The History Center for Aransas County showcases local heritage. Outdoor and indoor exhibits tell the stories of the real people of Aransas County. The Center provides space for displays, workshops, meetings and gatherings. The Bruhl-Paul-Johnson house is a Queen Anne-Victorian cottage that was a popular style in the late 1800s. The house has had many owners including A.L. Bruhl, early 1900s pharmacist and Rockport mayor; Simon Paul, surveyor; and Chester Johnson who salvaged and moved the house from Wood and Laurel Streets in 1978 to make way for a bank parking lot. Even by the early 1900s, tourism began to
Read more →Born in Ireland, 1789; Died in Live Oak Point, Texas, 1852. With James Hewetson, he was granted authority January 11, 1828 to settle 200 families in Texas. Served Texas under three flags as empresario, soldier, statesman. Signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. Ever a loyal son of his adopted country; Honored and loved by his people. State Historical Marker Number: 2733
Read more →Marker Number 179 Created out of the coastal portion of Refugio County in 1871, Aransas County is the second smallest county in Texas. Within its boundaries are three bays of the Gulf of Mexico: Copano, St. Charles, and Aransas. The area was the site of early Indian inhabitation and Spanish exploration, as well as Anglo colonization efforts of the 1830s and 1840s. Aransas County communities are supported by such industries as fishing, agriculture, off-shore oil production, bird watching, and tourism. The county is home to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, created in 1937. (1990) Marker Number 180 Created September 18,
Read more →Danish native Andrew Sorenson (1864-1941), established a reputation as a hunting and fishing guide in this area in the early 20th century. He bought 240 acres of land (.5 mi. W) in 1909 and in 1912 incorporated the private Port Bay Hunting and Fishing Club. Charter members included prominent citizens from Texas and the U.S. Adjacent waters teem with ducks and geese in season. Despite hurricane damage to club structures over the years and a reduction in size to 46 acres of land, the club continues to attract members who embrace the traditions of conservation and sportsmanship. (1991). State Historical
Read more →(June 14, 1886 – November 29, 1973) Born Conger Neblett in Corsicana, and married to Jack Hagar in 1926, Connie Hagar received early training as a musician. She and her sister became interested in birds and worked as volunteers with the U.S. Biological Survey. The Hagars moved to Rockport in 1935, shortly after Connie made her first visit here. She became a self-taught authority on Texas birds, and her expertise was sought by professionals and amateur ornithologists from around the world. In 1945 the Texas Legislature designated this waterfront property as the Connie Hagar Wildlife Sanctuary. (1990)
Read more →In July 1845 President James K. Polk directed General Zachary Taylor to deploy into disputed territory in Texas, on or near the Rio Grande near Mexico. Taylor chose a spot at Corpus Christi, and his Army of Occupation encamped there until the following spring in anticipation of a Mexican attack. During this time, Taylor is said to have had a camp site near Rockport, TX at a place now called Zachary Taylor Park or Zachary Taylor Arboretum Park.
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