Historical Marker

Irishtown

Historical marker location:
1518 Chaparral, Corpus Christi, Texas
( 1518 Chaparral)
Marker installed: 2007
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Bounded by Twigg and Tiger Streets, Hall's Bayou and Corpus Christi Bay, the section of the city's Ward One known as Irishtown included primarily Irish residents, although there were also Anglo Americans, Mexican Americans, African Americans, Greeks and others. By the 1830s, Irish settlers migrated to San Patricio in response to advertising in the northeastern U.S. by empresarios McMullen and McGloin. Others came with the establishment of Henry L. Kinney' trading post or after serving under Gen. Zachary Taylor during the U.S.-Mexican War (1846-48). Many early settlers were carpenters, laborers, farmers, cattlemen, merchants or blacksmiths. In 1853, a Methodist church began in Irishtown; its building provided space for school as well as worship services. Builders constructed the first Nueces County Courthouse that year, followed by the second, built in 1875 and known as the Hollub Courthouse, and third, built in 1914. By the late 1880s, the San Antonio & Aransas Pass Railway reached the city, with a depot on Tiger Street. By 1900, Irishtown had a volunteer firefighting unit, Shamrock Hose Co. No. 4. The community also had a baseball team which played on a field at the intersection of Chaparral and Fitzgerald Streets. Nearby was Artesian Park, where bands featuring neighborhood musicians held concerts and festivals, and politicians campaigned for office. Although Irishtown declined after the replacement of the Bascule Bridge with Harbor Bridge in 1959 and the loss of county offices in 1977, the Bayfront Science Park would become home to museums, convention and event facilities, and Heritage Park, which includes several residences of old Irishtown. Today, the historic neighborhood continues to be an area rich in culture and heritage. (2007) Marker is property of the state of Texas

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 concise overview of the key events in 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.