Historical Marker

Joseph French Green and La Quinta Mansion

Historical marker location:
204 W. 4th St., Gregory, Texas
( Gregory City Hall next to their existing marker for that city. The actual location of the remains of the La Quinta Mansion are accessible only by contacting the property owner.)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Ohio native Joseph French Green arrived in South Texas after the building of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railroad. During a lawsuit in 1886, the opposing counsel, David Sinton, was so impressed by Green that he hired him to manage the 224,000-acre Catarina Ranch near Gregory. Four years later, Sinton appointed Green the manager of the Coleman-Fulton Pasture Company, which spanned Aransas and San Patricio counties. Green was responsible for renovating the ranch by introducing new farming methods, crops and cattle breeds.

Joseph Green married Mae Mathis, the daughter of Thomas Mathis, a founder of the Coleman, Mathis, Fulton Cattle Company. Green built his new bride La Quinta mansion in 1906-07. The home was a three-story mansion overlooking Corpus Christi Bay three miles south of Gregory. The mansion was built large enough to accommodate guests to the ranch, with twelve bedrooms and six baths. The second floor included a gallery, and the top floor had an observation deck. President William Howard Taft, half-brother to Charles P. Taft, majority owner of the Coleman-Fulton Pasture Company, was one of the first guests to stay at La Quinta. During his stay in Oct. 1909, the ranch hosted a rodeo and barbecue in his honor. On Nov. 20, 1926, Joseph Green died from surgery complications. At the time of his death, he was president of the Taft Bank and the First National Bank of Gregory, and on the board of both the Odem and Sinton banks. He was laid to rest in the Taft Cemetery. La Quinta was the core of the region, and was known as the “White House of the Taft Ranch.” In Jan. 1938, the mansion was ruined by fire. (2013)

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 first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
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.