table of contents - museums of port isabelhistoric port isabel, texas - - - - 3 in 1928, the point...

Don Chencho (by Rod E. Bates) ....................................... 2-3Kingfish Article Reprint (July 7, 1934) ............................. 4Friends Served... Reprint (April 8, 1942) ......................... 5Champion Bros. Article Reprint (Nov. 19, 1941) ....... 5 & 6Port Isabel’s Merchant Districts. ...................................... 8Brazos History (by Rod E. Bates) ......... 7 (cont. pg. 9 & 10)Burglars Leave Dime... Reprint (April 16, 1942) ........... 11A Brief Local History (by Museum Staff) .................... 12-13Shrimpers Catch... Reprint (July 4, 1934) ...................... 14Landmark Moved... Reprint (November 18, 1931) ........ 19Bright Blue Dog... Reprint (February 24, 1932) ............. 20History of South Padre Island (by Rod E. Bates) ........... 21Lighthouse R.G.V. Birthday... Reprint (April 4, 1934) ... 22Do Your Part... Reprint (July 4, 1934) ............................. 23Article Reprints (April 18, 1934 & Jan. 16, 1929) ............ 25First Cut of Channel... Reprint (November 7, 1928) ...... 27Ferries... Reprint (November 14, 1928) .......................... 28Calendar of Events 2003-2004 . ..................................... 28Over 2,000 Carloads Stone... Reprint (July 4, 1934) .... 29Pictorial (Historical Local Photographs) ..................... 30-31Shrimping Industry (Brief History of) ............................. 31Area Maps with Points of Interest. ... 32 - inside back cover

The ‘Historic Port Isabel’ booklet was published tocommemmorate Port Isabel’s colorful and rich history and

also to showcase our local businesses. As unique as PortIsabel’s history is the business community that enriches boththe local resident and tourist alike. We invite you to take part inour past and our future. Enjoy this look at our history andsupport the businesses that have supported this publication.

Table of Contents

Historic Port Isabel, Texas - - - www.portisabel.org - 1

The Port City Mercantile store is built on or near the site of the cus-tom house of the port of Matamoros. The site was also important duringthe Mexican American war as the site of historic Fort Polk built by GeneralZachary Taylor and used as a supply site for the Battle of Palo Alto andsubsequent battles of the Mexican War.

Mrs. Rosa Eubank Christensen bought the property following Hurri-cane Beulah. What had been the patio of the Ship Cafe (one of the firstbuildings in Port Isabel and formerly the Pate Cafe) became Pop’s SurfShop which was a popular surfer’s spot in the 60s run and built by “Pop”Gene Dunston. When Carl Christensen inherited the property, and whenhe had time to devote to the property following his retirement from teach-ing (43 years down the drain), he rebuilt the building and started withone case of jewelry, opening on Mothers’ Day in 1998.

Together with his wife Margaret, also a retired teacher, and with thehelp of daughters in law, Lynette Christensen and Leah Christensen andgreat employee Elvia Garcia Zuniga, the shop has become a popular suc-cessful place to browse and buy fun things.

You will often see children in this place of business---Peter and Danieland Clara Rose and Jane and even Emma sometimes, daughter of Carl andMargaret’s daughter Julia Loken, who also makes the fun shell sculp-tures. Port City Mercantile is a family business in lots of ways.

Rosa Christensen was a Valley pioneer, arriving in the Valley just intime for the bandit trouble in 1914, when she was twelve years old. Shebegan her teaching career in Las Yescas, part of the Los Fresnos districtnow: she was 16 years old and could make $200 a month as a countryteacher in a one room school. Because the teacher that preceded her hadbeen killed, she always wore a pistol on her hip while teaching there.

She went on to become a local legend: business woman, teacher,principal in San Benito for many years. She founded the Santa Rosa Rancharound 1949, following in the footsteps of her parents, ranchers KarlEubank and his wife, Clara Kyurkendahl Eubank. She was also an artistand art teacher and inspired some of the local artists. You can see someof her artwork in the shop. Those who knew her found her to be a memo-rable person, and the mural on the side of the shop and the rose in thedoor are memorials installed by her only son Carl.

Her grandsons and daughters are all in the education business in oneway or another; her beloved grandson Carl Christensen, Jr. is employed ashead of the labs at Texas A & M University in Corpus Christi, granddaugh-ter Rose is a teacher in Premont, granddaughter Julia, an English teachercurrently rearing her daughter Emma, grandson Ben teaches English inLos Fresnos High School, and grandson Daniel Eric is a science teacherand tennis coach at Berta Cabaza Junior High in San Benito. These familymembers are her living memorials.

PORT CITY MERCANTILESpecializing in Silver and Pearl Jewelry

423 E. Maxan on Lighthouse SquarePort Isabel, Texas

Phone & Fax (956) 943-5066

Don Chencho’s Port Isabelby Rod E. Bates

2 - www.portisabel.org - - - Historic Port Isabel, Texas

Throughout history, certain individuals have becomesynonymous with the country they founded or the era they livedin or perhaps an invention they conceived. George Washingtonand Henry Ford immediately come to mind. A person only needsto mention such a famous name, and his audience automaticallyassociates the individual with his historic deed. Mention, forexample, the Wright brothers and the first flight in an airplane isthe automatic association.

Port Isabel is no exception. As early as 1523 this area wasexplored by the Spaniard Francisco Garay. Famed Pirate JeanLaFitte was rumored to ‘hide out” at this location, even digging afresh water well to supply his ships, in present day Laguna Vista.Padre Nicolas Balli lived in this area and Padre Island bears hisname to this day. Zachary Taylor, the commanding General of allU.S. troops during the northern campaign of the Mexican Warand future president of the United States, occupied a fortifiedposition called Fort Polk where the Lighthouse now stands.Winfield Scott, U.S. Grant, Jefferson Davis, “Rip” Ford, WarrenG. Harding and many, many more famous men have all left theirmark on Port Isabel history, and any one of them could beconsidered as an area icon.

But, for Port Isabel, one man is considered head andshoulders above all these worthy notables, his name is DonChencho. He embodies the spirit of Port Isabel more than anyother. Living a remarkable 119 years, this one man’s life sawand participated in dramatic changes to Port Isabel and theLaguna Madre area. You may not be familiar with Don Chenchoby name, but you have likely seen his image. Postcards heraldedhim as Port Isabel’s most photographed man! If you look closelyat the stately old gentleman aboard his wagon, with his trustyburro providing the power, pausing in front of the historiclighthouse, you’ve seen Don Chencho! His image can be seen onmuch official literature and advertising in the Laguna Madrearea.

During this remarkable man’s life Port Isabel saw muchchange and growth. Chencho was born in 1831, during whichtime Port Isabel was part of Mexico and was known as ElFronton. Don Chencho’s family moved to El Fronton during theMexican-American War. The town was occupied by theAmerican Army and renamed Point Isabel, inspired by the“point” of land that jutted into the bay, and Queen Isabella’s rolein the discovery of the new world. After the war, Point Isabelbecame an important American port and custom’s location. Astrade increased, the need for a navigational light becameapparent and in 1852 the Point Isabel Lighthouse was built. DonChencho served as a construction worker on the project andbecame forever connected with the historic beacon. In the

(Don Chencho - continued on page 3)


In 1928, the Point Isabel Land Company bought much of theland on which our city is now located. They realized thattourism and fishing were a superb platform from which tomarket the “new” town and the rest is history! After renamingthe town, “Port Isabel”, and making vast infrastructureimprovements, the town of Port Isabel was off and running!Throughout this entire century of progress and advancement,one thing remained constant, the people. Always hardworkingand industrious, the people of Port Isabel kept striving to betterlife in our area and make Port Isabel a great place to live and tovisit. Among them, the unofficial ambassador of the localresidents through much of this time was Don Chencho,providing an invaluable service to his community as he broughtwater to its residents for a dime a barrel.

As increasing numbers came to visit, his fame and popularitygrew. Until the day he passed on to his reward in the next life, hepolitely allowed the tourists to interrupt his busy day to take hispicture. With pride and dignity he represented the people of thisseaside community until 1950, when he died at the incredibleage of 119 years. Through those many years he saw Port Isabelmake dramatic advances as many noted historic individuals lefttheir mark. But for me, when I think of Port Isabel’s history, itwould not be complete without Don Chencho, sitting proudlyatop his wagon in front of the lighthouse he helped build as ayoung man, as he welcomes everyone to come visit his belovedPort Isabel!

(Don Chencho - continued from page 2)1860’s as our nation fought the Civil War, both Union andConfederate soldiers occupied Point Isabel and our area hostedthe last land battle of the American Civil War. Post-war, the

nation began thereconstruction processand robust tradereturned. Area merchantsrealized that a railroadfrom Port Isabel’s portand custom’s facilities toBrownsville, and thenMexico, would vastlyimprove life in southTexas and northern

Mexico. In 1872, the Rio Grande Railroad became a reality andPoint Isabel was once again the hub of great activity andcommerce. The railroad brought a new business to “The Point”,tourism!

Though just a trickle at first, this was a foretaste of goodthings to come! Residents from Brownsville and area ranchesbuilt summer homes at Point Isabel to take advantage of thecooler climate along the Gulf shores. As other rail systems androutes of commerce developed, Point Isabel’s role as a tradehub declined but tourism and the fishing industry kept thishearty community on its feet.

Don Chencho, photographed withhis familiar wagon and burro.

Antiques & CollectiblesCollectible Gifts • Consignments

Brass Nautical • GlasswareLamps • Books • Fenton Glass

Wind Chimes • Tin Signs412 Queen Isabella Blvd., Port IsabelAcross from the Lighthouse on Hwy. 100

(956) 943-6889Open 7 Days a Week: Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sunday, Noon - 5 p.m.

Our roots run deep.Margaret RiveraMortgage Companyconsists of a group ofdedicated profession-als focused on youand our community.

Licensed Mortgage Brokerage302 E. Queen Isabella Blvd., Ste. F

Port Isabel, Texas 78578Office: 956.943.7300 • Cell: 956.371.1231 • Fax: 956.943.7686

www.margaretrivera.come-mail: [email protected]


In an article published in the Wednesday, July 11, 1934 issue ofthe Port Isabel Pilot reported on how many fish were caught onone Sunday. The article read as follows:

Port Isabel is now enjoying one of the greatest fishing seasonsin its history, and as a result, hundreds of visitors are attracted hereeach week. Not only has trout fishing and surf fishing for reds beenexceptionally good, but outside fishing is better than ever knownhere previously.

Last Sunday was a banner day for outside fishing. Kingfish bythe tons were caught. Twenty-eight boats fishing for kings Sundayreturned loaded to the gunnels with this game species, it beingestimated that over 3,000 kingfish were caught here Sunday,aggregating in weight 15,000 to 20,000 pounds.

In addition, great schools of Spanish mackerel and bonitas wereseen, but anglers ignored these almost entirely. However, a largenumber of jackfish which were also plentiful, were caught, some ofwhich weighed over 45 pounds.

One of the largest catches of Spanish mackerel was made Mondayby John H. Shary of Mission and W. H. Pattee, who in addition to anumber of kingfish, caught a barrel full of Spanish mackerel in avery short time.

Thousands of KingfishCaught Here Sunday

1920’s photo of bathers enjoying the beaches of South PadreIsland.

Pictured is the Queen Isabel Inn, once known as the BrazosHotel.


Friends Served Unusual DinnerIn an article published in the Wednesday, April 8, 1942 issue ofthe Port Isabel Pilot featured a story about an unusual dinner.The article read as follows:

Bob Cleveland and J.J. Spangler entertained a number of theirfriends Monday evening with a rattle snake dinner, the piece deresistance of which was baked rattle snake meat. The snake, whichBob Cleveland declared to have been milk fed on a mixture ofburro and sea cow milk, was in “prime condition”.

Other delicacies on the menu besides baked rattlesnake withvenom gravy were black-widow spider soup, lizard heart andgizzard salad, pickled horned frogs, tarantula cutlets, jelliedscorpion tongues, candied centipede ears and vinegarone pudding.

Those partaking of the feast admitted it was at least somethingdifferent in food from that which they are accustomed toconsuming.

A tropical lane inPort Isabel.ca. 1940s

In an article published in the Wednesday, November 19,1941 issue of the Port Isabel Pilot the closing of one of theoldest businesses in the Valley, the Champion Store wasannounced. The article read as follows:

After having operated here continuously for more thansixty-nine years the store of Champion Brothers, closed itsdoors last week. What stock remained after a special sale of aweek or more, together with some of the fixtures were movedto the Champion’s store in Mexiquito.

Ben Champion, who in recent years has conducted thebusiness, stated that he closed it because of other outsidebusiness requiring his attention, making it impossible for himto give the necessary time and attention to the business.

Established in 1872 by the late Charles Champion, it hasbeen operated since his death by his sons, in recent years byBen Champion. Not only is it one of the oldest businessinstitutions in Port Isabel but in Southwest Texas that has beencontinuously operated over as long a period of time bymembers of the same family.

(continued on page 6)

Champion Brothers StoreCloses Here Oldest in Valley

South Padre IslandGolf Course


(continued from page 5)Painted on the exterior of the two story brick building are

hundreds of fish found in local waters which has been anattraction for tourists in recent years. It is probably one of themost photographed structures in the Valley. A photograph ofthe building appeared in an issue of the National Geographicmagazine about two years ago in connection with a story on theValley.

The Champion Brothers Store now houses the Port IsabelHistoric Museum, part of the Museums complex which alsoincludes the “Treasures of the Gulf Museum” and the PortIsabel Lighthouse and Keeper’s Cottage.


History of BrazosIsland by Rod E. Bates

Brazos Island, located across the pass from South PadreIsland, is the most historic beach in Texas! Today, Brazos Islandis void of most modern improvements, however in the past,Brazos was the hub of bustling activities and was host to twotowns and numerous historic individuals and events.

The first inhabitants of Brazos Island were tribes of nativepeoples who found sustenance from the abundant naturalresources. Early Spanish explorers mentioned these locals andconsidered them quite hostile. Some were thought to becannibalistic, and many eyewitnesses reported a Negro tribe,perhaps escaped slaves.

The first Spaniards visited Brazos in 1519 when CaptainAlonzo Alvarez de Pineda came ashore and reported on the area,its inhabitants and resources. A marker stone found at themouth of the Rio Grande River years ago is thought to be fromthis exploration, and bears the captain’s name. It is now ondisplay at the museum in Harlingen, Texas.

The next explorer to visit Brazos Island was FranciscoGaray. On July 25th, 1523, he and his party dropped anchor in



Port Isabel’s MerchantDistricts

As the light enters the lens prism of thelighthouse and is divided, it creates a rainbowof color each reflecting the individualcharacteristics of the eight districts:• Silver describes the Four Corners District, thegateway to Port Isabel and the Laguna MadreArea. Its color also represents the silverTarpon.• The Triangle District is represented bymahogany. The triangle was created by theconstruction of roads to the Navigation Districtand The Fingers in the 1930s.• The Channel District is represented by terracotta. This rich color describes the familiarpatina found on the waterfront. Its icon, theBrown Pelican, was inspired by the painting ofa pelican on the second floor of the ChampionBuilding.• The Park District is appropriatelyrepresented by green. As one is often distractedby the sparkling waters of the Laguna Madre,the lush green landscaping can be overlooked.Here it is showcased in Buelah Lee Park, withthe fountain forming the icon for this district.• A beautiful rich blue represents the source ofthe light that creates the color for each district.As the Lighthouse was a navigational beacon, sotoo, it serves as a beacon to both visitor andlocal alike and is the icon for the LighthouseDistrict.• Old Garcia Street District, represented by aroyal purple, takes its icon from the naturalvegetation that was familiar to early rancherssuch as Don Rafael Garcia, for whom the streetwas named.• South Shore District, still home to manyshrimping fleets and industry related facilities,takes its color from the golden shrimp and itsicon from the vessels that grace its docks.• The Port District is a spacious district,depicted by bright blue, its icon a familiarsight at the dock. The Port District is home toindustry related businesses and vessels of awide variety.

Port Isabel’s Merchant Districts make thiscommunity interesting to both the casual visitorand the historian. For more information onPort Isabel’s Districts and their history, contactthe Port Isabel’s Museums at (956) 943-7602.


History of Brazos Island continued -the natural harbor inside the pass. Being Saint James Day, henamed the pass “Los Brazos de Santiago” or the “Arms of SaintJames”. Garay’s name for Brazos Island and the Pass is among theoldest still in use in south Texas!

In 1554, 300 unfortunate souls were shipwrecked on PadreIsland by a violent hurricane. Their vessels were destroyed and tomake matters worse, they were preyed upon by savage Indians. Adecision was made to march south and try to reach Tampico. Asthey fled south, the survivors surely passed over Brazos Island.Only one man, a priest, survived this tragic march now known asthe Flight of the 300. Their story is best depicted at the Treasuresof the Gulf Museum in Port Isabel.

For the next 200 or so years, Brazos Island was the domainof wildlife and Indians. Then in 1747 a successfull colonizationparty led by General Jose de Escandon was a success and thetowns of Camargo, Reynosa and Mier were among the firstsettlements founded. As civilization spread, ranches began toflourish in the outlying areas. Brazos Island was part of such aranch and its harbor was vital to local trade. As commerce andshipping increased, so too did smuggling, and Brazos Island andits harbor was a favorite “smuggler’s lair”.

In the 1820s, after winning Independence from Spain,Mexico established a fort on the north end of Brazos Island. Itscannons had excellent command of the pass and made local

trade safer. As business boomed, Mexico established a custom’shouse on Brazos, near the harbor. Only a severe hurricane couldslow the trade and in 1844, Brazos Island took a direct hit. Thestorm did so much damage that the troops and custom’s house



History of Brazos Island continued -were moved to El Fronton, or present day Port Isabel.

In 1846, war broke out between the United States andMexico and Brazos Island played a crucial role in the conflict.General Zachary Taylor and the American Army were sent tosouth Texas and a fort was established at Point Isabel. This fortand the depot on Brazos Island were the main supply link forTaylor’s northern Mexico campaign. During the Mexican War,Brazos Island was host to thousands of American Troopsincluding such notables as Winfield Scott, Jefferson Davis andU.S. Grant. After the War, gold discoveries in California broughtscores of fortune seekers through the Brazos depot on their waywest.

After the relative quiet of the 1850s, war again affectedBrazos Island and this time we fought each other. At the start ofthe American Civil War, both sides realized the importance of theport of Brazos de Santiago. Though deep in rebel country, theUnion Army, led by General Nathanial Banks, landed on BrazosIsland in 1863 and occupied the area for the duration of the War.The last battle of the Civil War was fought by troops from thisUnion garrison. Confederate Colonel John “Rip” Ford, nostranger to Brazos, led the victorious rebels in this battle.

After the Civil War, Brazos Island remained an importanttrade port, a fact strengthened by the founding of the Rio GrandeRailroad in 1872. Important lifesaving and quarantine stations

were also located on Brazos at this time. The deep water channelthrough the pass inland to Brownsville diminished the port’simportance and Brazos Island became the haven of sportsfisherman and bathers. Now a State Park, Brazos Island is one ofthe few unspoiled beach areas left to the public. Though nomodern facilities await the visitor, the rugged charm of thishistoric Island should be inspiration enough. This is the finestbeach available in Texas at no charge to those who wish to enjoyour natural tropical seashore!

Del Mar Beach...on Historic Brazos Island, advertised as themost southern resort in the U.S.A., featured cottages, arestaurant, store, dance pavillion and bath house. ca. 1930s.


In an article published in the Wednesday, April 16, 1942issue of the Port Isabel Pilot featured a story about aburglary in the Gulf Café in Port Isabel. The article read asfollows:

Sometime during Tuesdaynight between the hours of 9 p.m.and 1 a.m. in the absence of Mr.and Mrs. A. Kampik, parties thusfar unknown entered the GulfCafé stealing from the cashregister between $35 and $30,according to Mr. Kampik.

The money taken, said Mr.Kampik, was in change, mostlynickels, quarters, a few halfdollars and a few pennies. A lonedime in the till was eitheroverlooked or intentionally left by

Burglars Leave CaféOwner a Dime

the burglar.Entrance to the café was gained by using a skeleton key on

the lock on the door on the west side of the building.Returning shortly before 1 a.m. from Harlingen where they

(Mr. and Mr. Kampik) had been in search of a kitchen maid,Mr. Kampik went to the cash register to take out the change asis his nightly custom-but the other fellow had beat him to it.


A Brief LocalHistory

Port Isabel is one of the most historic seaside communitiesin state of Texas. Originally named “El Fronton De Santa Isabel”by the Spaniards and later the “Point” because of a bluffextending into the Laguna Madre Bay, Port Isabel witnessedmany important events that impacted our national history.Included in these events are the U.S. Mexican War and CivilWar.

During the 1820s, Don Raphael Garcia ranched the areabringing with him the first signs of a permanent settlement. In1846, during the U.S. Mexican War, Zachary Taylor used thestrategic location of the “point” to establish Fort Polk, a supplygarrison. Then in 1852, the Point Isabel Lighthouse was builton the Fort Polk site to accommodate the growing shippingindustry of the time. When the national railroad arrived in1905, Port Isabel’s population decreased, but then during the1920s, realty companies began selling land to northerninvestors luring them to the fertile and sunny lands of the Valleyand Point Isabel began promoting itself as an important touristcenter.

With increased tourist traffic, changes and improvementsbegan to take place in the Laguna Madre area. The “Fingers”better known then as Little Venice was developed for summercottages, motor courts were opening, roads were being built,the bluff around the Lighthouse was leveled and a square wasestablished. Finally, a portwas planned and thephrase “building a citywhere a city belongs”became the motto for thecommunity. Because of thisprogress, the city felt it wasimportant to catch up withthe times and on March 13,



Pictured above is a century of photos of thePort Isabel Lighthouse. Still open to the public,the view from the top is well worth the 78 stepclimb. Top row from left to right: 1890s; 1890s;1900-1910; 1926; 1930s. Second row: mid1930s; late 1930s; early 1940s; mid 1940s; late1940s. Third row: 1952, 1990.

(continued from page 12)1928, the city was incorporated andchanged its name from “Point Isabel” to“Port Isabel”.

Port Isabel has blossomed since itsincorporation 75 years ago, with uniqueshops, restaurants, historic hotels, andmuseums that make up this historic andcolorful community. Spend a daydiscovering Port Isabel- climb thebeautiful newly restored Point IsabelLighthouse for a breathtaking view ofthe Laguna Madre area, learn about PortIsabel’s fascinating history by visitingboth the Port Isabel Historical Museumand the Treasures of the Gulf Museum,select a unique gift at one of the manyfine specialty shops, savor the flavors ofthe region by visiting the many restau-rants, and pick up fresh seafood fromone of the oldest fish markets in thearea. Many of these places are withinwalking distance from each other. Wehope you enjoy your visit to historic PortIsabel.


In an article published in the Wednesday, July 4 th, 1934 issue ofthe Port Isabel Pilot ran a story about an ‘electric’ fish. The articleread as follows:

An electric fish, the first seen in Port Isabel in fifteen years,according to Tony Valent, was caught in the shrimp nets by the fishingcrew of Valent & Custer Friday morning.

The fish gets its name from the fact that when handled one getsa distinct electric shock. It is a flat almost transparent beautifullymarked tropical fish. Tony Valent exhibited the tiny specimen onthe palm of his hand and said it was the smallest one he had everseen.

Highway 100 Under Construction in 1929In an article published in the Wednesday, January 23, 1929 issueof the Port Isabel Pilot featured a story about Highway 100. Thearticle read as follows:

We note that Brownsville proposes to send a committee to Austinto endeavor to secure state aid on the missing link in the Militaryhighway connecting that town with San Benito. Would it not be wellthat Port Isabel sends a committee to urge upon that body theimportance of completing a highway into town, once the work ofconstructing the additional five miles promised us is started. Whenthis construction is in progress is the time to urge upon the statehighway commission the vital need of the completion of Highway100. We believe if the proper efforts are brought to bear we willsecure this road. Port Isabel, the only coast town in the Valley, isthe only one without a highway. Let’s go after it and get it.Development never precedes transportation facilities, but followsthem.

Visits Old HomeIn an article published in the Wednesday, November 18th, 1931issue of the Port Isabel Pilot ran a story about Joseph H. Dear,grandson of Civil War Captain Clark. The article read as follows:

Joseph H. Dear visited Port Isabel last week for the first timesince 1910. Mr. Dear was born here October 31, 1884, his motherhaving been the daughter of Captain William Clark, pioneerbusinessman, in what was then Point Isabel as well as the old townof Brazos.

During the Civil War Captain Clark, with his family, resided onClark’s Island, named after him, and during a bombardment by thefederal gunboats, his property on the island was destroyed.

Mr. Dear’s Father, John Dear, died here in 1892 and shortlyafter his death the family moved to Brownsville, where they residedfor many years. Mr. Dear is now serving his fourth enlistment in theUnited State army and is stationed at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio.

Shrimpers CatchElectric Fish


Laguna Vista WellnessDr. Charlotte Romay/Chiropractic(956) 943-1333

Capt. Pat KelleyMaritime Training(956) 451-5365

ImaginationsA Salon of Beauty(956) 943-8500

Putter’s Pub & PizzaRestaurant & Tavern(956) 943-4339

Kool BeansCoffee & Ice Cream Co.(956) 943-7506

Coastal SpiritsFine Wine & Spirits(956) 943-1652

Elegant PackratConsignment & Resale - New & Used(956) 943-8880

ome visit the treasure of Laguna Vista...The Village at Laguna Vista, situated on

Santa Isabel Blvd. Laguna Vista’s name derived from itslocation on the Laguna Madre Bay and was settled by

early Mexican salt traders who trans-ported salt through the region to

northern Mexico. Ranchers thensettled, and reportedly the infa-mous pirate Captain Jean Lafitte,maneuvering their small sailing

ship through the tricky Brazos-Santiago Pass into the Laguna Madrethereby avoiding pursuing authoritiessailing in deeper-draft vessels. Folklorestaunchly maintains Lafitte and his mendug a well whose location can still be seenon Fernandez Street, midway betweenTaylor and Mesquite streets. Laguna Vistaand the Village at LagunaVista...Treasures Abound!


In an article published in the Wednesday, November 18, 1931issue of the Port Isabel Pilot reported on one of Port Isabel’shistoric homes being moved. The article read as follows:

The old summer home of Joe Vivier of Brownsville, one ofthe few landmarks of the early days of Port Isabel remaining onthe north side of the railroad, has been moved.

The house was purchased by Minesturon Garza, whomoved it to Mexiquito. The high plot of ground at the corner ofMaxan and Garcia streets, where the old Vivier house formerlystood, is soon to be graded to the level of the street, which willbe a much needed improvement.In another related story “Breaks His Nose” in this sameissue, the article read:

While engaged in moving the old Vivier house Sundayafternoon Frank Brown had his nose broken in an unusualmanner.

At the time Brown was engaged in jacking up the house,when the handle of the jack slipped from his hands, strikinghim across the bridge of the nose, shattering the bonecompletely. He was given medical attention by Dr. A. B. Leech.

Landmark Moved

Early photo of thePoint IsabelLighthouse showing the oil house.


In an article published in the Wednesday, February 24, 1932issue of the Port Isabel Pilot featured a story about a bluedog. The article read as follows:

There was an unusual and sudden demand here Saturdayby a number of local citizens for W. C. T. U. pledge cards, whena dog of a bright blue hue was seen roaming at large about thestreets. One man declared that not only did he see the blue dog,but on the day previous had seen one with a blue head and awhite body.

Whether this blue dog was a freak of nature; whether it wasthe effects of the depression that just naturally made the poorbrute blue, or whether it had fallen into a pot of dye, no onecould advance a plausible theory, but all who claimed to haveseen the unusual spectacle were firmly convinced that it wasnot an hallucination but was in reality an indigo canine.

Whence came he or whither traveling no one seemed toknow, nor could they ascertain the name of his master, if hehad one. Several declared that after diligently searchingthrough a number of volumes of natural history as well animal

Bright Blue Dog

Early photo of the Catholic Church in Point Isabel.

husbandry they could not find a single record of the existenceof such an animal. That while there were descriptions of blackdogs, white dogs, yellow dogs, spotted dogs and dogs of sundryhues, not a single instance of a blue dog was on record.

While naturally there are some Doubting Thomases, yetthose who claimed to have seen it are willing to make affidavitsto that effect. And while the mysterious blue dog is still in thecategory of unsolved mysteries, the demand for pledge cardscontinues and pastors of local churches reported a noticeableincrease in attendance Sunday.


A Brief History of SouthPadre Island by Rod E. Bates

I’ve walked the white sand beaches of Padre Islandnumerous times looking for treasure. Occasionally the driftingsands will uncover a relic of the past and cause my mind todrift back in time. Who built the ship that this bow timber isfrom and what misfortune deposited it here? Which Indianmade the stone arrow point found among the shells? Whattype of fossil is this? Who emptied the hand blown bottle foundin the dunes? The questions seem as numerous as the grainsof sand blowing past my feet!

You see, Padre Island has many secrets, and onlyscattered relics and stories remain of the Island’s early history.Ice Age fossils testify of creatures such as the mastodon thatroamed this area. Stone Age tools were left behind by ancienthunters on Padre and are occasionally found among theshifting sands. The natives who foraged on Padre wereconsidered especially ferocious by the first Spanish explorersto visit this area, and some had cannabalistic desires. In 1519this area of south Texas was explored by Captain AlonzsoAlvarez de Pineda. He and his men explored Padre and BrazosIslands as well as the Rio Grande River. Again, in 1523,Francisco Garay led an exploration of this area. 1554witnessed perhaps the most famous chapter in Padre Islandhistory, the flight of the three hundred.

For the next 250 years Padre was the domain of natives,hurricanes, shipwrecks and pirates. Then, around 1800, anew era dawned on Padre Island—ranching. Padre NicolasBalli, for whom the Island is named, founded the Santa CruzRanch. This enterprise was asuccess and thrived until thePadre’s death, then layabandoned until 1840. In thatyear, a Gulf storm wrecked JohnSinger and his family uponPadre and they reoccupied theold ranch and also prospered.At the start of the American CivilWar the Singer’s buried a vastfortune near their ranch andmoved north. At the war’s end,the Singer’s returned to dig upthe family treasure, only to finda violent storm had swept awaytheir landmarks. Thus was bornone of Padre Island’s most

famous treasure stories. Only the shifting sands of Padre knowwhere the treasure is today! These stories and numerousothers continue to capture the imagination of today’s beachcombers. The adventurous Island spirit still motivates us topreserve our history and heritage, for, if we don’t, theselegends will disappear like footprints on the windswept sand.


In an article published in the Wednesday, April 4, 1934 issueof the Port Isabel Pilot discussed the first anniversary of theLighthouse R.G.V. Grocery in Port Isabel. The article read asfollows:

Commemorating the first anniversary of the LighthouseR.G.V. Grocery in Port Isabel, A. C. Schaudies, manager, hasannounced an unusual number of attractive specials forWednesday and Thursday only of this week.

Mr. Schaudies is more than pleased with the progressmade by this popular store since it began business in PortIsabel, one year ago Friday. Each month the business hasshown a steady and substantial increase, and the daily salesrecord is now equal to most of the R.G.V. stores in the Valley,even though Port Isabel is the smallest town with an R.G.V.store. Last month the business of the Lighthouse R.G.V. wasgreater than 20 Valley stores of the same organization, althoughthese were all situated in larger towns.

Demonstrations of a number of well known and nationallyadvertised food products will be conducted in the Lighthouse

Lighthouse R.G.V. Birthday Party

Grocery on Wednesday and Thursday. Mr. Schaudies alsostated that the products of the Drawe Dairy of Mercedes, one ofthe largest and most modern dairies in the Valley, will behandled exclusively by the Lighthouse R.G.V. store. All milk isGrade A and tubercular tested, and bottled in the most sanitaryand modern manner. Other products from this dairy that willbe handled in addition to milk and cream, will be buttermilk,butter and infertile egg. A house to house delivery of thesedairy products will be made twice daily. Visitors to the store onWednesday and Thursday will be treated to samples of thismilk. This department will be under the supervision of PierceSchaudies.

As a trade inducement, an attractive ornamental blue birdclock will be given the patrons of this store on the purchase of$5 worth of merchandise and 99 cents in cash. This clock isnow on display in the Lighthouse R.G.V.


In an article published in the Wednesday, July 4, 1934 issueof the Port Isabel Pilot featured a column about supportingthe First Annual Fishing Rodeo. The article read as follows:

It is now just a few weeks until the Valley’s First AnnualFishing Rodeo is to be staged at Port Isabel. In other words, thetime until this event is getting short. Plans for the entertainmentof the many hundreds of visitors expected to attend, are beingmade by the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce, sponsoring therodeo.

In order that our visitors may be looked after, entertainedwhile here it is necessary for money for this purpose be raised.While a goodly sum has been raised since the Chamber ofCommerce started this campaign, yet not a sufficient amounthas been subscribed. In fact, only approximately half of theamount that will be needed has been subscribed.

Port Isabel cannot afford to fall down on this part of theprogram. It is absolutely essential that our quota be subscribedand paid in. If we fail to look after the visitors within our gates,then we may rightfully expect them to return to their homeswith anything but a favorable impression of Port Isabel and theValley. On the other hand, if they are looked after andentertained during their stay and their visit made a pleasantone, each and every one will have a good word for Port Isabeland the Valley. In other words they will be boosters.

This rodeo has been advertised throughout the nation for anumber of weeks, and will be until the opening date.Consequently we may anticipate Port Isabel to be thronged withboth participation in the rodeo and those coming “just to seethe fun” during the five day period the rodeo will be inprogress.

Too much emphasis cannot be placed upon theimportance of looking after the visitors. The citizens of PortIsabel cannot afford to fail to do their part. Port Isabel must notbe found wanting. It is squarely up to all of the citizens tohelp, to contribute to the rodeo fund. Those who have not yetdone, should at their earliest convenience. Do your part.

Do Your Part - FirstAnnual Fishing Rodeo


In an article published in the Wednesday, April 18, 1934issue of the Port Isabel Pilot reported how Port IsabelCitizens like to fly. The article read as follows:

Low prices for high flying is the only way to get people upin the air according to K.M. Oliver, pilot. The days of $5-a-flightbarnstorming are past.

Sunday, Pilot Oliver, from Mercedes, with his open cockpitTravelair, landed at the landing field west of Port Isabel andspent the day here taking up passengers at “four bits a crack.”

“The citizens of the port city are air-minded,” said Mr.Oliver. “ I had a brisk business all day long.”

Valley’s First Over-Water Hall Opens SaturdayIn an article published in the Wednesday, April 18, 1934issue of the Port Isabel Pilot featured a story on the first everdance hall over the bay. The article read as follows:

Port Isabel’s over -water dance hall and cafe, located onethousand feet over the bay at the end of a pier,openedauspiciously Saturday night with a large crowd enjoying thedancing and floor show.

As far as can be determined, this is the Valley’s first over -water pleasure center, and according to sponsors will prove apopular summer gathering place for Valley residents. JimmyUhl, owner of the Sea Breeze cafe, is the owner of the new1,000-foot pier, which is six feet wide and equipped with arailing on either side.

The opening Saturday night featured a floor show as theinitial offering. Bonnie Marie Hanson, Brownville, gave a tapdance, followed by a tango and an acrobatic dance. Theaudience was appreciative and encored the dancer. The floorwas packed with dancers, and the following day music wasoffered during the afternoon and evening and the crowdattending was large.

The new pier is 35 x 40 feet in connection, serving food,coffee, and cold drinks. All launches plying between island andmainland will dock at the new pier, using regular gang plankssuch as are used on steamers. Also, fishing skiffs may beobtained here, and bait will be sold.

“We intend to give 24-hour service,” said Mr.Uhl. “Atpresent, dances will be held every Saturday night, with music byour new orchestra. Later, when the summer heat drives Valleydancers from hot halls to our cool pier, we may increase thenumber of dances. “We will be open day and night”.

Improvements will be made on the pier from time to time,it was said.

Photo taken from the balcony of the Yacht Club in PortIsabel of the smoke rising from the burning Brazos IslandLighthouse. ca. 1940s.

Port Citizens Enjoy Flying

News from the Point, 1929The following article was published in the Wednesday,January 16th, 1929 issue of the Port Isabel Pilot. The articleread as follows:

We wish to call the attention of our readers to an error wemade in the advertisement of Champion Brothers in our lastissue. The advertisement should have read “Any pair of tennisshoes in our store at $1.00,” instead of $1.69, as theadvertisement appeared.


First Cut CompletedIn an article published in the Wednesday, November 7, 1928 issueof the Port Isabel Pilot discussed the “first cut” of the channel to theturning basin in Port Isabel. The article read as follows:

The floating dredge “Ben” has completed the first cut through thebay for the opening of the commercial boat channel from Laguna Madreto the turning basin on the west side of town. The first cut gave a depthof six feet from the main ship channel to the dredged channel insidethe shore line. A second cut which takes the depth of water down to16 to 20 feet is being made by the dredge now. Spoil from the dredgingwas used to fill a low section near the bay front and to build an artificialisland to protect the channel entrance from wave wash. Ninety feetwide on the bottom and 12 feet deep, the inner boat channel is amplefor all small commercial boats and yachts and is being used now bydeep water fishing vessels and yachts.

The Port Isabel-SanBenito Navigation District was formed in1929 to lower the transportation costs ofthe agricultural interests of San Benito andthe marine interests of Port Isabel. Todaythe Port has broadened its scope to serveas the home base for more than 27 compa-nies engaged in a variety of businesses thatemploy more then 600 persons.

The Port is one of a select few classi-fied Texas deep-water ports and is posi-tioned at the southernmost tip of Texas toserve Mexico, Central and South America.Through the Texas Intracoastal Waterway,the Port can serve points as close as Cor-pus Christi and as far as St. Louis andChicago. An estimated 45 acres of thePort’s 726 acres of waterfront land andrelated facilities are available for lease onan annual basis in both large and smallparcels at reasonable rates.

PPPPPororororort Isat Isat Isat Isat Isabel-San Benito Nabel-San Benito Nabel-San Benito Nabel-San Benito Nabel-San Benito Navigation Distrvigation Distrvigation Distrvigation Distrvigation DistrictictictictictRobert C. Cornelison, Port Director

250 Industrial Dr. • Port Isabel, TX 78578(956)943-7826 • Fax: (956)943-8922

e-mail: [email protected]

Diagonal aerial of Port Isabel, ca. 1940s.


Ferries during the 1920sIn the Wednesday, November 14 , 1928 issue of the PortIsabel Pilot, the following article was presented.

Of special interest to visitors as well as to local residents, isthe announcement of the Ocean Drive Development Company, ofthe change of schedule of the ferry operating between here andPadre Island. The ferry is now making regular trips to theisland, leaving this point at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., returning at 10a.m and 4 p.m. making two round trips each day. The ferry hasjust come off the dry docks where it has been completelyoverhauled, repainted and reconditioned and is now inexcellent shape.

The “Betty Rose”, one of the Sullivan’s passenger ferries.

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In an article published in the Wednesday, July 4, 1934 issue ofthe Port Isabel Pilot discussed the granite stone used for thedevelopment of the jetties on South Padre Island. The articleread as follows:

To date over 118,000 tons of stone have been used in theconstruction of the north and south jetties. This means that thus

Over Two Thousand CarloadsStone Used on Jetties

far over 2,200 car load of stone, ranging in weight from, a fewpounds to the huge cover stones of granite, eight to ten tonseach, have been used.

An average of from 35 to 40 carloads of stone is now beingused daily, and with present weather conditions prevailing thiswill in all probability be stepped up to about 50 carloads daily.

The north jettie, on Padre Island, which is to beapproximately a mile in length, is now completed to a distance of2,600 feet while the south jettie has been completedapproximately 2,300 feet.

News from the Point, 1929The following article was published in theWednesday, January 16th, 1929 issue of thePort Isabel Pilot. The article read as follows:Judge J. B. Brown, recently elected justice of

the peace for this precinct, held his first courtlast week. One Polo Espinoza, charged withhaving imbibed entirely too freely of thatforbidden liquid refreshment, liquor, andbecoming drunk and disorderly, was finedthirteen dollars and a nickel. The other case wasthat of a woman charged with using obsceneprofane language, but was discharged for lack ofsufficient evidence.

Casino on South Padre Island, ca. 1920s.

Souvenirs, fishing trips and a ferry service in Port Isabel. ca. 1940s.



Maxan Street. ca. 1940s. Ship Cafe’s signage is highlighted in neon.

Shrimping industry plays an important role in the local history.

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Largest Bait & Tackle Selection in the Area!Bay & Offshore Tackle & Bait

Fresh Seafood Market- Shrimp • Fish • Oysters

Port Isabel and theShrimping Industry

Since the first Native Americans fashioned nets to snarenourishment from the sea, fishing in the Laguna Madre Bay areahas been a popular way to earn a living. Port Isabel Hispanic boatbuilders created a butt-headed scow sloop used in bay shrimpingand fishing that was so efficient it denuded the bays of fish. TheState outlawed its use in 1952. By this time, the diesel engine andCajun-style trawlers were beginning to transform the fishing in-dustry. The Port Isabel area was called “the shrimp capitol of theworld” in the 1950s and 60’s and the Gulf shrimping industrybrought jobs and dollars to the local economy. More than 1,000shrimp boats called the Laguna Madre area home. However, asthe political influence wielded by fishermen and shrimpers grew,conflict ensued between bay and gulf shrimpers, drag-net trawl-ers and environmentalists, and outdoor shrimpers and indoorshrimp farmers. These battles brought about a spate of laws andagencies that curtailed the shrimper’s freedom and their profits.Some families continue the shrimping tradition and their freshwares can be found in many local markets where one can haveshrimp shipped or packed to travel or enjoy the tradition of aexpertly prepared shrimp dinner while in Port Isabel.


AREA MAP WithPoints of Interest

Business Name ....................... Pg.# . Phone # ................ DistrictAccents .......................................... 23 ... 943-7888 ........................ ParkAbsolutely Fabulous ............................... 943-5992 .............. LighthouseAll Breed Pet Grooming .................. 19 ... 943-4484 .............. LighthouseB & A Seafood Market ....................31 ... 943-2461 ................... ChannelBayside Marine .............................. 27 ... 943-1441 ...... Laguna HeightsBeefeaters Restaurant ..................... 16 ... 943-6300 .............. LighthouseBlind Ideas ...................................... 6 .... 943-1423 .............. LighthouseBlue Bell Lighthouse Ice Cream ....... 6 .... 943-2819 .............. LighthouseCanvas Creations ............................ 29 ... 943-1157 .......... Laguna VistaCapt. Pat Kelley ............................... 15 ... 451-5365 .......... Laguna VistaCapt. Skipper Ray ........................... 12 ... 943-2798 .......... Laguna VistaChiropractic Rehabilitation Center .19 ... 943-9355 ........................ ParkCoastal Spirits ................................15 ... 943-1652 .......... Laguna VistaCoastal Winds ................................. 13 ... 943-1989 .............. LighthouseColeman, Hall & Heinze .................. 4 .... 943-6481 .............. LighthouseDolphin Docks ............................... 14 ... 943-3185 .............. LighthouseDon C.A.R.S. ................................... 25 ... 433-1590 .............. Port IsabelDr. Grayson Sellers & Assoc. ............ 6 .... 943-4166 .............. LighthouseElegant Packrat ........................... 15/20 943-8880 .......... Laguna VistaFins to Feathers .............................. 30 ... 761-7178 . South Padre IslandFirst National Bank SPI .................... 8 .... 943-1190 .............. LighthouseFly Shop ......................................... 22 ... 943-1785 .............. LighthouseGulf Coast Oyster Bar ...................... 6 .... 761-7867 . South Padre IslandGulf Seafood & Mini Mart ............... 14 ... 943-4501 .............. LighthouseImaginations .................................. 15 ... 943-8500 .......... Laguna VistaIsabella Fishing Trips ..................... 22 ... 943-2628 .............. LighthouseIsla Carpets ..................................... 3 .... 943-8454 .............. LighthouseKool Beans .....................................15 ... 943-7506 .......... Laguna VistaLaguna Madre Art League ............... 29 ... 943-2397 ........................ ParkLaguna Madre Humane Society ...... 21 ... 943-5647 ......................... PortLaguna Vista Wellness .................. 12/15 943-1333 .......... Laguna VistaLighthouse Point Ice Cream Factory 24 .. 639-3370 .............. LighthouseLove 95.3 ....................................... 18 ... 761-2270 . South Padre IslandMarcello’s Italian Ristorante ........... 17 ... 943-7611 .............. LighthouseMargaret Rivera Mortgage ............... 3 .... 943-7300 .............. LighthouseMargarita Mama’s ........................... 7 .... 943-2227 .......... Old Garcia St.Museums of Port Isabel .............. (back cover) 943-7602 .............. LighthouseOriginal Tour .................................. 9 .... 761-6663 .............. LighthouseQueen Isabel Inn ............................. 4 .... 943-1468 .......... Old Garcia St.Quik Stop ....................................... 31 ... 943-1159 ................... ChannelPampered Pet (The) ...................... 19 ... 433-1121 .............. Port IsabelPassions ......................................... 20 ... 943-2858 .............. LighthousePort Isabel Pharmacy ..................... 28 ... 943-7887 ................... TrianglePirate’s Landing Restaurant ............ 17 ... 943-3663 .............. LighthousePI-SB Navigation District ................ 27 ... 943-7826 ......................... PortPI-SP Press .....................................11 ... 943-5545 .............. LighthousePort City Mercantile ......................... 1 .... 943-5066 .............. LighthousePort Isabel Chamber of Commerce(back cover)943-2262 ............. LighthousePurple Parrot .................................. 2 .... 943-2004 .............. LighthousePutter’s Pub & Pizza ....................... 15 ... 943-4339 .......... Laguna VistaRio Bravo Gallery ........................... 24 ... 346-5747 .............. LighthouseRio Java .......................................... 25 ... 943-9111 .............. LighthouseRusty Pelican ................................... 3 .... 943-6889 .............. LighthouseSalon Samuel’s ............................... 27 ... 943-6170 .......... Old Garcia St.

Business Name ....................... Pg.# . Phone # ................ DistrictSea Ranch Restaurant ..................... 16 ... 761-1314 . South Padre IslandSea R Sea ....................................... 30 ... 943-7712 ........................ ParkSomeplace Else .............................. 14 ... 943-2296 .............. LighthouseSouthpoint Marina .........................24 ... 943-7926 ......................... PortSPI Golf Course ...............................5 .... 943-5678 .......... Laguna VistaStarboard ....................................... 29 ... 943-5700 .............. LighthouseTexas Treasure Casino ............... (inside cover)1-866-Got-Luck ................ PortThe Village .....................................15 .............................. Laguna VistaTwins Beauty Salon ..........................6 .... 943-2625 ........................ ParkVirginia’s Hair Fashions .................. 12 ... 943-5651 .............. LighthouseWhite Sands ................................... 10 ... 943-2414 ................... ChannelWoolverton Realty .......................... 30 ... 943-5506 ........................ ParkYbarra’s Tire Busters ...................... 19 ... 943-3216 .............. Lighthouse

4 Corners

Triangle

Port

------------Old Garcia St.

---------Lighthouse

Park

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Channel

-----------------------South ShoreDrive

Historic Port Isabel booklet was designed by RioBravo Gallery/Valerie Bates. Cover design is a nostalgicview of the Point Isabel Lighthouse featuring DonChencho, a familiar focus for photographers. ©2003Valerie Bates

www.riobravogallery.com • 956.867.7002

Area Information:Port Isabel is located 35 miles southeast ofHarlingen and 22 miles northeast ofBrownsville, Texas. It lies on the eastern endof the Rio Grande Valley at the Brazos-Santiago Pass to the Gulf of Mexico, andabout 30 miles from the border city ofMatamoros, Mexico. Population; 5017.Climate- Temperature: January meanminimum 51.4F. July mean maximum92.5F. Annual average 73.6F.

Publication Information:The “Historic Port Isabel” booklet waspublished by the Port Isabel Chamber ofCommerce, Museums of Port Isabel and RioBravo Gallery, October 2003. 50,000 copiesdistributed by the advertisers containedherein, the Port Isabel Chamber ofCommerce and the Museums of Port Isabel.For information on how you can participatein future publications call the Chamber at956.943.2262 or [email protected]. Area information canbe found on the Port Isabel Chamber ofCommerce’s website at www.portisabel.orgor the Museums of Port Isabel’s website atwww.portisabelmuseums.com or [email protected] of any likeness or material or informa-tion contained in this booklet is prohibitedwithout express written consent. All materialcopyright by: Port Isabel Chamber ofCommerce, Museums of Port Isabel and RioBravo Gallery, 2003. All photography,historical documents and photographs arethe property of the Museums of Port IsabelArchives or Rio Bravo Gallery.

Historical Dates in Laguna Madre History1519 .............. Capt. Alonzo Alvarez de Pineda discovers the Rio Grande River1810 ............................................................ Sperm whales wash up on Padre1830 .................................. Neale Stagecoach Line to Point Isabel established1840 ............................ John Singer shipwrecks, establishes the Singer Ranch1845 .............................................................. Texas annexed by United States1846 ..................................................... Gen. Zachary Taylor builds Fort Polk1849 ......................................................... First Catholic service in Port Isabel1850 ................................. Congress authorizes $15,000 to build Lighthouses1851 ..................... John E. Garey contracted to build Point Isabel Lighthouse1853 ........................................ Lighthouse completed, visible to sea 16 miles1863 ...................................................... Union Forces land on Brazos Island1864 ........................ Union forces capture Confederate cattle, Palmito Ranch1867 ............................................. Hurricane destroys Clarksville and Bagdad1870 .................................................... Rio Grande Railroad Co. is organized

1878 .............................................. New Lighthouse erected on Brazos Island1880 ...................................... Lifesaving Station established on Brazos Island1883 .................................... Coast Guard Station established on Padre Island1889 ........................................... Petition for Point Isabel Public School filed1916 ............................ Army “Wireless” Radio Station erected at Point Isabel1928 ......................... Point Isabel incorporates, changes name to Port Isabel1934 ........................................... 1st Texas International Fishing Tournament1934 ................... Dredge “Orleans” begins digging Brownsville Ship Channel1941 ............................. Champion General Store closes, 69 years in business1950 ................. Hill’s/Port Isabel Land Company give Texas gift of Lighthouse1952 ............................ Construction begins on first Queen Isabella Causeway1954 ............................... Formal opening of the 1st Queen Isabella Causeway1974 ... South Padre Island; hotel rooms-530; condos-430; beach houses-901974 ................................................ 2nd Queen Isabella Causeway dedicated1975 ...................................................... Old causeway opens as a fishing pier

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