Nuecestown Cemetery
Historical marker location:This burial ground served the original residents of the Nuecestown community. The settlement was established in 1852 by Col. Henry Lawrence Kinney (b. 1814) who owned a trading post at Corpus Christi, 13.5 miles southeast. Originally called "The Motts" because of a grove of large trees, it was later named for the nearby Nueces River. Land was deeded to the settlers by the H.L. Kinney Estate for use as a public cemetery. The earliest known grave is that of Elizabeth Beynon who died in Nuecestown on December 4, 1854, at the age of four. Her parents Benjamin and Elizabeth B. Beynon died the following year and are also buried here. Two citizens interred at this site, William Ball (1831-1897) and George Frank (1834-1904), were kidnapped by bandits in an 1875 raid on the community. Both men managed to escape their captors and returned to Nuecestown. Other graves include those of six confederate veterans of the civil war, one world War I veteran, and one victim of the 1919 hurricane. Nuecestown was once the site of a Stagecoach Inn, public ferry, meat packing plant, cotton gin, post office, school, general store, churches, and blacksmith shop, but only the cemetery remains
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.
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 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.