Historical Marker

Stanley L. Kostoryz

Historical marker location:
3602 Panama St., Corpus Christi, Texas
( Kostoryz Elementary)
Marker installed: 2013
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

The Bohemian Land Colony, a vision of Sanley L. Kostoryz, changed the landscape of the coastal bend and drew residents from all over the U.S. and Czechoslovakia to south Texas. Stanislav l. Kostohryz was born in 1866 in Strakonice, bohemia. In 1886, he and his wife, Alice, moved their family to New York. The family lived in Chicago and then moved to Nebraska where Kostoryz earned his teaching degree at Western Normal College. In addition to his teaching abilities, Kostoryz was also a journalist, politician and land developer. In 1902, he traveled to south Texas looking for land investments and established the bohemian land colony two miles southwest of Corpus Christi.

Over the next two years, Kostoryz purchased over 7,783 acres that he subdivided into 80-acre lots for purchase. Utilizing his journalistic prowess, he placed advertisements for the Bohemian Land Colony in Czech newspapers throughout Texas, the mid-west and Czechoslovakia. He labeled the colony the “winter vegetable garden of America,” where farmers could raise several crops a year. In 1906, Kostoryz and his family moved to Nueces County where he continued to sell acreage to Czech pioneers. In 1907, Kostoryz established the Kostoryz common school district No. 26 and, in 1909, a one-room schoolhouse was erected. When Kostoryz’s youngest child died during a football game in 1921, he and his wife returned to Czechoslovakia. He died in 1924 and is buried in Prague. By the time he left Nueces County, the Bohemian Land Colony boasted a school, church and several mutual aid societies. Kostoryz’s vision and determination turned 10,000 acres of brush into a productive Czech agricultural community

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.

Agriculture
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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 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.