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Located in the Gulf Coast region and situated mostly within Harris County plus a small portion of Chambers County, the city of Baytown is bordered by eight bays: Burnet, Crystal, Scott, Mitchell, Black Duck, San Jacinto, Tabbs and Galveston Bay. The first residents in the area were Indian tribes known as the Attakapas, Akokisa, Bisai and Karankawas, utilizing the waterways for transportation and food. Pioneers began to settle the area in 1822, gathering near Lynch's Ferry on the San Jacinto River and Buffalo Bayou. Other ferries included Cedar Bayou Ferry, Durain Ferry near Busch's Landing on Goose Creek and the Morgan's Point Ferry.
Rice farming and brickyards using high-quality clay found in the riverbeds and streams further developed the area throughout the 19th century. During the Texas Revolution, the Lynchburg Volunteers organized to serve the cause, as well as during the Civil War with the Bayland Guards. Men and women from Baytown continue to serve their country.
In 1908, an oil boom spurred the rapid development of the communities of Goose Creek, Pelly, and Bay Town that became one community known as Baytown at consolidation in 1948. The Goose Creek Oilfield (1903) is known as one of the first offshore drilling operations in the nation, attracting others to the oil business. The area transformed into a desirable residential area with recognized schools, libraries, churches, recreation, business and industry. Baytown's rich history and heritage in the transportation, oil, military and agricultural industries contributed to the development of Baytown and eastern Harris County. (2018) |
