Introduction to Bridge City, Texas
Bridge City, Texas, in Orange county, is 9 miles NE of Port Arthur, Texas (center to center) and 92 miles E of Houston, Texas. The city is included in the Beaumont - Port Arthur metropolitan area.
Bridge City History
Bridge City was originally named Prairie View because it is near the Texas coastline. Nomadic cannibals called the Attakapa Indians settled in this region before the American Revolution. During the mid 19th century, the settlers were primarily herdsmen and farmers. The Cow Bayou Canal Company dug a long canal and built a pumping plant on Cow Bayou in the early 20th century for irrigation. In 1938, after the Rainbow Bridge was built, this region became known as Bridge City, because all major roads to enter the city crossed a river. In the beginning of the 20th century, the region grew and schools, posts offices and the first private electric plant were established. The area was incorporated as a city in 1970. Hurricane Ike caused much damage to the city in 2008.
Bridge City and Nearby Attractions
- W.H. Stark House
- Big Thicket National Preserve
- Art Museum of Southeast Texas
- Sam Houston Jones State Park
- Bishop's Palace
Things To Do In Bridge City
W.H. Stark House is a museum built at the former residence of famous industrialist William Henry Stark and dates back to the late 19th century. The Stark Museum of Art has a collection of western American painting from the 19th and 20th century. The Museum of the Gulf Coast and Heritage House Museum have artifacts from early 20th century on display. Camping, fishing, boating, hiking opportunities are available at Sam Houston Jones State Park while Sea Rim State Park allows canoeing and kayaking. The Big Thicket National Preserve is a living testimony of the complex biological diversity that coexists in the region.
Bridge City Transportation
Air transportation is available from Lake Charles Regional and Southeast Texas Regional Airport.
Bridge City Higher Education
Lamar State College - Orange, Lamar State College - Port Arthur and Lamar University are some of the colleges near Bridge City.
