Copano (Spanish: El Copano) is a ghost town on the northwestern shore of Copano Bay in Refugio County, Texas. It is located 5 mi (8.0 km) north of present-day Bayside, on Copano Point. The port, which holds the distinction as the first in South Texas,[1] was founded in the early 18th century by the Spanish, and named for the Copane Indians who resided in the area. Initially, it was used as a port by smugglers and pirates, until 1785, when it was officially opened for use by the Spanish empire. The port was abandoned in the 1880s,[2] following the settlement of the area after the Texas Revolution. Ruins of the town site can still be found, but are currently in danger of falling into Copano Bay.
- ^ "El Copano". The Bayside Historical Society. Retrieved 29 June 2010.
- ^ Benowitz, June Melby. "Copano, Texas". Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved 29 June 2010.