West Bay (Texas) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids West Bay |
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The old Galveston Causeway, crossing West Bay
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 West Bay
Location in Texas
West Bay
Location in the United States
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| Location | Texas Gulf Coast |
| Coordinates | 29°15′25″N 94°57′57″W / 29.257049°N 94.96582°W |
| Ocean/sea sources | Gulf of Mexico |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Settlements | Jamaica Beach, Tiki Island |
West Bay, also called West Galveston Bay, is a long arm of Galveston Bay in Texas. It stretches almost the entire length west of Galveston Island. This bay is located in Galveston and Brazoria counties.
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How West Bay Was Formed
West Bay started to form about 5,500 years ago. This happened when Galveston Island was shaped as the sea level rose. At that time, West Bay was near the mouth of the Brazos River. The river created a delta where San Luis Pass is now.
About 3,000 years later, the Brazos River changed its path. It moved south to its current spot at Surfside Beach. The bay's shape as we know it today was completed around 1,200 years ago.
Towns Near West Bay
There are two main towns located on the shores of West Bay. These are Tiki Island and Jamaica Beach.
Tiki Island: A Village on the Mainland
Tiki Island is a small, rich village. It is located on the mainland side of the Galveston Causeway. This village was started in the 1960s. It became an official town in 1982. About 1,016 people live there.
Jamaica Beach: A Resort on Galveston Island
Jamaica Beach is a resort town on Galveston Island. It is just south of Galveston Island State Park. This town was founded in 1957. It was built on a place that used to be a burial ground for the Karankawa Native American people. About 1,075 people call Jamaica Beach home.
What Are the Boundaries of West Bay?
West Bay has clear boundaries that connect it to other bodies of water.
Southern and Northern Connections
To the south, West Bay is connected by San Luis Pass. To the north, it meets Galveston Bay at the Galveston Causeway.
Neighboring Bays
West Bay is next to Christmas Bay. Christmas Bay goes south into the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge. West Bay also has several extensions. These include Chocolate Bay to the west, Jones Bay to the north, and Bastrop Bay to the south.
Size of the Bay
Overall, West Bay covers an area of about 39 square miles (101 square kilometers).
