Aransas Pass Light Station
N of Port Aransas on Harbor Island, Port Aransas, TXThe first aid to navigation on the Texas coast was a light vessel that was placed at Galveston in 1849. In the 1850s the federal government began erecting lighthouses to assist the mariner as he approached or coasted along the Texas shores. The first towers were at Bolivar Point at Galveston Bay and Pass Cavallo on Matagorda Island. The following year the Lighthouse Board erected towers at Point Isabel and at Brazos Santiago near the Mexican border. Then in 1854, the Board placed three 'small screw-pile lighthouses in Galveston Bay. Three years later the Board completed and lighted a brick light tower at Aransas Pass near Corpus Christi. Of these first lights on the Texas coast, only two -- Point Isabel and Aransas Pass -- survive.
Though today it is the second oldest lighthouse on the Texas coast, the Aransas Pass Light Station remained in service for a far longer period of time than did Point Isabel, going out of service in 1952, some 47 years after Point Isabel was extinguished for the last time. Moreover, Aransas Pass Light Station survives almost as it was during its active years; the oil house and the radio beacon are the only structures that do not stand today. All that remains of Point Isabel is the tower.
The Aransas Pass Light Station came into being in 1857. The need for a light at Aransas Pass had been long recognized. In 1851 Congress authorized a light there and the officer sent to locate a site for one recommended a lightship for the pass. In 1852 the group of officers and scientists that shortly thereafter came to constitute the Lighthouse. Board urged that a light be placed at Aransas Pass, and the following year, after the Board had received responsibility for this country's aids to navigation, it dispatched Lt. Commanding H. S. Stellwagen to that area to locate a site for a light station. Feeling that light was required at the pass to permit vessels to navigate safely the pass and to provide coasting vessels an "invaluable ... landmark on a coast where there is so much sameness as to make it almost impossible to distinguish one place from another," he recommended placing the light station "on the small island back of the pass" where it could serve both as a coastal guide and an aid to cross the Aransas Pass Bar.
The island "back of the pass" where the light station was placed was then called Low Island. In time its name was changed to Harbor Island Composed primarily of black mangroves and marsh grass, the island was but a foot or two above the surrounding water. On a higher portion of the island, the Lighthouse Service marked off 25 acres and erected a light tower and a keeper's dwelling. Though the Lighthouse Board began taking steps to build the light station in 1853, the station was not completed until 1857.
Local significance of the district:
Though today it is the second oldest lighthouse on the Texas coast, the Aransas Pass Light Station remained in service for a far longer period of time than did Point Isabel, going out of service in 1952, some 47 years after Point Isabel was extinguished for the last time. Moreover, Aransas Pass Light Station survives almost as it was during its active years; the oil house and the radio beacon are the only structures that do not stand today. All that remains of Point Isabel is the tower.
The Aransas Pass Light Station came into being in 1857. The need for a light at Aransas Pass had been long recognized. In 1851 Congress authorized a light there and the officer sent to locate a site for one recommended a lightship for the pass. In 1852 the group of officers and scientists that shortly thereafter came to constitute the Lighthouse. Board urged that a light be placed at Aransas Pass, and the following year, after the Board had received responsibility for this country's aids to navigation, it dispatched Lt. Commanding H. S. Stellwagen to that area to locate a site for a light station. Feeling that light was required at the pass to permit vessels to navigate safely the pass and to provide coasting vessels an "invaluable ... landmark on a coast where there is so much sameness as to make it almost impossible to distinguish one place from another," he recommended placing the light station "on the small island back of the pass" where it could serve both as a coastal guide and an aid to cross the Aransas Pass Bar.
The island "back of the pass" where the light station was placed was then called Low Island. In time its name was changed to Harbor Island Composed primarily of black mangroves and marsh grass, the island was but a foot or two above the surrounding water. On a higher portion of the island, the Lighthouse Service marked off 25 acres and erected a light tower and a keeper's dwelling. Though the Lighthouse Board began taking steps to build the light station in 1853, the station was not completed until 1857.
Commerce; Engineering; Transportation
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
About Aransas County
Aransas County Timeline
Aransas County, located on the southwestern coast of Texas, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Lipan Apache. Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century, followed by French and English explorers in the 17th century. These early expeditions led to the establishment of Spanish missions and settlements in the region.
In the 19th century, Aransas County played a significant role in the fight for Texas independence from Mexico. The famous Battle of Refugio, a key engagement in the Texas Revolution, took place in the county in 1836. Following Texas' independence, Aransas County was officially established in 1871, named after the Aransas River, and Rockport became the county seat.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Aransas County thrived as a shipping and fishing hub. The construction of the railroad in the late 1800s greatly accelerated the county's growth, connecting Rockport to major cities and markets. The fishing industry also boomed, attracting entrepreneurs and providing economic stability.
However, the 20th century brought challenges to Aransas County, including economic recessions and natural disasters. Hurricanes, such as the devastating Hurricane Harvey in 2017, have had a significant impact on the county's coastal communities. Despite these obstacles, Aransas County has shown resilience and continues to attract tourists with its natural beauty, historic sites, and recreational opportunities, making it an important part of Texas history and culture.
In the 19th century, Aransas County played a significant role in the fight for Texas independence from Mexico. The famous Battle of Refugio, a key engagement in the Texas Revolution, took place in the county in 1836. Following Texas' independence, Aransas County was officially established in 1871, named after the Aransas River, and Rockport became the county seat.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Aransas County thrived as a shipping and fishing hub. The construction of the railroad in the late 1800s greatly accelerated the county's growth, connecting Rockport to major cities and markets. The fishing industry also boomed, attracting entrepreneurs and providing economic stability.
However, the 20th century brought challenges to Aransas County, including economic recessions and natural disasters. Hurricanes, such as the devastating Hurricane Harvey in 2017, have had a significant impact on the county's coastal communities. Despite these obstacles, Aransas County has shown resilience and continues to attract tourists with its natural beauty, historic sites, and recreational opportunities, making it an important part of Texas history and culture.
Aransas County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Aransas County, Texas.
- Pre-1800s: Aransas County was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Karankawa tribe, who relied on fishing and hunting for their livelihoods.
- 1825: The area that would become Aransas County was part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas.
- 1834: The Mexican government granted a land title for the area to James Power and James Hewetson.
- 1839: The Republic of Texas established Aransas County as one of its original counties. At this time, the county covered a much larger area than it does today.
- 1850s: The county began to see increased settlement with the founding of towns like Rockport and Fulton, primarily due to the potential for trade and access to natural resources like timber, fish, and shellfish.
- 1861-1865: Aransas County, like other parts of Texas, was greatly affected by the American Civil War. Union forces occupied the area at various times during the war.
- Late 19th century: The county's economy continued to rely on industries like fishing, cattle ranching, and cotton farming. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further facilitated commerce in the region.
- 20th century: The early 1900s brought changes to the county, including the arrival of the oil and gas industry, which brought new jobs and economic opportunities. Hurricane Harvey hit the county in 2017, causing significant damage but also spurring community recovery efforts.
- Present day: Aransas County remains a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic coastal landscapes, wildlife habitats, and recreational activities like fishing and birdwatching.