First called by German immigrants Karlshaven, Indianola was an important port of Texas. Cargoes of ships were hauled to and from points in Texas and Mexico by carts until 1860, when the San Antonio and Mexico Gulf Railroad and the Indianola Railroad were completed to Victoria. The town was partly destroyed with great loss of life by a hurricane on September 17, 1875. It was rebuilt but completely destroyed by another hurricane on August 20, 1886.