Copano, Texas

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, 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, 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.