Historical Marker

Corpus Christi College-Academy

Historical marker location:
1200 Lantana, Corpus Christi, Texas
( Corpus Christi, 1200 Lantana)
Marker installed: 2010
Marker size: 27" x 42"

IN 1927, THE BENEDICTINE MONKS OF THE NEW SUBIACO MONASTERY IN ARKANSAS ACCEPTED AN INVITATION FROM BISHOP EMMANUEL LEDVINA TO ESTABLISH A CATHOLIC BOYS’ SCHOOL IN THE DIOCESE OF CORPUS CHRISTI. EAGER FOR SUCH A SCHOOL THAT HIS GRANDSONS COULD ATTEND, JOHN DUNN OFFERED THE DIOCESE FORTY ACRES OF THE DUNN FAMILY HOMESTEAD ON WHICH TO BUILD THE SCHOOL. THE TRACT, LOCATED APPROXIMATELY FIVE MILES FROM CORPUS CHRISTI, WAS DEEMED AN IDEAL SITE.

THE SCHOOL WAS NAMED CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE, AND THE FIRST STUDENTS, ENROLLED IN GRADES 7 THROUGH 12, STARTED CLASSES IN FALL 1928. A FIVE-STORY BRICK BUILDING HAD BEEN COMPLETED JUST IN TIME FOR THE START OF CLASSES. IN 1929, THE FIRST GRADUATING CLASS CONSISTED OF THREE STUDENTS. THE SCHOOL SOON BECAME KNOWN AS CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE-ACADEMY AND EVENTUALLY AS CORPUS CHRISTI ACADEMY. WITH INCREASED ENROLLMENT, A BAND, A CHOIR, AND SPORTS TEAMS WERE ESTABLISHED FOR STUDENTS. FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS THE SCHOOL HAD ITS OWN MUSEUM, WHICH CONSISTED OF THE PRIVATE COLLECTION OF JOHN B. DUNN, A COUSIN OF THE JOHN DUNN WHO HAD DONATED THE SCHOOL PROPERTY. THE COLLECTION WAS LOANED TO THE CORPUS CHRISTI MUSEUM IN 1964 AND WAS LATER SOLD TO THE MUSEUM.

THE ACADEMY’S PEAK ENROLLMENT OCCURRED IN 1948, WHEN THE SCHOOL POPULATION CONSISTED OF 200 STUDENTS. ADDITIONS TO THE SCHOOL PLANT DURING THE 1960s CONTRIBUTED TO BUDGETARY SHORTFALLS, AND THE BENEDICTINES GAVE UP OPERATION OF THE SCHOOL AT THE END OF THE 1966-1967 TERM, LEAVING OVERSIGHT TO THE DIOCESE OF CORPUS CHRISTI. DESPITE EFFORTS TO RAISE FUNDS TO SAVE THE SCHOOL, A DECISION WAS MADE TO CLOSE THE CORPUS CHRISTI ACADEMY IN MAY 1972

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

education
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
Texas random facts
Nueces County, located in southern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area first saw human habitation thousands of years ago, with Native American tribes such as the Karankawa and Coahuiltecan peoples inhabiting the region. European exploration of the area began in the 16th century, with Spanish explorers claiming the land for the Spanish crown. However, it wasn't until the early 18th century that the first permanent settlements were established.

In 1828, the Mexican government granted land to Colonel Henry Lawrence Kinney, an American entrepreneur, who founded the trading post of Kinney's Trading Post near the Nueces River. This marked the beginning of Anglo settlement in the area. Nueces County was officially established in 1846, following the Texas Revolution and subsequent annexation of Texas by the United States.

Throughout the 19th century, Nueces County played a significant role in Texas' development. The town of Corpus Christi, which served as the county seat, became an important regional trade center due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. The county flourished as a shipping hub for livestock, cotton, and other agricultural goods.

The county's history was greatly influenced by its participation in several military conflicts. During the American Civil War, Corpus Christi served as a center for Confederate forces, and the county witnessed both Union and Confederate occupation. Additionally, the county played an important role during World War II, with Corpus Christi becoming a major training center for Navy pilots.

In recent times, Nueces County has continued to grow and evolve. The county's economy has diversified, with tourism, oil and gas, and the military being major contributors. The region boasts numerous attractions, including beautiful coastal beaches, cultural sites, and a vibrant culinary scene. Today, Nueces County remains an important and thriving part of Texas' history and economy.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Nueces County, Texas.

  • 1836 - Nueces County is established as one of the original counties in the Republic of Texas.
  • 1845 - Texas becomes a state of the United States, and Nueces County remains part of the state.
  • 1848 - The county seat is established in Corpus Christi.
  • 1850 - The population of Nueces County reaches 756 residents.
  • 1852 - The Corpus Christi Cathedral is constructed, becoming a significant landmark in the county.
  • 1872 - The railroad reaches Nueces County, leading to increased economic development and population growth.
  • 1875 - The Nueces County Courthouse, built in the Renaissance Revival style, is completed.
  • 1900 - A devastating hurricane strikes the county, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1914 - The Port of Corpus Christi is established, becoming a major hub for trade and industry.
  • 1931 - The Nueces County Courthouse is expanded and remodeled to its current appearance.
  • 1940 - Nueces County experiences a population boom, with the county's residents totaling over 101,000.
  • 1987 - Hurricane Gilbert causes widespread destruction in Nueces County and the surrounding areas.
  • Present - Nueces County continues to be a thriving center for commerce, industry, and tourism.