Bagdad, Tamaulipas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bagdad
Port of Matamoros
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Former settlement
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Sunset over the floodplains just west of Bagdad Beach
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| Country | Mexico |
| State | Tamaulipas |
| Municipality | Matamoros |
| Founded | 1848 |
| Abandoned | 1880 |
Bagdad was a town in Mexico. It was founded in 1848. It sat on the south bank of the Rio Grande river. People also called it the Port of Bagdad. Sometimes it was called the Port of Matamoros. This was because it was part of the Matamoros area. The town no longer exists today. It was officially closed in 1880.
Contents
A Look Back: Bagdad's Story
Bagdad first appeared on a map in 1847. This map showed the area near the Rio Grande.
Bagdad During the American Civil War
During the American Civil War, Bagdad played a special role. This war was fought in the United States. It was between the Union (the northern states) and the Confederate States (the southern states). Bagdad allied with the Confederate States.
The town became very important for trade. Many people came to Bagdad. There were over 20,000 traders and investors. They came from the United States, England, France, and Germany.
How Trade Made Bagdad Grow
Bagdad grew quickly because of the cotton trade. Ships would anchor near Bagdad. They unloaded legal goods during the day. At night, they would unload war supplies. These supplies were sent to the Texas side. Mexican customs did not officially record them. This busy trade helped Bagdad grow. It changed from a small outpost to a thriving town.
Bagdad's Decline and What Remains
When the American Civil War ended, Bagdad faced big problems. The town was mostly abandoned. It never fully recovered from this difficult time. Its decline continued over the years.
Today, nothing is left of the original town. However, a small lighthouse stands nearby. It is on Bagdad Beach. This is about 0.3 kilometers (0.19 miles) east of where the town once was. A resort town called Playa Bagdad is also nearby. It is about 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) to the south.
See also
In Spanish: Puerto Bagdad para niños
