Smith-Brundrett House
901 N. Austin Street, Rockport, TX 78382 , West side of N. Austin St. between Orleans and Cedar streets. (see map) MARKER TEXT Built in 1903 in Old Rockport, this Cottage and Craftsman Style House is an early frame Bungalow surrounded by giant oak trees. In 1920, W.H. smith, grandson of early Refugio pioneers, bought this house where he lived with his second wife, their four children and his sister. In 1934, John Frederick Brundrett and his wife, Elizabeth, purchased the house. Fred was a rancher and the family ranched on 8,000 acres on Matagorda Island and later on Port Bay. The Brundrett’s were devout members of the First Presbyterian Church. The Brundrett’s remained in this house for 53 years, until Fred’s death in 1987 at age 99. This home is a symbol of the generations of influence on local history.
Joe & Bertha Harper House
811 N. Live Oak, Rockport, Tx 78382 (see map) MARKER TEXT Built around 1910, this two-story frame Colonial Revival was used as a boarding house for shipyard employees. The home was also used for shelter for 50 refugees during the 1919 hurricane that devastated the coast. In 1920, county judge Joe A. Harper (1881-1928) and his new wife, Bertha Oertling Harper (1888-1978), purchased the home. Judge Harper, a four-term County Judge, was influential in bringing the first coastal highway to the area which spurred development. After Joe’s untimely death in 1928, Bertha and her siblings lived in the home for almost 45 years while she continued her long career as a teacher for primary grades and at the First Baptist Church.
A.L. Bracht House
409 N. Magnolia, Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) Adolph Bracht (1872-1961) was born in Rockport and worked at lumber and grocery stores before establishing his own wholesale and retail grocery in 1899. He was a charter member of the Intracoastal Canal Association and active in the Chamber of Commerce and Sacred Heart Catholic church for many years. He shipped vegetables raised by growers in this area and the Rio Grande Valley. He ran his grocery business until his retirement in 1947. Adolph and his wife Gertrude (Prophet) had nine children. Their prairie-style two-story house (Built c.1898-1902) features lap siding, a low-pitched roof with dormers, wraparound porch with Doric columns and cast stone footings and an asymmetrical facade with bay windows.
Site of Aransas Hotel in Rockport
Austin and Main St.,Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) MARKER TEXT Built in 1889 by civic leader and politician John H. Traylor, the Aransas Hotel covered this city block. The three-story structure, a major tourist attraction in Rockport, had about 100 rooms and a massive open dining room with a 200 person capacity. Guests were entertained by orchestras, plays, a mounted bird display, and beach facilities. They could also cruise in Traylor’s yacht, or tour in surreys from the livery stable. Remodeled and named the Del Mar in the mid-1890s, it was sold in 1910. Deteriorated by 1906 and unused during World War I, the hotel was destroyed by fire in 1919. (1996)
Cavasso Creek
28°13’06.2″N 96°59’15.8″W N Hwy 35 N., Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) Cavasso Creek North of Rockport on Hwy. 35 at the first bridge crossing a creek. There is a pull off on the south side of the bridge. Private property is on both sides of the road. Do not climb over fences. This is a brackish estuary marsh. Resident species – Clapper Rail and Seaside Sparrow Winter Species – Sora, Virginia Rail, Boat-tailed Grackle
Shell Ridge Road
2800 Shell Ridge Road, Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) 28°00’07.7″N 97°03’32.9″W Resident species – Black-necked Stilt, Willet, Mottled Duck, Reddish Egret, Black Skimmers, Reddish Egret Spring and Summer Species – Least Tern nest in the fenced area near the road Winter species – Lesser Scaup, large rafts of Redhead, Eared Grebe Shell Ridge Road Proceed south on Church Street past the Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary. Shell Ridge Rd is on the left at the bend in the road. This is private property on both sides of the road. Please stay on the road in your car.
Moore’s Pond
28°03’39.2″N 97°04’18.1″W 2520-2520 FM 1781, Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) Species – Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Neotropical Cormorant, Anhinga, Osprey, Pied-billed Grebe, White-tailed Hawk, occasionally Fulvous Whistling-Duck, and Great Kiskadee Moore’s Pond From FM 1069, turn onto FM 1781. Moore’s Pond is .3 on the left. Moore’s Pond This is a busy road. Be watchful of cars. Good Birding if the pond contains water Moore’s Pond From FM 1069, turn onto FM 1781. Moore’s Pond is .3 on the left. Moore’s Pond This is a busy road. Be watchful of cars. Good Birding if the pond contains water.
Old Salt Lake Road
100 Old Salt Lake Rd, Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) Common Winter Species – Vermillion Flycatcher, Easter Bluebird, Greater Roadrunner, Great Kiskadee, Cassin’s Sparrow Old Salt Lake Road At the 4-way stop on FM 1781, Old Salt Lake Road is on your right if you are heading south. There is a road sign. This road is surrounded by private property. Stay on the road. This is a dry brushy area.