Historical Marker

Travis Baptist Church

Marker installed: 2011
Marker size: 27" x 42"

TRAVIS BAPTIST CHURCH

IN 1911, RESIDENTS OF THE RURAL SOUTHWEST NUECES COUNTY FARMING COMMUNITY OF LONDON FORMED THE LONDON BAPTIST CHURCH. THE CONGREGATION INCLUDED FORTY CHARTER MEMBERS AND SERVICES WERE FIRST HELD IN THE COMMUNITY’S SCHOOL, WHICH HAD BEEN DONATED BY SAM AND FANNY LONDON. THE LONDONS DONATED PROPERTY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A CHURCH BUILDING IN 1920. ALTHOUGH THE BUILDING WAS DESTROYED BY FIRE IN 1936, ANOTHER WAS QUICKLY CONSTRUCTED.

WORLD WAR II CAUSED A DECLINE IN POPULATION IN THE LONDON COMMUNITY AS RESIDENTS ENLISTED IN THE MILITARY OR RELOCATED TO SUPPORT THE WAR EFFORT. THE CORPUS CHRISTI AREA BOOMED AFTER THE WAR, AND THE BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTION OF TEXAS PROPOSED THAT LONDON BAPTIST CHURCH RELOCATE TO CORPUS CHRISTI, WHERE MANY CHURCH MEMBERS LIVED. A SITE WAS SELECTED NEAR TRAVIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND THE LA ARMADA HOUSING PROJECT, WHICH HOUSED NAVY PERSONNEL. THE CHURCH MOVED IN 1945, AND THE CONGREGATION’S NAME CHANGED TO TRAVIS BAPTIST CHURCH. WHEN A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTION IN 1959 SHOWED THE NEED FOR A CHURCH IN THE SCHANEN ESTATES AREA, THE CONGREGATION AGAIN ACCEPTED THE CHALLENGE TO RELOCATE TO PROPERTY AT THE CORNER OF SCHANEN BOULEVARD AND WEBER ROAD.

TRAVIS BAPTIST CHURCH PARTICIPATES YEARLY IN A COMMUNITY-WIDE THANKSGIVING SERVICE AND SPONSORS AN ANNUAL SUMMER CAMP FOR CHILDREN. THE CONGREGATION HAS SPONSORED MANY OUTREACH PROGRAMS, INCLUDING SUPPORT OF CHURCHES IN CALIFORNIA AND MARYLAND, AND HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED BY THE BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTION FOR ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE MINISTRY OF HISPANIC MISSIONS IN SOUTH TEXAS.

175 YEARS OF TEXAS INDEPENDENCE * 1836-2011

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.