PORT ALTO, TEXAS

Calhoun County, Texas Gulf Coast

On the western shore of Carancahua Bay
FM 159 & CR 307
4 miles E of Olivia (Hwy 172)
8 miles SE of Hwy 35
22 miles SW of Palacios
21 miles NW of Port Lavaca the county seat
Population: 45 (2000)

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Port Alto fishing pier
Photo courtesy Gerald Massey, October 2010

History in a Pecan Shell

The former settlers on this little spot of Carancahua Bay called the place Persimmon Point. It became a subdivision in 1939 and rarely had more than 10 permanent residents. One store provided the necessities of life. Summer residents brought the population up to 200.

The town was destroyed by Hurricane Carla in 1961 as was the causeway bridge between Port Lavaca and Point Comfort. The remaining portion of the bridge is now in use as a fishing pier. Port Alto was rebuilt by 1966.

View of Caranchahua Bay
Photo courtesy Gerald Massey, October 2010

Port Alto has a neat but tiny beach. If you're looking for a beach in the area - consider nearby Olivia. Olivia has space like Port Alto has houses.

Photo courtesy Gerald Massey, October 2010

Port Alto TX Palm trees by Caranchahua Bay

Palms
Photo courtesy Gerald Massey, October 2010

Photo courtesy Gerald Massey, October 2010

Photo courtesy Gerald Massey, October 2010

The Dock
TE photo

Bay view
TE photo

Port Alto landscape
TE photo, 2001

Photo courtesy Ken Rudine, October 2008

The sign to Port Alto
Photo courtesy Gerald Massey, October 2010

Olivia - Port Alto Community Center in Olivia
Photo courtesy Gerald Massey, October 2010

map showing Olivia and Carancahua Bay in NE Calhoun County
From 1940 Texas state map #4335
Courtesy Texas General Land Office

Take a road trip

Port Alto, Texas Nearby Towns:
Port Lavaca the county seat
Olivia
Port O'Cornnor
Edna
See Calhoun County

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