This complex of barge canals and natural channels-- most valuable waterway in America-- stretches 1,116 mi. from Brownsville, Texas, to St. Mark's, Florida. Is longer, carries more tonnage than Suez and Panama canals. Is a vital link in economy of Texas and has been one of main causes of rapid development of Gulf Coast area. The canal system was begun in 1854 when a short canal was built from Galveston Bay to mouth of Brazos River as aid to Texas trade; it was 50 ft. wide, 3.5 ft. deep and dug by hand-labor and mule teams. Later projects widened, lengthened canal along the coast. Most important period in growth of the waterway system was result of determined efforts by two Texas businessmen, Clarence S. E. Holland and Roy Miller. In 1905-07 these men organized the initial financial support, arranged construction and won congressional backing for canal improvements. By 1966 annual total tonnage of the waterway exceeded 78,500,000 tons. (1967)
Gulf Intracoastal Waterway
The roadside stories worth pulling over for.
Gulf Intracoastal Waterway is a historical marker in Surfside, Brazoria County, dedicated in 1967. It is one of 125 historical markers documented in Brazoria County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 223 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 28.9507, -95.2858 near Surfside. The nearest cataloged historic site is Acadia, Sinking Site of the Blockade Runner (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Velasco, Velasco, and The Lively.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5039009564. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
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