Corpus Christi, Nueces County seat, TX attractions, landmarks, history, photos. (original) (raw)

History in a SeashellCorpus Christi played a role in the Civil War being the only town along such a long stretch of open beach. The Union forces occupied Mustang Island in 1863 and actually bombarded Corpus Christi on two occasions. Ships had to anchor offshore and have their cargo lighted to town. In 1874 the channel was dredged to a depth of 8 feet, which greatly increased traffic.

The most significant incident in the city's history occurred in 1919 when a hurricane struck, causing incredible damage and the loss of an estimated 400 lives. President Harding pledged loans to cover a massive dredging project that was completed 7 years to the day after the storm. With the increased traffic to the port, the city doubled its population in ten years.

• Corpus Christi�Memorial Museum
• Padre Island National Seashore
  110 miles long. The JFK Causeway connects Corpus Christi to the island. The Visitor's Center telephone number is 391-949-8068.
• Lake Corpus Christi State Park
  It's out of town about 35 miles, but that's its name. 361-547-2635
  350 acres of park bordering on the 14,000-acre lake. Six miles south of the town of Mathis off Hwy 37.
  http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/lakecorp/lakecorp.htm
• Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
  The home port of replicas of Christopher Columbus' 3 ships as well as rare artifacts of both Natural and Cultural local history. 1900 N. Chaparral 361-883-2862
• The Texas State Aquarium
  Open seven days a week. 1-800-477-GULF
  "[This] is a wonderful place to visit, it's on North Beach next to the Lexington. We are soon to start construction on "Dolphin Bay," a place for rescued and recovering dolphins. New 10 thousand seat arena home of Division I Texas A&M Corpus Christi "Islanders." The University is putting in it's own beach that will be completed in August. The National Seashore 63 miles of uninterrupted beach and you can drive all the way to Port Mansfield! (if you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle). Shore fishing is great and you can catch'em without getting your feet wet. We have world class wind surfing, people come from all over the world to wind surf the largest, windiest bay in the country. World championships are held every May. Power Boat Shoot out in June it's free and you can watch from the Bayfront. The night life is hot on Waterstreet live music and great seafood restaurants.... - Jim Lago, July 08, 2001
• Kite Museum
• Selena Museum
• Asian Cultural Museum
• Port of Corpus Christi & Harbor Bridge
  Hwy 181 spans the harbor at 235 feet. Great view for people other than the driver. Observation deck below the bridge allows visitors to ship-watch.

Photo courtesy Roxanne Krisch

Corpus Christi, Texas

Old Photos & Post Cards

People Street, Corpus Christi, Texas
Postcard courtesy www.rootsweb.com/ %7Etxpstcrd/

Corpus Christi Cabbage
Postcard courtesy www.rootsweb.com/ %7Etxpstcrd/

Mexican Kitchen, Corpus Christi, Texas
Postcard courtesy www.rootsweb.com/ %7Etxpstcrd/

Prickley Pear Cactus, Corpus Christi, Texas
Postcard courtesy www.rootsweb.com/ %7Etxpstcrd/

Cotton on Municipal Wharf, Corpus Christi, Texas
Postcard courtesy www.rootsweb.com/ %7Etxpstcrd/

Corpus Christi Chronicles

"General Zachary Taylor and army encamped here 1845
TE photo, March 2003

Elissa leaving Corpus Christi after Harvest Moon Regatta
Photo courtesy Ken Rudine, November 5, 2007

Corpus Christi Tourist Information

• Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce:
  1201 N. Shoreline Blvd. Corpus Christi, Texas 78401
  (361) - 881-1800
  http://www.corpuschristichamber.org/
• Corpus Christi Convention and Visitor's Bureau:
  1-800-766-2322
  www.corpuschristi-tx-cvb.org

A closed theatre in Corpus Christi
TE photo, March 2003
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