Copano, Texas

Copano, Texas, or El Copano (Spanish) is a ghost town on the northwestern shore of Copano Bay in Refugio County. It is located 5 miles (8.0 km) north of present-day Bayside, on Copano Point. The port, which holds the distinction as the first in South Texas, was founded in the early 18th century by the Spanish, and named for the Copane Indians that resided in the area. Initially, it was used as a port by smugglers and pirates until 1785 when it was officially opened for use by the Spanish empire. The port was abandoned in the 1880s, following the settlement of the area following the Texas Revolution. Ruins of the town-site can still be found, but are currently in danger of falling into Copano Bay.

After its founding, El Copano was a common port used by pirates and smugglers. In 1785, it was officially opened by New Spain Viceroy Bernardo de Gálvez y Madrid, Count of Gálvez for entry into Texas. Around this time, a customhouse and freshwater tank were all that could be found on land, but the port was valued. General Juan Almonte described it as the deepest port on the Texas coast during an 1834 inspection for Antonio López de Santa Anna, and it was described as the "safest" on the coast, due to its protection by Copano Reef. Copano was also used by many Irish emigrants from 1828 to 1835, many of whom landed at the port during their trek from New York City to the Irish colony of San Patricio. At least 200 of these settlers died of cholera upon arrival and were buried on Copano beach.

During the Texas Revolution, the port was used by both the Mexican and Texian armies. General Martín Perfecto de Cos of Mexico, entered at Copano en route to the missions at San Antonio and Goliad in September 1835. It was fortified by the Texians the following month, and used to transport food and supplies until it was captured by Mexican General José de Urrea in March 1836. The Mexicans held on to the port until the end of the war, and used it to obtain reinforcements and send the injured and prisoners to Mexico. At the end of the war, several Mexican vessels, soldiers and supplies were taken by the "Horse Marines" led by Texian Major Isaac Burton and the Texas Rangers.

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