The town was founded in 1834 at the site of Mission Nuestra Señora del Refugio, which was relocated here from the swamps of Calhoun County in 1795. Today, this is the seat of Refugio County and a commercial center for oil-production, ranching and farming. Public parks offer picnicking, playgrounds, tennis courts and a municipal swimming pool. Fishing and water sports are available on nearby coastal bays. Hunters seek migratory waterfowl, deer, wild turkey and wild boar.