Surfside Beach is the home of the Fort Velasco Replica. Stephen F. Austin and his colonists first arrived here in Texas in 1821. Eleven years later, in 1832, the first battle of Texas’ war for independence was fought between the colonists and the Mexican Army at Fort Velasco.The actual fort was destroyed by the Hurricane of 1900. Located near city hall, at the intersection of Monument Drive and Parkview Road. This replica is designed as a walk on your own trail.