La Porte Vacations, La Porte Vacation Reviews, Tourism Guide

La Porte Vacation Guide

La Porte was founded in 1889 by French settlers. The name La Porte means "The Door" or "A Gateway" and refers to the town's location at the mouth of what is today known as the Houston Ship Channel. Advertisements in northern publications touted La Porte as being a fig and citrus growing area drawing settlers from all over the country and creating a land boom. La Porte was incorporated in 1892. Because there were no roads in the early days, settlers arrived by boat. By the mid to late 1890's the railroad came through La Porte and the Sylvan Beach Train Depot was born. The area soon became a popular playground as Sylvan Beach was built-up along with a pier and later a pavilion where dances were held and the sounds of the "Big Bands" could be heard. The Sylvan Hotel and Artesia Hotel also became popular places to stay. In 1897 the Houston Yacht Club was founded. The Hurricane of 1900 destroyed much of the city. In 1915 a fire destroyed much of what is today Main Street in Old La Porte.

The chemical and petroleum industry as well as the ship channel provide jobs for the area residents. La Porte also boasts a top notch golf course, a wave pool, 2 public fishing piers, seasonal festivals such as Sylvan Beach Day, the Houston Yacht Club, Lomax Arena, and fine local restaurants and shops. We invite you to come and visit the local charm of the past and the excitement of the present.