McGloin, James, Homestead (Boundary Increase)
a.k.a. See Also:McGloin, James, Homestead
NW of San Patricio off TX 666, San Patricio, TXThe McGloin House and Homestead is set in the rural southern portion of the Texas Coastal Plain. Basically level, the land includes some low rolling hills. Vegetation is dominated by mesquite trees and short grasses. Round Lake lies to the east of the nominated property. Present land use is cattle grazing. Since disturbance of the area has been minimal, it retains its appearance of the period during which it attained its significance.
The McGloin House is adequately described in the original nomination. However, the outbuildings nearby were omitted. To the northwest are a barn, corral, well, water tank, and modern storage shed. The barn, about 300' from the house, is of board and batten construction, approximately 20 x 25 feet. Most likely, it was built in the 1930's. Of wooden rails, the corrals beyond were built slightly later. The well/tank apparatus is about 20' from the barn, and is simply constructed of wood and metal. The tank itself is on stilts. Between the house and the barn is a recent addition, a sheet iron storage shed. Its dimensions are approximately 24' x 35'. These outbuildings are within the 9 acre tract originally comprising the nomination.
The 25 acre site is part of the original 315.77 acre Santiago McGloin tract. It has retained to a considerable degree the same appearance it would have had during the 1830's, when it was settled by the empresario. At the time of the original nomination, the only verbal sub-division of the property was the 9 acre house lot. Since 315.77 acres was an obviously unmanageable tract, for possible Section 106 procedures and other considerations, the 9 acres was nominated. Now, Hubert McGloin, a direct descendant of James McGloin, has arranged to deed the 25 acre section to the Corpus Christi Area Heritage Society. The Survey was drawn to include enough land to cushion the house in an early 19th century ambience and help support the historic property with the land's income. The Society plans to open the newly restored McGloin House to the public as a house museum. Present land use, light cattle grazing, will continue, and the income from the grazing lease contributed to the site's maintenance. Without the additional 16 acres, sufficient funds may not be available to keep the historic site properly. The general area has undergone increased development in recent years. Although no such activity immediately threatens the McGloin homestead, consolidation of the historic land will deflect future subdivision into the 2 to 5 acre house lots being developed nearby.
The McGloin House is adequately described in the original nomination. However, the outbuildings nearby were omitted. To the northwest are a barn, corral, well, water tank, and modern storage shed. The barn, about 300' from the house, is of board and batten construction, approximately 20 x 25 feet. Most likely, it was built in the 1930's. Of wooden rails, the corrals beyond were built slightly later. The well/tank apparatus is about 20' from the barn, and is simply constructed of wood and metal. The tank itself is on stilts. Between the house and the barn is a recent addition, a sheet iron storage shed. Its dimensions are approximately 24' x 35'. These outbuildings are within the 9 acre tract originally comprising the nomination.
The 25 acre site is part of the original 315.77 acre Santiago McGloin tract. It has retained to a considerable degree the same appearance it would have had during the 1830's, when it was settled by the empresario. At the time of the original nomination, the only verbal sub-division of the property was the 9 acre house lot. Since 315.77 acres was an obviously unmanageable tract, for possible Section 106 procedures and other considerations, the 9 acres was nominated. Now, Hubert McGloin, a direct descendant of James McGloin, has arranged to deed the 25 acre section to the Corpus Christi Area Heritage Society. The Survey was drawn to include enough land to cushion the house in an early 19th century ambience and help support the historic property with the land's income. The Society plans to open the newly restored McGloin House to the public as a house museum. Present land use, light cattle grazing, will continue, and the income from the grazing lease contributed to the site's maintenance. Without the additional 16 acres, sufficient funds may not be available to keep the historic site properly. The general area has undergone increased development in recent years. Although no such activity immediately threatens the McGloin homestead, consolidation of the historic land will deflect future subdivision into the 2 to 5 acre house lots being developed nearby.
Bibliography
Bracken and Redway, Early Texas Homes. Southern Methodist University Press, Dallas, Texas, 1956.
Webb, Walter P., ed., Handbook of Texas, Texas State Historical Association, 1952.
Webb, Walter P., ed., Handbook of Texas, Texas State Historical Association, 1952.
Exploration/settlement; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The first domed stadium in the world, the Astrodome, was built in Houston in 1965 and hosted numerous sporting events and concerts over the years.
About San Patricio County
San Patricio County Timeline
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.
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.
San Patricio County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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.