Sabine Pass, Port Arthur, Texas facts for kids
Sabine Pass is a small community located in Port Arthur, Texas. It was officially made a town in 1861. Later, in 1978, it became part of Port Arthur. Even so, Sabine Pass still feels like its own place. It has its own school, post office, and port authority. People often see it as a community that can take care of itself.
Sabine Pass was important during the American Civil War. Two naval battles happened here: the First Battle of Sabine Pass and the Second Battle of Sabine Pass. There were also small land fights near the old Sabine Pass Lighthouse.
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History of Sabine Pass
In 1832, some of the first settlers arrived in the Sabine Pass area. These included Thomas Corts from England and John McGaffey from New Hampshire.
In 1839, Stephen Hendrickson Everitt wanted to set up a post office here. There was already a customs house nearby, where taxes were collected on goods. The closest post office was 40 miles away. Everitt tried to create a city called City of the Pass, but it didn't happen.
Records also show that in 1839, Sam Houston helped plan what was called "the first townsite of Sabine." Houston was a famous leader and friend of Philip Sublette, who helped with the plan.
Back then, the border between the United States and the Republic of Texas was not clear. Both sides claimed control of the Sabine River down to the Gulf of Mexico. Ships from both countries patrolled the area. Once, a Texas ship fired warning shots at two schooners. This happened when the schooners tried to pass the customs house without paying fees.
How the Community Got Its Name
The name of the community changed over time. It was first called City of Sabine, then Sabine City, and finally Sabine Pass. A post office was set up in 1847, named the Sabine City Post Office.
Early settlers and founders hoped Sabine Pass would become a very big city. Arthur Stilwell even planned for a major railroad to end here. But the landowners wouldn't sell their land. Because of this, the railroad ended up in Port Arthur instead, which then grew larger.
Sabine Pass During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, the Confederacy built forts to protect the waterways. These forts included Fort Manhassett, Fort Sabine, and Fort Griffin. They guarded Sabine Pass, the Sabine River, and the Neches River.
Two important battles, the First Battle of Sabine Pass and the Second Battle of Sabine Pass, took place here. They happened near the Sabine Lake estuary and the Sabine Pass Lighthouse. In 1970, construction workers found old Civil War ammunition. It had been buried by Confederate soldiers in 1865. This ammunition was found in the ditches of Fort Manhassett.
Geography of Sabine Pass
Sabine Pass is located along Texas State Highway 87. It is about thirty miles southeast of Beaumont. The community is in the very southeastern part of Jefferson County. Sabine Pass is outside the main levee system that protects other towns in the county.
Hurricanes and Their Impact
Sabine Pass is very close to the Gulf of Mexico. Because of this, it has been hit hard by many hurricanes over the years. Major hurricanes in 1886, 1900, 1915, and 1957 caused a lot of damage. After these storms, businesses and people moved north. They went to cities like Beaumont, Port Arthur, and Orange. These cities are now the main economic centers of the area.
On September 24, 2005, Hurricane Rita hit the area. The storm surge destroyed over 90% of the buildings in Sabine Pass. In 2006, the TV show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition helped the town. They rebuilt the firehouse and the high school auditorium. They also gave gift cards to many families. After Rita, only about 20% of the 225 houses in Sabine Pass could still be lived in.
In September 2008, Hurricane Ike struck. It caused the highest storm surge ever recorded at Sabine Pass. Even fewer houses were livable after Ike than after Rita. Many families had to leave. By January 2009, about half of the 225 families had returned. The fire station built by Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was destroyed by Ike. A new fire station was built 12 feet above sea level. It was designed to withstand strong winds and opened in 2013.
Arts and Culture
The Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Site is a park that tells the story of the Civil War battle here. It has a large statue and monument. Visitors can walk along paths and learn about the history. There are also picnic tables, grills, and boat ramps.
Wildlife Habitats
Sabine Pass is a great place for wildlife. Sea Rim State Park and McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge are nearby. These places are excellent for seeing different animals, especially birds. Camping on the Gulf of Mexico beach at Sea Rim State Park is also a popular activity.
Education
The Sabine Pass Independent School District serves the children in the community. Students in the Sabine Pass School District can attend Galveston College in Galveston for higher education.
