Port Arthur

Deep-water port in Texas, USA, on the western shore of Lake Sabine, linked with the Gulf of Mexico by the Sabine-Neches waterway, 24 km/15 mi southeast of Beaumont; population (2000) 57,800. It is the USA's largest oil-refining centre, and has shipbuilding, brass, and chemical industries. Exports include petroleum, grain, cotton, rice, and lumber. Founded in 1895 as the terminus for the Kansas City, Pittsburg and Gulf Railroad, the city gained importance with the discovery of oil near Beaumont in 1901.

The surrounding area was settled in the 18th century by French Acadians, former inhabitants of Nova Scotia (now a province of Canada), who were deported by the British during the Seven Years' War (1756-63).

In 1994 cargoes handled amounted to 41,354,830 t (14th largest tonnage in the USA).