About Seadrift
| General History | |
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It derives its name from being on the San Antonio Bay, where, when the Guadalupe River, several miles away, would be on the rise from rains, fallen trees would float into the bay and drift back to shore. This is how Seadrift got its name. The post office opened in 1891 and has remained in continuous operation to date. In 1892, J. Dierlam served as postmaster. In 1896 Seadrift had triweekly mail service, a Baptist church, a music teacher, and a population of 120.  Post Office Seadrift became an incorporated city in 1911. Founded by A. D. Powers as the Seadrift Townsite Company, October 1912, it was built on land formerly owned by the Calhoun Cattle Company, which sold it to A. D. Powers. On December 27th, 1912, the first City Council was held and the City of Seadrift was incorporated under Title 22 of the Revised Civil Statutes of the State of Texas. In 1916, Seadrift built its first City Hall, on the Bayfront, which was called the park and was a dedicated park on the map, recorded in the Calhoun County Courthouse by A. D. Powers. In a council meeting September 9th, 1916, the Bayfront Park was named Powers Park after the founder. Location of the new city hall was on the bay side of Bay Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets, and it was also known as the “Pavilion”. |
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| Culture | |
| Seadrift’s population of approximately 1500 is comprised of a diverse, multicultural community including Hispanic, several original German settler families since the early 1900s, and the Vietnamese Community, which settled in Seadrift following the Viet Nam War. | |
| Location | |
| Seadrift is located on the southern edge of Calhoun County. It is a fishing port town located on San Antonio Bay. The City is 20 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Being located along HWY185 in the crossroads of Texas, provides central access to major cities in south and central Texas. Seadrift is located approximately 35 miles from Victoria, 160 miles from Austin, and 150 miles from San Antonio and Houston, Texas. Seadrift also adjoins its nearby neighbors such as Rockport, Port O'Connor, and Port Lavaca. | |
| Coastal Information | |
Seadrift is the only city on the San Antonio Bay. San Antonio Bay is is surrounded by several other saltwater bays and waterways. Scattered along the Intercoastal Waterway are several bays which include Espirito Santo Bay, Hynes Bay, and Matagorda Bay. Offshore access to the Gulf of Mexico is through nearby Pass Cavallo. Matagorda Island, a barrier island which borders the San Antonio Bay, is also the home of the Matagorda Island State Park and Lighthouse. Freshwater waterways include the Guadalupe River and surrounding bayous. Some native fish species include redfish, flounder, speckled trout, and catfish. Other aquatic life includes bay shrimp, blue crabs, stone crabs, and oysters.
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| Climate | |
Seadrift is on the north shore of San Antonio Bay with prevailing winds south and southeast; cooling gulf breezes in summer, with mild winters. Seadrift’s climate is described as "temperate". Average weather conditions fall somewhere between conditions usually associated with "humid, subtropical", and "semi-arid" climates. As the shadows of evening gather, the sunset and the bays are most beautiful to the lover of nature.
 Bayfront Sunset Rainfall in Seadrift averages about 21 inches per year. Peak rainfall months are May and September. Winter months are the driest. Maximum temperatures during the summer months range in the 90’s; temperatures average 58 degrees. Yearly average wind speed is 12.3, providing some of the finest windsurfing and canoeing and kayaking in the world.  Seadrift Sunset |
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| Economy | |
| Farming and Cattle ranching - Splendid farm land, rich black soil which holds the moisture, and gray sand, easily grows rice, cotton, maize, corn and soybeans, and supports herds of cattle.
Chemical Plants - Abounding in Calhoun County, they contribute to the local economy, providing employment and community support. Fishing Industry - Commercial fishing, shrimping, oystering and crabbing are a large part of Seadrift’s industry. Small Business Opportunities - Areas of enterprise and entrepreneurship offer opportunity for new business.  Come fish in Seadrift! |
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Hunter Barthels
September 10th, 2009 at 10:19 am
Thanks for this information I needed it for a class project!
jax_deity
September 10th, 2009 at 10:29 am
Glad it was able to help you, and Thanks for the comment!
al griffin
January 4th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
sure dont look like the town i grew up in.. guess changes are for the better. thanks for the look back.
Jeff Huckabee
March 9th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
The website looks great.Good job to all! Just a couple things I noticed,was that supposed to be 160 miles from Austin instead of 60?and it seems closer out to gulf than 20 miles.Just checking.Looking forward to Shrimpfest.Again,the Chamber website is very well done.
Jeff
jax_deity
March 9th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
Thanks for the compliments! I know your right about the distance to Austin, but I’ll have to double check on the mileage to the Gulf. I appreciate the heads up and we look forward to seeing you down here for Shrimpfest!
Jax
Beverly Lambright Clifton
March 11th, 2010 at 8:50 am
This is one of the best smaller town websites I have ever seen. Nice Job!
jax_deity
March 11th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Thanks for the compliment!
Diane Sloan
April 11th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
Hi,
I am a third grade teacher in Southport, NC and my students are beginning a project about “Smalltown, USA.” I am using Seadrift, TX as an example for them as they search out their own small town. Would you please send any brochures about Seadrift to me? Thank you in advance for your swift reply in this matter. My address is: Ms. Diane Sloan, 509 E. Moore St, Southport, NC 28461.
roger
April 12th, 2010 at 10:28 am
anyone I can communicate with that know about kayak fishing in the bay? I might come this week and stay if someone with experience could give me some advise…
thanks! Roger
jax_deity
April 12th, 2010 at 10:45 am
Hey Roger,
Thanks for the inquiry. I know a little about kayak fishing in San Antonio Bay. If I can’t help you I know I can point you in the right direction. What would you like to know?
Jax
Danny
May 27th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
Is there a place for the kids to go swimming?
jax_deity
May 31st, 2010 at 7:33 pm
Yes, there sure is! Most kids just jump right in the bay and go swimming.
chuck klein
July 8th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
how about a link for employment in the city
Paula Linton
July 30th, 2010 at 12:53 am
Hello! My husband and I are in the process of moving to this area. I am a teacher and we currently live in Northeast Texas. I am curious about this area and job potentials for me. My husband’s job will be in Port Lavaca. It is hard to comprehend moving to the coast as I have only visited a beach a couple of times in Galveston. This looks beautiful! I would love to hear from people who live here about what life is like in Seadrift!!
jax_deity
July 30th, 2010 at 10:18 am
That’s not a bad idea. Let me see what we can come up with! I’ll keep you posted.
Rebecca Ellard
July 30th, 2010 at 10:24 am
To the lady wanting to know about Seadrift, In my opinion it is a great little town. I have lived here since I was 12 yrs. old. moved away and come back home last year. The bay is gorgeous at Sunrise & Sunset… this is a peaceful town.
Hope you make your home here.
jax_deity
July 30th, 2010 at 10:30 am
I agree Rebecca! Seadrift is quaint and laid back. Just what you would want if you’re looking for a more relaxed lifestyle with all the amenities of the bigger cities within a short drive.
Cindy
July 30th, 2010 at 10:30 am
Hello Jax_deity!!!
We have fished this area for many years and as soon as we were financially able we purchased a second home here. We love it!!! We live in Austin w/family in Houston. We gave a key to the Houstonites so everyone down there could come as they wish. That little brick house has brought our friends and family so much joy! The Seadrift people are warm, funny and friendly! I am amazed at how many natives there are! They could of moved anywhere but stayed here in Seadrift – now that alone stands testament to what a great town/area Seadrift is. It is very laid back and quirky – kinda like a beachy Austin. No regrets from this family!!!Welcome Welcome Welcome!!!
Cindy
July 30th, 2010 at 10:32 am
oops I see I addressed my note to the wrong person – sorry Jax —- Hello Paula – well color me read as the sunset!!! LOL!!!
jax_deity
July 30th, 2010 at 10:34 am
No Worries! Thanks so much for your comments! I think they are right on and I think it will be helpful to Paula.
Dwana Finster
July 30th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Seadrift is a wonderful place to raise a family. Children are able to ride their bikes in town without worry. Also, the school is wonderful. The teachers are some of the best around that care about all kids. Come visit Seadrift and the school.
Gladys Smedley
July 31st, 2010 at 12:39 pm
I am interested to find out the number of special events (i.e., marriages, reunions, corporate meetings, etc) that happen in and around Seadrift each year. I would appreciate any information or additional contacts you could provide.
jax_deity
August 2nd, 2010 at 10:01 am
Thanks for your inquiry! I’m not sure that we have a centralized location to get all of that info. If you contact our chamber president Cindy she may be able to help you. Her email is cindy@bbcoast.com.