Fort Velasco

 (1832, 1836, 1863-1865) - A Mexican post first established in 1832 by Colonel Dominic Ugartchea in present day Surfside Beach, Brazoria County, Texas. Evacuated in June 1832 and occupied by Republic of Texas forces in 1836. Occupied by Confederate forces 1863-1865. Abandoned in 1865 at the end of the U.S. Civil War.

History
A Mexican post first established in 1832 by Colonel Dominic Ugartchea to prevent American goods and colonists from entering Mexican Texas. Evacuated 27 June 1832 after an attack by Texans under  John Austin. Occupied and armed by Republic of Texas forces in May 1836.

U.S. Civil War
Occupied by Confederate forces 1863-1865 and armed with six 24-pounder smoothbore cannons. Fort Velasco provided a haven for Confederate blockade runners and kept Union gunships from accessing the mouth of the Brazos River. Abandoned in 1865 at the end of the U.S. Civil War.

Current Status
Markers in Surfside Beach, Brazoria County, Texas. Marker map point is accurate but fort map point is approximate.

Sources:
 * , page 779-780

Links:
 * North American Forts - Fort Velasco
 * Civil War Album - Fort Velasco