Historical Marker

1919 Storm

Historical marker location:
200 Burleson, Corpus Christi, Texas
Marker installed: 1998
Marker size: 27" x 42"

On August 31, 1919, a tropical storm developed in the Caribbean Sea. For two weeks it grew in intensity, undetected, and moved into the Gulf of Mexico. By midnight on September 13, a hurricane was approaching an unsuspecting south Texas coastline. Residents of the thriving resort town of Corpus Christi finally were told to seek higher ground at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday, September 14. By noon, water flowing into the city from the Gulf had reached a depth of three feet. A minor hurricane in terms of wind velocity, the storm's most devastating force was in the tidal waves it generated. The most powerful of these hit the city in the late afternoon. The tide reached more than twelve feet in height in Corpus Christi and was higher at White Point.

Debris and oil borne on the waves crashed onto North Beach and downtown Corpus Christi. Fourteen thousand bales of cotton were hurled at the shoreline of Corpus Christi and Nueces Bays. Downtown houses and buildings, except the Nueces Hotel and the power plant, were devastated. Three hundred to four hundred homes were destroyed on North Beach, where only three buildings were left with more than rubble by Monday morning.

Property damage was estimated at $20 million. Three hundred and fifty-seven people died in the surrounding area, including Port Aransas and Rockport; 286 of the victims were from Corpus Christi. The campaign to rebuild the city commenced immediately, beginning with the deep water port and channel to the Gulf dedicated on September 14, 1926, the seventh anniversary of the 1919 storm. Corpus Christi remained at the mercy of tidal waves and storms until a seawall was built in 1941. (2000)

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.

weather topics
Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may.
Sam Houston in Speech to the Constitutional Convention of 1868
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.