Historical Marker

Coleman-Fulton Pasture Company

Historical marker location:
Green Ave. & Gregory St., Taft, Texas
( Blackland Museum, Green Avenue at Gregory, Taft)
Marker installed: 1988
Marker size: 27" x 42"

The Coleman, Mathis, Fulton cattle company was formed in 1871 by partners George Ware Fulton, youngs Coleman, Tom Coleman, Thomas Henry Mathis, and J.M. Mathis, with headquarters in Rockport. The The Coleman-Fulton Pasture Company, with 167,000 acres of land, was organized in 1879 after the Mathis cousins left the partnership. Fulton was a pioneer in fencing of the open south Texas range and in shipping cattle by boat from company wharves. Continuing financial problems led Fulton to borrow funds for the company from David Sinton of Ohio. Eventually Sinton gained control of the company and at his death willed his interest to his daughter, Anna, wife of Charles P. Taft. The company became known locally as the Taft Ranch. Joseph F. Green became manager in 1900 and built the ranch into one of the largest and most innovative in the state, introducing new crops and cattle breeds. The city of Taft was formed in 1904 as a company town and was sold at auction in 1921. Constructed in 1923, this building was the last headquarters for the Taft Ranch. By 1928 all ranch enterprises had been sold. The company's charter expired in 1930, leaving the town of Taft as its legacy

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.

ranching business cattle
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.
Texas random facts
San Patricio County, located in southeastern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that spans many centuries. The area was initially home to various indigenous peoples, including the Karankawa, who inhabited the region for thousands of years. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers began to arrive, claiming the land for Spain and establishing missions in the area. These missions played a significant role in the region's early development.

By the early 19th century, Mexican settlers began to populate the area, leading to the establishment of San Patricio de Hibernia, a small community near the Nueces River. This settlement grew, becoming the county seat and a major center of commerce. However, as tensions grew between Mexico and the United States, San Patricio County became a focal point of conflict during the Texas Revolution. In 1836, local residents joined forces with Texan rebels to fight against Mexican forces in the Battle of Nueces.

After Texas gained independence from Mexico, San Patricio County continued to grow and develop. The discovery of oil and natural gas in the early 20th century brought prosperity to the area and attracted new industries. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, also played a significant role in the county's economy. Over time, the county's population diversified, with immigrants from Ireland, Germany, and other parts of Europe contributing to its cultural heritage.

In recent decades, San Patricio County has continued to thrive, with the expansion of industrial and manufacturing sectors. The county is home to major refineries, chemical plants, and a naval air station. It has also become a popular tourist destination, with its coastal location offering beautiful beaches, recreational opportunities, and attractions such as the Copano Bay State Fishing Pier and the historic town of Sinton. Today, San Patricio County remains a vibrant community, embracing its rich history while looking toward a bright future.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of San Patricio County, Texas.

  • 1828 - The Mexican government grants land to Irish empresarios James Power and James Hewetson, leading to the settlement of Irish immigrants in the area that would become San Patricio County.
  • 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico, and San Patricio County is officially established as a county of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1870 - Railroads, including the Texas-Mexican Railway, begin operating in San Patricio County, boosting trade and transportation in the region.
  • 1886 - The discovery of oil in neighboring Nueces County leads to the development of the petroleum industry in San Patricio County.
  • 1927 - The town of Taft is incorporated, becoming an important center for the oil and gas industry in the county.
  • 1941 - The Naval Air Station Corpus Christi is established southwest of Portland, becoming a major training base during World War II.
  • 1961 - The construction of the Port of Corpus Christi's Ingleside Marine Terminal begins, further boosting the county's economic growth.
  • 1970 - The completion of the Interstate Highway 37 connects San Patricio County to major transportation routes.
  • 2017 - Hurricane Harvey makes landfall in San Patricio County, causing significant damage to the area.