The materials in FOIA 1999-0804-F are a selective, not necessarily all inclusive, body of documents responsive to the topic of the FOIA. Researchers should consult the archivist about related materials. FOIA 1999-0804-F contains material concerning land on Matagorda Island, off the coast of Texas in the Gulf of Mexico. Land on this island belonging to the Hawes family was taken by the federal government in 1940 for use by the military....Read more
The materials in FOIA 1999-0804-F are a selective, not necessarily all inclusive, body of documents responsive to the topic of the FOIA. Researchers should consult the archivist about related materials. FOIA 1999-0804-F contains material concerning land on Matagorda Island, off the coast of Texas in the Gulf of Mexico. Land on this island belonging to the Hawes family was taken by the federal government in 1940 for use by the military. The United States Army declared the property "excess" in 1975 at which 1999-0804-F 1 time it was acquired by the Department of the Interior and made part of the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. This FOIA concerns attempts by the Hawes family to reacquire the property and to continue grazing cattle on the island. Material in the FOIA includes letters, notes, and news clippings. Letters from Joe Hawes document the family's history on the island and their attempts to regain possession of the land. Letters and notes also outline the government's position concerning the matter. News clippings include editorials and articles relating to the history of Matagorda Island and the government's actions regarding the island. The FOIA is very small, comprised of less than two hundred pages. Read less