Fort Velasco facts for kids

Fort Velasco was a small fort built by Mexican soldiers in what is now Surfside Beach, Texas. It was located at the mouth of the Brazos River. Over time, at least three other forts were built near this spot. These new forts were used during the Texas Revolution and the American Civil War.

The First Fort Velasco

Why the Fort Was Built

In the early 1830s, Mexico was worried that the United States might try to take over Texas. To prevent this, the Mexican government passed a law in 1830. This law stopped Americans from moving to Texas legally. It also sent soldiers to Texas to enforce the rules.

Fort Velasco was built in April and May of 1832. It was ordered by General Terán. The fort's main job was to act as a customs post. This meant it would collect taxes on goods and control who entered the area by sea.

What the Fort Looked Like

People who saw the first Fort Velasco described it as a round fort. It was made of logs, sand, and sharpened stakes placed close together. In the middle, there was a raised platform. This platform was taller than the outer walls. A large cannon was placed on top of it. This cannon could turn all the way around.

One person said the fort had two rows of posts six feet apart. The space between them was filled with sand, earth, and shells. This made the outer walls. Inside, there was a raised area where soldiers could stand. They could shoot over the walls while keeping most of their bodies safe.

The Battle of Velasco

Soon after it was built, Fort Velasco became the site of a fight. This happened between June 25 and 29, 1832. It was called the Battle of Velasco. This battle was an early sign of the problems that led to the Texas Revolution.

Texian forces surrounded the fort. After a battle that lasted all night, the Mexican soldiers inside gave up. They ran out of ammunition. An agreement was signed on June 29, 1832. The Mexican soldiers were allowed to return to Mexico. After the battle, the fort was left empty. People probably took its materials to build the new town of Velasco.

Forts During the Texas Revolution and Civil War

Fort Velasco During the Texas Revolution

As the Texas Revolution began in late 1835 and early 1836, a new fort was built nearby. This fort had several large cannons. It was considered the best-protected spot on the coast.

After Texas won its independence on April 21, 1836, the new government chose Velasco as its temporary capital. This was because of the available buildings and the protection from the fort and the new Texas Navy. The government stayed there from May to October 1836. Then, it moved to a new capital at Columbia. This second Fort Velasco was abandoned after 1840.

Fort Velasco During the Civil War

During the early part of the American Civil War, another fort was built near the same spot. It was also called Fort Velasco. This fort had two 18-pound cannons.

Later, in the winter of 1863, a larger fort was built. It was made of stacked earth and had five gun platforms. This fort was known as Fort Sulakowski or Fort Velasco. It had several different cannons, including a 30-pound Parrot gun and a 32-pounder Navy gun.