[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 45 (Wednesday, April 16, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E679-E680]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING BAY RIDGE/MORGAN'S POINT NATIONAL HISTORIC DISTRICT 
                              DESIGNATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 16, 1997

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Bay Ridge Park 
Association and the Morgan's Point historic district for their hard 
work and dedication to preserving the history and tradition of Morgan's 
Point in my district.
  The Bay Ridge Park Association and Morgan's Point historical district 
have worked since the Texas sesquicentennial in 1986 to preserve 
Morgan's Point as a national historic district. Their commitment to 
this peninsula on Galveston Bay will be rewarded in a ceremony on 
Saturday, April 19, 1997 with the unveiling of an official Texas 
historical marker at Morgan's Point.
  The small community of Morgan's Point has a long and rich history. 
Morgan's Point in many ways was born of history--named after Col. James 
Morgan, an early settler whose property was burned by Santa Anna's 
troops on the eve of the battle of San Jacinto, the decisive battle in 
Texas' drive for independence. the Morgan's Point area, with its 
spectacular views and cool gulf breezes, quickly became a favorite 
summer retreat for Houston residents seeking refuge from the harsh heat 
and humidity of the city. The homes along the beach front were modest 
yet memorable, and featured a broad sense of style. Among the grand 
houses is a replica of the White House built for Governor Ross 
Sterling. It is this history that has made Morgan's Point one of Texas' 
most significant seaside communities.
  But in the late 1950's much of Morgan's Point was lost due to 
construction of the Barbour's cut terminal of the Houston ship channel. 
To preserve the remaining homes and history of Morgan's Point, the Bay 
Ridge Park Association fought for a national historic designation to 
ensure that the history of the

[[Page E680]]

town lived on. Thanks to their efforts, the unique and colorful 
tradition of Morgan's Point will live on for future generations of 
Texans to enjoy.

                          ____________________