club, Lomax Arena, and fine local restaurants and shops. We invite you to come and visit the local charm of the past and the excitement of the present. La Porte is just minutes from Houston, NASA's Johnson Space Center, The Kemah Waterfront District, The San Jacinto Monument and Battlefield, and many other exciting places to see and things to do.
STATISTICAL/DEMOGRAPHIC DATA: click here LA PORTE DISTANCE MAPS: click here
RELATED ARTICLES/LINKS: Battle of San Jacinto , La Porte History, La Porte/Bayshore Historical Trail, History of La Porte Schools
HOW MUCH DO YOU REALLY KNOW ABOUT LA PORTE? TAKE THE LA PORTE TRIVIA QUIZ click here
