Aransas Pathways

Rockport Marine Laboratory

702 Navigation Circle, Rockport, Tx 78382 (see map) MARKER TEXT In 1935, Rockport Marine Lab was set up aboard the houseboat “Vivian” in Rockport Harbor to assist the Texas Game, Fish and Oyster Commission with fisheries management. In 1947, a permanent lab was built on the harbor, a state of the art facility including a public aquarium. When the commission merged into the Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept., the lab began support of its Coastal Fisheries Division in long-term management of fisheries populations to ensure sustainable stocks of finfish, shellfish and other marine life important to commerce and recreation. The lab’s research over the years has helped make Texas a national leader in marine fisheries management. 175 Years of Texas Independence * 1836-2011

Fulton-Bruhl House

Historical Marker Rockport Fulton-Bruhl House 4

409 N. Broadway, Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) MARKER TEXT Built about 1868, this vernacular early Texas home was purchased in 1872 by James C. Fulton, a noted early business and civic leader.  Fulton sold the home in 1907 to his son-in-law, Albert L. Bruhl, a pharmacist and civic leader who served three terms as mayor of Rockport.  The home exhibits Greek Revival elements and features Italianate porch supports, a five-bay entrance, and oversized dormers.  It has remained in the Bruhl family for over eight decades.    Recorded Texas Historic Landmark – 1988

Hoopes-Smith House

Historical Marker Rockport Hoopes-Smith House 4

417 N. Broadway, Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) Prominent local businessman and land developer James M. Hoopes (1839-1931) had this home built between 1890 and 1892.  The home later served as a hotel and boardinghouse between 1894 and 1930.  It was sold in 1934 to T. Noah Smith, Sr. (1881-1955), a prominent oilman and shipbuilder.  Features of the Late Victorian Queen Anne home include milled woodwork, roof cresting, a turret, and stained glass windows.  It is regarded as a local landmark.  Recorded Texas Historic Landmark  – 1989 State Historical Marker Number: 2557

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