What denotes the "Mean Higher High Tide" before 1840 according to Texas law?

The concept of "Mean Higher High Tide" (MHHT) in Texas law established prior to 1840 is linked to legal boundaries defined by Spanish and Mexican land grants. During this period, the boundaries of land grants were often determined by natural landmarks, including tidal boundaries.

Understanding that the Mean Higher High Tide refers to the average of the higher of two daily high tides over a period, the legal interpretation of where these tides fell was crucial for demarcating property lines. Since land grants were historically created with reference to these natural tidal marks, they established a legal precedent for ownership and territorial limits adjacent to coastal areas.

Thus, the defining of "Mean Higher High Tide" in relation to grants made by Spanish or Mexican authorities reflects the legal framework surrounding land ownership and the interactions between land and water. This historical context solidifies why this choice resonates as the correct answer regarding what denotes "Mean Higher High Tide" before 1840 according to Texas law.