Matagorda County Museum
2100 Avenue F, Bay City, TX 77414 • (979) 245-7502
The Extraordinary Excavation that Uncovered La Belle
Texas Historical Commission archaeologists discovered the La Belle shipwreck in 1995 and excavated it from the bottom of Matagorda Bay inside a giant cofferdam. On display in this museum are a diorama of part of the excavation and artifacts from the ship, including a bronze cannon and navigational instruments.
About the Museum
The museum collects and preserves the cultural heritage of Matagorda County.
Must See
The museum's annex houses a vast collection of maps, photographs, local school annuals, tax and probate records, and other materials available to the public for research.
For Kids
A children's museum built to represent a turn-of-the-century Texas town features hands-on activities of all kinds. Children can visit a barber shop, dress in vintage clothing, or spend an evening at the opera house. Visit a one-room schoolhouse, see the inside of a typical prairie home, and mail a letter at the post office.
Banner image courtesy Texas Historical Commission
