Black History on the Upper Texas Coast
February is a great time to reflect on the contributions of African Americans in and from this region. In honor of Black History Month, we’ve compiled a list of stops on the Upper Texas Coast that are worth a visit.
Black History Stops on the Upper Texas Coast:
Museum of the Gulf Coast, 700 Proctor Street in Port Arthur, offers an extensive Hall of Fame highlighting music, sports, and notable people from the Gulf Coast region. You will surely recognize some of the celebrities featured by the museum in this permanent and expanding exhibit. (Jefferson County)
Since you’re in the area, you’ll want to stop at Patillo’s Barbecue, 2775 Washington in Beaumont, the oldest black-owned and family-owned restaurant in Texas. The restaurant is known for its Southeast Texas-style barbecue. Order their signature hand-stuffed links. (Jefferson County)
Absolute Equality Art Installation, 22nd and Strand in Galveston, is a 5,000-square-foot art installation by artist Reginald Adams and commissioned by the Juneteenth Legacy Project. The permanent installation on the east wall of the Old Galveston Square Building overlooks the site of the former Osterman Building, which housed General Granger’s headquarters. Visitors can download the Uncover Everything app for an explanation of each portal in the visual narrative of African American history. The words in General Order No. 3, “absolute equality,” are incorporated into the installation’s graphics. (Galveston County)
Levi Jordon Plantation, 10510 FM 524, in Brazoria, is one of 63 plantations that existed in Brazoria County. Typically plantation stories focused on the property owners and their accumulated wealth. In recent years, the Texas Historical Commission has shifted the narrative in tours to share information about the enslaved workers who built and maintained these properties. At the Levi Jordan Plantation, among other stories, the story of the twelve enslaved workers who built the plantation house, slave quarters, and the largest sugar mill in the county is told. (Brazoria County)
THC is working with an advisory committee of experts on African American history to plan and create a new visitors center and museum at Levi Jordan. Read more about their efforts here.
“Cowboys in Black Skin” Exhibit at the Matagorda County Museum, 2100 Ave F in Bay City, highlights five Texas cowboys, including female cowboys, in honor of Black History Month. Some were born into enslavement, including Bill Pickett, the first black honoree in the National Rodeo Hall of Fame. The exhibit opens Feb. 1 and runs thru Feb. 28. (Matagorda County)
This list is just a sampling of things to do in honor of Black History Month on the Upper Texas Coast. For more ideas, click Things to Do and search by category.
Lone Star Coastal Alliance is committed to promoting nature and heritage tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities in Jefferson, Galveston, Brazoria, and Matagorda Counties.
