Sunshine Cemetery
Historical marker location:From the late 1800's until the early 1940's, the Sunshine Community encompasses this part of what is now Corpus Christi. The small farming and ranching settlement, also known as encinal, boasted a school, union church, and post office. The sunshine school was in operation from 1887 until 1942, when it was consolidated with the Aberdeen School. Baptist, Methodist, Church of Christ, and other denominations alternated Sunday services at the Union Church. The post office and the cemetery at this site are the only physical remnants of the Sunshine Community. The oldest marked grave in the cemetery, that of Ethel Eva Capeheart, is dated 1903. Tombstones in the Sunshine Cemetery reflect the family names of some of the early settlers who came to the area. John James Parry (d. 1920), a native of Wales, came to Texas in 1872. A farmer and rancher, Parry also preached Baptist services at the Union Church. His wife, Mary Elizabeth (1854-1935), and five of their ten children and buried in the Parry Family plot. The Haney Family section includes the burial site of James Silas Haney (1871-1939), his wife Ella Smith (1882-1962), and seven of their ten children. Other members of the Sunshine Community and their descendants also are buried here
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 state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
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.