Historical Marker

Corpus Christi and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway

Historical marker location:
James Strong Pavilion, Corpus Christi, Texas
( Take Harbor Ave. north until it deadends a the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. Turn left. James Strong Pavilion is 45 yards ahead)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

CORPUS CHRISTI AND THE GULF INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY

THE ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR BROUGHT THE U.S. INTO WORLD WAR II. NEW NAVAL TECHNOLOGY AND THE APPEARANCE OF GERMAN U-BOATS MEANT THAT AMERICA WAS VULNERABLE TO SEA-BORNE ATTACKS. CORPUS CHRISTI HAD OIL WHICH WOULD ALLEVIATE THE EAST COAST SHORTAGE AND HAD THE ABILITY TO SHIP OVER ONE MILLION TONS OF CARGO. WITH THE CREATION OF THE GULF INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY, SOON TO BE KNOWN AS THE CANAL, CORPUS CHRISTI BECAME AN ACTIVE AND EFFECTIVE PARTICIPANT IN WORLD WAR II BY LINKING ITS PORT TO HARBORS NORTH, SOUTH AND EAST OF TEXAS. IN 1905, CLARENCE S.E. HOLLAND CALLED FOR A CONFERENCE IN VICTORIA TO ESTABLISH AN INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY LOBBY. HE ENVISIONED A CANAL LINKING THE RIO GRANDE AND MISSISSIPPI RIVERS. THE INLAND WATERWAY LEAGUE, LATER RENAMED THE INTRACOASTAL CANAL ASSOCIATION OF LOUISIANA AND TEXAS (ICALT), WAS FORMED.

IT WASN’T UNTIL 1930 THAT EASEMENTS WERE ACQUIRED TO SECURE PROPERTY FOR THE CANAL. ENGINEER GEORGE HOFFMAN’S CONCEPT FOR A LAND ROUTE WOULD PROTECT THE SHIPS FROM STORM CONDITIONS IN THE BAY, AND LATER, FROM THE ENEMY. BY 1944, THE CANAL WAS CARRYING OVER 900 OIL-LADEN VESSELS FROM CORPUS CHRISTI TO THE EAST COAST, AND BY THE END OF 1945, INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY SHIPMENTS TOTALED OVER ONE MILLION TONS. AS THE NATION ENTERED THE COLD WAR YEARS, PRODUCT WAS STEADILY MOVING OUT OF THE CANAL TO PROCESSING CENTERS IN OTHER STATES. BY THE END OF 1951, IT WAS CARRYING OVER 25% OF THE PORT OF CORPUS CHRISTI’S TOTAL TONNAGE. POPULATION ALSO INCREASED WITH THE CREATION OF THE CANAL. NUECES COUNTY GREW 80% AND CAMERON COUNTY GREW BY HALF. AT THE DEDICATION OF THE CANAL, ROY MILLER STATED, “THE CANAL IS THE WORK OF MAN’S HANDS. BUT IT IS MOST OF ALL A CREATURE OF DESTINY.”

(2012)

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.

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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.