Bay City is a town with its roots deep in Texas history. It is the county seat of Matagorda County, one of the oldest counties in Texas. Bay City was incorporated in 1894, and during 1994 had a year-long centennial celebration.

Visitors are often amazed to find that Bay City is actually 25 miles from the Matagorda Bay system and the Gulf of Mexico. Its name comes from its location on the Bay Prairie, a vast coastal plain.

The Colorado River, combined with the Gulf, offer superb freesh and salt water fishing. Miles of coastal beaches offer an atmosphere for relaxation in the sub-tropical climate enhanced by prevailing southwesterly breezes.

Bay City is approximately 80 miles southwest of Houston off the intersection of Highways 60 and 35. The commerce of the area combines agriculture with high-tech nuclear and petrochemical industries which provides a healthy economy.

The fertile land has been a rich source for agricultural production, which includes cotton, corn, cane and rice farming. Cattle ranching is also an active income-producer.

The two largest parks in Bay City, LeTulle Park and Riverside Park, provide pavilions, picnic areas, nature trails and playground sites. Rio Colorado Golf Course is a Gary Player-designed course situated on the wooded bluffs of the Colorado River. This course has signature golf holes offering a challenge to all players. The city's Sports Complex provides recreational facilities and numerous ball fields.

Bay City's downtown "square" features historic buildings that house antique stores, clothing and shoe stores, furniture stores, jewelry, gift and craft stores.

The Matagorda County Museum, housed in a beautiful old historic post office, is one of the city's landmarks.

Matagorda County Industrial Foundation, in cooperation with the Bay City Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, work together with other city committees to bring industry to the county. South Texas Project, Celanese Chemical and EquiStar are a few of the large productive industries within the county.

Although rooted in history, Bay City has a forward-looking population who are busy planning for participation in the 21st Century.