Historical Marker

Antonio E. Garcia

Historical marker location:
1322 Comanche St., Corpus Christi, Texas
( Sacred Heart Catholic Church, northwest corner of Comanche and Alameda streets)
Marker installed: 2016
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

Marker
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© OpenStreetMap contributors

(1901-1997) Remembered for his contributions to the art community, Antonio E. Garcia was a talented Mexican American artist who created wood carvings, public frescoes and murals, and impacted generations of artists. Antonio E. Garcia was born in Monterrey, Mexico, in 1901. In 1914, during the Mexican Revolution, Garcia and his two sisters were sent to San Diego, Texas, to live with their grandfather and two aunts. After high school, Garcia attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago from 1927 to 1930, where he earned two art prizes in 1929. In 1935, Garcia and his wife, Herminia Gonzales Garcia, moved to Corpus Christi where he utilized influences from his Mexican heritage to create award-winning frescoes. The self-taught fresco painter created his first major public work, March on Washington, in 1933 for the Dallas Museum through the Public Works Administration. In 1936, Garcia's easel painting, Woman Before a Mirror, a life-size representation of his wife, was exhibited at the Texas Centennial Exhibition in Dallas. The easel painting, Juneteenth Review, garnered notoriety for Garcia when it won first prize in the Southern State League Exhibit in 1949. Between 1942 and 1948, Garcia painted three Buon (True) frescoes for his parish Church of the Sacred Heart in Corpus Christi. Each painting is over thirty feet high and together they cover the sanctuary dome. Other prominent works include Mexican Annunciation at Presidio La Bahia in Goliad (1946), the 44-foot fresco of the Immaculate Conception in the Corpus Christi Seminary Chapel (1960) and wood carvings at Temple Beth-El and St. Thomas & Martin Episcopal Church. Garcia was also a book illustrator, one of the founders of the South Texas Art League in 1936 and taught courses at Del Mar College. A true inspiration to all who knew him, Garcia's art legacy continues to influence generations. (2016)

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.

Texas is known for its love of football, and the state has produced many great football players, including legends like Tom Landry, Earl Campbell, and Vince Young.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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.