Moravian Club of Nueces County
Historical marker location:An organization vital to the preservation of the area's rich heritage, the Moravian Club of Nueces County first formed to build and maintain a meeting hall for the many settlers of Czech descent, primarily Moravian, who migrated to southwestern Nueces County. Stanley L. Kostoryz (Stanislav Kostohryz), who in 1904 sold his Czech-language newspaper in Nebraska and resettled near Corpus Christi, led the migration. He purchased property which he renamed Bohemian Colony Lands, advertising it in Czech-language newspapers throughout the United States. Settlers soon arrived, coming mostly from Czech communities in central Texas in pursuit of affordable farmland. The new community became known as Kostoryz. In 1923, the Moravian Club of Nueces County, originally named the Moravian Recreational Lodge of Nueces County, formed to meet the need for a social facility in the growing settlement. Members built the first Moravian Hall in 1924, replaced with a larger structure in 1939 financed by the KJT (Katolická Jednota Texaská), a Catholic Czech fraternity. After the U.S. Navy bought land, then including the second hall, for Cabaniss Air Field, members built a third hall (1941). The various club halls served as centers for social and church activities, including dances, informal gatherings after Sunday mass, Kostoryz School programs, meetings for Czech organization and other events. Additionally, form the 1940s until the 1960s, the club hosted semi-pro baseball games in a field behind its main hall. Additional club activities focused on the promotion of Christianity, as well as Czech history and music. Today, the Moravian Club of Nueces County continues to maintain the Moravian Hall, celebrating the area's cultural heritage. (2007) Marker is property of the state of Texas
The immigration of Czechs to America has a rich history that spans several centuries. Here is a brief timeline highlighting key moments in Czech immigration to America:
1848: The Revolutions of 1848 across Europe, including the Austrian Empire (which included Bohemia and Moravia), sparked political and social unrest. As a result, some Czechs sought political refuge in the United States.
1850s: The first significant wave of Czech immigration to the United States begins. Many Czechs, primarily from Bohemia and Moravia, settle in areas such as Texas, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
1862: The Homestead Act, which offered free land to settlers, attracts Czech immigrants to the American Midwest, particularly to farming communities in Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas.
Late 19th to early 20th century: The peak period of Czech immigration to America. Economic opportunities and escape from political oppression and economic hardship in the Austro-Hungarian Empire drive large numbers of Czechs to emigrate. Many settle in urban areas like Chicago, New York City, and Cleveland, forming vibrant Czech-American communities.
1918: The creation of Czechoslovakia as an independent nation following World War I leads to a decrease in Czech immigration to the United States, as some Czechs choose to return to their homeland.
1930s to 1940s: The rise of Nazi Germany and subsequent occupation of Czechoslovakia during World War II prompt a new wave of Czech immigrants, including Jewish refugees fleeing persecution.
1948: The Communist Party takes control of Czechoslovakia in a coup, leading to further waves of Czech emigration to the United States as people seek political freedom and economic opportunities.
1968: The Prague Spring, a period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia, is met with Soviet military intervention. In its aftermath, many Czech intellectuals, artists, and professionals leave the country, seeking asylum in the United States and other Western countries.
1989: The Velvet Revolution, a peaceful transition of power in Czechoslovakia, ushers in a new era of democracy and freedom. Czech immigration to the United States continues, although at a reduced rate compared to earlier waves.
Today, Czech Americans form a vibrant community in the United States, contributing to various fields such as arts, sciences, business, and politics. Their cultural heritage is celebrated through festivals, organizations, and Czech language schools throughout the country.
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.
The Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
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.
Nueces County Timeline
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.