industrial complex, Brazoria county, southeastern Texas, U.S., comprising the cities of Freeport, Lake Jackson, Clute, Lake Barbara, Brazoria, Richwood, and other communities. Located at the mouth of the Brazos River on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, 50 miles (80 km) south of Houston, Brazosport has deep-sea harbour facilities and a large chemical complex (based on local resources of gas, oil, salt, seawater, and sulfur). Manufactures include plastics, machinery, metal products, and fabricated vessels. Commercial fishing is also economically significant. The area endured severe damage in 1961, when Hurricane Carla devastated the Texas coast. Brazosport (junior) College was established in Lake Jackson in 1968.