Velasco was a town in Texas, United States, that was later merged with the city of Freeport by an election conducted by eligible voters of both municipalities on February 9, 1957. The consolidation effort passed by a margin of 17 votes. Founded in 1831, Velasco is situated on the east side of the Brazos River in southeastern Texas. It is south of Angleton, and from the Gulf of Mexico.
The town's early history is closely tied with the Battle of Velasco and the Texas Revolution. Velasco was an important entry point for American settlers in Texas. In 1836, following the decisive Battle of San Jacinto, Velasco was named a temporary capital of the Republic of Texas by the interim President, David G. Burnet. In 1837, the final actions of the Battle of the Brazos River took place there.
History
Velasco was originally located on the Gulf Coast on the east side of the mouth of the Brazos River where Fort Velasco and present-day Surfside is located on the Texas Gulf Coast. At the time, Texas was part of Mexico, but Austin had obtained permission to bring American settlers into the area, with the first colonists settling in what is now southern Brazoria County.
Diversion of the Brazos River and the formation of a tidal estuary deep enough to accommodate large vessels in the old river channel subsequently revived both Velasco and nearby Freeport. The community subsequently became part of the Brazosport industrial and port area and Brazosport Independent School District.
Government and infrastructure
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice Clemens Unit is located in an unincorporated area in Brazoria County, near Velasco.
Gallery
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Riverboats_at_dock,_Velasco,_Texas_(6344600369).jpg|Riverboats at dock, Velasco, Texas
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