Discover Van Vleck: Railroad and School History
Accommodation in Van Vleck
Get to know Van Vleck through its railroad and school history. For orientation, the town is near the intersection of State Highway 35 and Farm Road 2540. Nearby are Allenhurst-Mt. Zion Cemetery and the Colorado River. In addition to local history, an activity on the water may also be a possible focus for your stay.
Orientation and Surroundings
Allenhurst-Mt. Zion Cemetery is located near Van Vleck. To get there, start at the traffic light in Van Vleck at the intersection of Hwy 35 and FM 2540. From there, head 2.6 miles south on FM 2540 to Allenhurst Road (CR 142), then continue 1.7 miles east. The cemetery is on the right, on the south side of the road. The intersection is both a reference point for getting oriented in town and the starting point for the drive to the cemetery.
The Railroad and the Town’s Name
Around 1899, Van Vleck developed into a stop on the Texas and New Orleans Railroad. In 1901, the Hardeman post office changed its name to Van Vleck. The town was named after W. G. Van Vleck, a railroad official. The post office and the town thus share the name Van Vleck, but the post office’s name change and the origin of the town’s name are distinct historical references.
Van Vleck is also the site of the former Old Hardeman Post Office.
School History
The school’s history connects an early school building with the history of the district. Built in 1901, a one-room schoolhouse was the first building in Van Vleck constructed specifically as a school. The Van Vleck ISD historical marker is a Registered Texas Historical Subject Marker and commemorates the history of the second-oldest school district in Matagorda County. The schoolhouse and the marker represent two different aspects: a specific building and the institutional history of the district. The post office’s name change and the first purpose-built school building both date to 1901, but relate to different aspects of the town’s history.
Another connection to the school is its use as a shelter during Hurricane Carla on September 11, 1961. It served as a refuge for many families from rural areas; Carla was a Category 5 storm. Concerts benefiting the community were held in the school auditorium. Thus, the school has served both as a shelter and as a community venue for concerts.
An Activity on the Colorado River
If you’d like to include an outdoor activity alongside the historical attractions, you can canoe or kayak on the Colorado River nearby. Paddling offers a different focus from the railroad and school history, adding a second, active dimension to your travel plans.
Discover more destinations: Bay City, Palacios.
For the broader travel overview: Matagorda County.
