Indianola
Hurricanes Took It Twice
State: Texas
County: Calhoun County
Founded: 1846
Abandoned: 1886
Peak Population: 5,000
Indianola was Texas's second-largest port, gateway for German immigrants and the famous camel experiment. An 1875 hurricane killed 300 and destroyed most buildings. Rebuilding began, but the 1886 hurricane finished it forever.
Major Port
Indianola rivaled Galveston as Texas's main port. The U.S. Army shipped camels through here for the famous experiment.
Two Hurricanes
The 1875 storm devastated the town. Residents rebuilt, but the 1886 storm destroyed everything. They gave up.
Timeline
- 1846 - Founded Port established
- 1856 - Camels U.S. Camel Corps arrived
- 1875 - First Hurricane 300 killed
- 1886 - Final Hurricane Town abandoned
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Year-round
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 1 hour
Quick Facts
- Once rivaled Galveston
- U.S. Camel Corps landed here
- Destroyed by two hurricanes
Location
Address: Indianola Beach, Texas
Coordinates: 28.5322, -96.5258