Fulton Harbor

In the 1860s and 1870s, Fulton’s natural shoreline attracted a flourishing beef processing and distribution industry, and landowners built piers and docks to support the turtle, fishing, oyster, and shrimping industries. Steady growth continued until silting prevented heavy draft vessels from entering the harbor area. In 1946, the Navigation District began planning major improvements to relieve the silting, and under the Little Bay Project a temporary channel 100 feet wide and 6 feet deep was dredged to provide access for commercial and pleasure craft. Financed by bonds, a breakwater, concrete wall, and timber bulkhead were completed by 1949. When silting again restricted access, the federal government was asked to dredge the turning basin and a 1000-foot-long protective dike on the north end. In 1954, taxpayers approved a tax levy to finance harbor dredging and the construction of bulkheads and a boat ramp. Additional property around the harbor was acquired to expand facilities and encourage commercial development, and numerous later projects expanded and maintained Fulton Harbor as a commercial and recreational center.

Fulton, Texas · United States