San Patricio, Texas.
History of San Patricio, Texas, from Handbook of Texas, on line: San Patricio Texas
Founded 1829, Mexican officials gave 86 land grants to Irish Catholic settlers. The municipality was established in 1834 with William O'Docharty as Alcalde. During the efforts towards independence, the citizens supported (it seems for the most part) the revolution.
In February, 1836, General Urrea surprised Col. Johnson's Texas men at San Patricio and killed or captured most of the unit. After the battle, "the Mexican army became an ever-present menace." San Patricio became a ghost town.
Not until General Taylor arrived in south Texas in 1845 was law and order restored as he established a dragoon of troops there. Although demarked as the county seat of San Patricio County by Texas in 1836, not until 1848 did it again have enough population to have a post office. The town was incorporated in 1853.
Efforts have been made to preserve the town's landmarks. World championship rattlesnake races are held on St. Patrick's Day.