"Dowling" Letterbox

Port Arthur, Texas Jefferson County Texas Gulf Coast Region
Sabine Pass Battleground State Historical Park

Date of Placement: 3/9/03
Difficulty: Easy
Total Distance to letterbox: About 50 Yards (one way)
Placed by Baby Bear


During the Civil War, Sabine Pass became a major center for the
shipment of cotton in exchange for vital supplies for the Confederate
Army. Fort Griffin was built on this location to protect Sabine Pass
from Union blockades. In September of 1863, the troops in the
earthen fort were warned of 22 Union ships approaching. Lt. Richard
Dowling commanded 46 fellow Texans in the fort, and on September 8th,
they were besieged by 4 Union gunboats. With 6 cannons, his men
fought back, shattering and running aground 2 of the gunboats, and
winning a decisive victory. President Jefferson Davis sent his
personal congratulations for the victory, and had special medals
struck for Dowling's men. He called the battle the "Thermopylae of
the War", and "without parallel in ancient or modern war." The fort
has been washed away, but a marker and statue now stands in its
probably location. Also located in the park is four concrete
ammunition bunkers build during WWII.


Directions:

The "Dowling" letterbox is located just south of the city of Sabine
Pass. From Houston, go east on I-10 to SH 73. Turn right and go to
SH 87. Turn right and go through Sabine Pass, turning left 1.5 miles
south of town on Dowlen Road. Follow the signs to the "Historical
Area", and park by the multiple Historical Markers.


To the letterbox: