PURPOSE

The Port Aransas Preservation and Historical Association is dedicated to preserving and encouraging the preservation, restoration and reproduction of historic buildings, structures, sites, places, objects, culture, ecology and customs of Port Aransas as a means of positively contributing to and enhancing the community’s natural beauty, well-being and distinctive character.

Click Image to Enlarge

GOALS

Click Image to Enlarge

Establish a museum and/or heritage site(s) to house, display and preserve historical artifacts, documents, records, structures and other appropriate items. Promote citizen interest and participation in the appreciation and preservation of Port Aransas’ history, environment and ambiance. Recognition and encouragement of local, state and national entities in furthering P.A.P.H.A. goals and endeavors. Develop broad based financial support and membership. Research and organize Port Aransas’ historical assets to promote heritage tourism.

In 1519, when Spanish explorer Alonzo Alvarez de Pineda, sailed through the pass to what he later named Corpus Christi Bay, the Karakawa Indians were likely our island’s only residents. By the 1700’s, due to grazing hers of horses, introduced by Spanish settlers, the island was first called Wild Horse, the Mustang Island. Up to the 1840’s the island and pass (now our ship channel) were used by buccaneers, Mexican smugglers, merchants and immigrants who were seeking their (or other’s) fortune. A small fort was built at the north end of the Island during the Mexican Was and was again used in the Civil War. With increasing sea commerce, a lighthouse was erected on Harbor Island in 1854. In 1952 the lighthouse was decommissioned. In 1971 it was purchased and restored by Charles Butt. The lamp lens, damaged during the Civil War, is now on exhibit in the Port Aransas Civic Center. The first permanent settler on Mustang Island was Robert A. Mercer, who established the El Mar Rancho in 1855. With his wife and three children, they raised cattle and sheep, operated the Mercer Docks and later opened the first general store. When Union forces occupied the island during the Civil War, most families moved to neighboring St. Joseph Island, but returned to resettle the community after the war. By 1870, the some 300 residents decided to educate their children. Two weeks later a one room school was built and a teacher hired for $10 a month! After a succession of name changes - Star, The Pass, Mustang Island, Ropesville, and Tarpon, in 1911 the community became Port Aransas - and a treasure of unique and intriguing history, such as:

In 1878 by Congressional act, a life Saving Service was established on 1.55 acres of Mustang Island, the present site of the U.S. Coast Guard Station. The Tarpon Inn built in the 1880’s was the hub of the tourist fishing. After several reconstructions, the present structure survived five hurricanes from 1942 to 1970 and is now on the U.S. Historical Registry. The internationally recognized University of Texas Marine Science Institute, founded in 1941, was Texas’ first permanent facility to study ocean life and science. Until the 1940’s, Port Aransas was the 12th largest oil shipping port in the U.S. In World War II this vital resource was protected against enemy attack by troops, dog patrols and 30mm gun emplacements. The sponsor of over 35 fishing tournaments including the Deep Sea Roundup (formerly the Tarpon Rodeo) and destination of the Harvest Moon Regatta - the country’s largest. Beginning in the 1970’s protection and preservation of our dunes, wildlife areas and beaches acknowledged the value and beauty of our natural environment.

Click Image to Enlarge

Contact Us by Email