“FOOTSTEPS” Historical Walking Tour Added to Smithsonian National Exhibit

Just one of the many local programs available as a part of the national Smithsonian Musuem on Main Street Crossroads Exhibit is the newly created “Footsteps” Historical Walking Tour in the Rockport Cultural Arts District.

Smithsonian: Museum on Main Street Companion Tour – Start your journey here:

“Footprints in Aransas History”

We invite you to become part of our Rockport culture and experience our beauty. Experience a walk in time on this short .8 mile stroll through historic downtown. There are many resting and reflection places along the way so don’t be afraid to hike the route. As you meander through the town, we hope you’ll reflect on how history has shaped our coastal rural community as well as how our history stimulated change within America itself. For a more in-depth experience, see the Off the Beaten Path tours. Begin the tour either at the Railroad Depot or The Maritime Museum. Parking is available at either location. If you start your tour at the Railroad, please begin at Stop 13. Let’s begin with Rockport History.

After the Civil War, John Howland Wood’s ranch needed a port for shipping his cattle to spring markets. Wood’s son, Richard, discussed the situation with his friend, James Doughty. In 1867, Doughty, his brother Dan, along with Jeremiah and Robert Driscoll built a wharf on Live Oak Point. Cattle were slaughtered for their tallow and hides. Carcasses were deposited in the bay.

Rockport was named for the rocky limestone ledge that sits along the shore line. Aransas County split from Refugio County in 1871. This was the year the Coleman, Mathis and Fulton livestock company was formed. These events helped Rockport achieve “city” status.

Called the Panic of 1873, a financial crisis triggering an economic depression significantly slowed the cattle business. However, the completion of the railroad in1888 helped bring it back for a few years. The railroad enabled cattle to be shipped from here to the mid-west. With the transportation boom resulting from the railroad, Rockport shifted its focus on shipbuilding and tourism with resort hotels.

The Hurricane of 1919 and its aftermath redirected Rockport’s recovery with the shrimping business in 1925. Shrimping was such a lucrative business that a harbor was built in the 1930s. By 1936, 12 million pounds of Texas shrimp were caught and processed. Shrimping declined during WWII but the boat business boomed. The Rice shipyards began building PT boats for the Navy during the war.

After WWII, Simon Michael moved to the city in 1948. He started an art academy teaching and exhibiting student’s works. In 1967, Estelle Stair helped establish an Art Association. Rockport’s art culture sprouted enabling the city to be recognized as one of the top ten coastal art colonies in the US.

Hurricanes are also part of our land history. They shape the bays and landscape. Particularly bad destructive hurricanes were the Hurricane of 1919, Hurricane Beulah in 1967, Hurricane Carla in 1970, and of course, Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Aransas County was hard hit in each of these weather events. The residents came back bigger and stronger each time showing their resiliency and hope for the future of the county and city.

Walking tour sites are marked by Yellow Footsteps on our Smithsonian Site Map

Stop 1 – Texas Maritime Museum –  texasmaritimemuseum.org

The Texas Maritime Museum (TMM) came to fruition in the mid-seventies at Rockport-Fulton’s annual fall festival, Seafair. Each year, a group of local maritime history enthusiasts gathered to share their personal collections with the public. The establishment of the TMM was a community-wide project headed by a few dedicated members. We hope you find your way to the beacon of Rockport.

Stand in front of the Byers and Sunderland Stockless Anchor. After reading its history, scan your eyes left. The view is dependent on the day. The open field allows you to view The Cultural Interface statues overlooking Little Bay. . Read this fascinating story here:

https://rockportculturalartsdistrict.com/directory/listing/cultural-interface-bronze-sculpture-by-steve-russell

If you see tents, it may be one of our many market days or festivals. This area is a marketplace for artists, craft artisans and other celebrations.

Glancing a little to the right from the statues, you’ll see Rockport Beach. This landmark is the first Blue Wave beach established in the State of Texas. Its shallow warm waters are perfect for families with small children or those just wanting a swim.

Off the Beaten Path: Come back and explore the groomed beach area. If you’re lucky, you may see the resident dolphins in the channel. http://www.rockportbeach-texas.com/

A further look right is the Bay Education Center. Their focus is on the biodiversity of our bay systems. A large Science on a Sphere, one of only four in Texas, explains how weather affects our planet.

The Aransas County Navigation District Offices quietly sit to the right of the Education Center while the Statue Garden and sea wall entice locals as well as visitors to enjoy a family picnic or fishing in scenic tranquility. The statue area was the site of the first Art Center which was destroyed in Hurricane Harvey. It was rebuilt and now located on Austin St. https://www.acnd.org/

Off the Beaten Path: Plan a picnic and explore the area beyond the statues and sea wall. The Rockport Yacht Club, established in 1969, and the break water located beyond the club provide wonderful views of Key Allegro, Rockport Beach and the smooth Harbor water.

Follow the yellow “Footprints” that lead to Rockport Harbor across from the museum then stroll south toward Veterans Memorial Park. Rockport Harbor is on your left. The picturesque scene of the tranquil bay is filled with all types of boats and bait stands. It is one of the most painted and photographed areas in Rockport. As you walk through our downtown area, you may see a few paintings or photos.

Notice the shrimp boats docked along the many boat slips. Take a moment to reflect on its beauty. Observe the sights and listen to the sounds. Do you think of a seascape as “rural”?

Walking down the sidewalk past the bait stands, notice the building on your right. The Aransas County Woman’s Club was formed on June 15, 1948 as a gathering place for education, literary and charitable work. Their purpose was to make the community a better place while having fun doing it. It was the community’s social center of its day. https://www.wcofaransas.org/  Do you have a local gathering center in your area?

Stop 2 – Veterans Memorial Park

Veteran’s Memorial Park is a serene and respectful space dedicated to honoring the brave men and women who have served in the military. The park features various memorials, monuments, and plaques paying tribute to veterans from different branches of the armed forces. One percent of our current population has served. View the Last Man Standing statue. This bronze statue reflects the glories and horrors of war in the veteran’s wise etched face while conveying great pride and love of country through a hand raised in a timeless salute. Do you have a family member who is in the military now or in the past? Reflect on their service as you read the names of those who lost their lives so you can live in freedom. We encourage you to take a moment of silent prayer.

Stop 3 – Seashell Shoppe

The Seashell Shoppe is the oldest retail gift shop in Rockport. Originally Corky’s Restaurant in the early 1940’s before becoming the Seashell Shop in 1946, it has been ONLY women owned and operated. The current owner started a memory book after several visitors began relating their childhood memories. Unfortunately, some of the books  were lost during Hurricane Harvey. There is one book, started on Sept 26, 2016, almost one year to the day of Harvey’s appearance, eerily, contains a premonition along with encouragement. Walk in and view this oddity. Who knows, the residing ghost may show itself. The ghost opened the cash register when this writer and the owner were researching the contents of the book.  https://texashighways.com/travel-news/sea-shell-shoppe-sells-seashells-by-seashore/

Stop 4 – Stairs in an open field

These stairs led to Sazon’s, The Jeweler By The Sea . The building was destroyed during Hurricane Harvey which devastated Aransas County on Aug 25th, 2017. The eye of the storm passed through Rockport, causing widespread flooding and devastation. Through the years, several major hurricanes have hit the area. It’s been through sheer determination and resiliency of our citizens that the county has rebuilt.

For more on Hurricane Harvey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTCrABxWXDE

Have you or a family member been affected by a weather event? Take a moment to ponder on how the weather has shaped this rural fishing community’s landscape. Think about the loss and the rebirth communities endured. Do you think of rural communities as resilient?

The yellow footsteps walk you south down Austin Street. Look right across the street and see the Rockport Little Theater. The converted building used to be a Western Auto which was like the Walmart of its day. One local resident remembers getting her first record player and buying a Beatles album. It was a big deal of the time. What local stores do you remember? How has time changed our music media? https://www.rockportlittletheatre.com/

Next to the theater, observe the green brick building that is now called Going Coastal. This is the L. M. Bracht Building. In 1877, Leopold Bracht and his brother, Roland, started a mercantile business. In 1919, as the impending hurricane approached, Leopold and his family piled everything they thought of value into the manual elevator. He ran the elevator to the second floor before heading home to secure their own belongings. Most of the building survived the storm but everything inside except the things Leo placed in the elevator were lost. Unfortunately, the things they kept safe were fancy cookies and other high-end confectionaries. The town had no other sustenance staples such as flour or sugar. How do we prepare for hurricanes today? Do you think this experience changed hurricane preparations for other towns? For more on the 1919 hurricane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyRmCqdF5S8 (Fast forward to time 9:28)

Walk south down Austin Street. Think about the many hurricanes that have hit Rockport. What disasters are happening today and how are the communities coping? Why do you think locals continue to rebuild? How do you think a community changes after a natural disaster?

Off the Beaten Path: Use the Aransas Pathways Maps for a driving tour or longer walking tour. View the VIP Markers (Packeries and Wharfs) on Water Street and other points of interest. https://aransaspathways.com/

Stand at the corner of Austin and Water Streets, look left toward the bay. Notice the fenced off area. Wharves and Packeries once lined this area. It was along these shores where cattle were slaughtered and beef transported east. Carcasses were thrown in the bay. Locals could come and cut a large piece of beef for free. There was plenty of beef for everyone. Imagine the coastline of the past. Close your eyes. Hear today’s sounds. Take a whiff of today’s smells. Now, think about the sights, sounds and smells of the wharf. For more information: https://aransaspathways.com/the-packeries-of-rockport/

Before you continue and while still looking toward the bay, notice the mural on the side of the building on the left. This unique mural is a local favorite. Take this opportunity to capture “take flight” pictures. Go ahead…have a little fun while reading about this iconic “bird!”

Stop 5 – Bird Mural

Rockport is known internationally as a birding community, initiated by Rockport’s birdwatcher legend, Connie Hagar.   Her efforts led to the first trail sign along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail being unveiled in Rockport in 1994 at the Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary.

Continue across the street heading further south, notice the mural “Tree City” on the side of the building. Rockport has been a tree city for more than 25 years. This is one of many building murals but beware! This block is spooky.

Stop 6 – Aransas and Del Mar Hotel Markers

Legend has it that a ghost walks in the current buildings. “Moon Over Water” owner emphatically asserts seeing orbs indicating a ghost presence. Several psychics report the ghost is a female, age 23. Her name is Sadie R. The psychics were unable to understand the last name. Sadie died in the hotel after some men severely beat her due to some untrue gossip. She survived the beating but died in the hotel’s fire. Fret not! Reportedly, Sadie is happy because her name was eventually cleared from the damaging gossip. Ask the owner about her ghostly experience. Do you see or feel the presence of a ghost? For more information: https://aransaspathways.com/site-of-aransas-hotel-in-rockport/

Continue south down Austin St to the Coastal Mercantile.

Stop 7 – Sorenson-Stair Building Marker

Originally, the flooring of this historic building was dirt. Early patrons would kick up quite a dust storm while shopping in Mr. Sorenson’s store. After it’s rebuilt, wooden flooring was installed. Estelle Stair, pronounced STAR, rented the building so local creators had a place to gather. She paid the rent and allowed budding artists to showcase their talent. Does your community have an artist gathering place?

Our next stop on this side of the street continues south to a faded mural from the mid-1920s that has a controversial past. In your mind, take a trip to the Jim Crow south. The era is not a pretty story to tell but nonetheless it is an unpleasant fact in our 21st century minds.

Stop 8 – Faded “The Cool Coast Camp” mural on side of Barber Shop

A lesser-known story is the mural you see on the side of the barber shop building. In 1995, this painting emerged when the adjacent building (Surf Theater) was demolished. The painting was an ad for the Cool Coast Camp that was 1 ½ miles north of Rockport. The fish was displayed there. Confusion emerged when it was speculated that the painting was related to the Kool Koast Kamp (a Klu Klux Klan resort for families) that was 4 miles north of Rockport. Several newspaper articles relate to families who came to that camp. The confusion was cleared after further research. There were two camps which were active in the 1920s and both were located on the bay north of Rockport. As you walk to the next venue, consider your own thoughts of the turbulent times surrounding race relations. How have race relations changed since the Jim Crow era of the south? Do you think it’s better or worse?

Retrace your steps to the crosswalk at St. Mary’s St. Cross Austin and walk to the next corner. Notice the mural on the side of the abandoned building.

Stop 9 – Mural “Greetings from Rockport”

Public Art equals resiliency in a small town. The side buildings in Rockport are covered with various artists’ paintings. Simon Michael came to Rockport in 1948. He and Estelle Stair inspired an Art Colony that is celebrated today. They taught classes and inspired a community. Simon Michaels’ philosophy was “Take the poor and give it dignity in your painting.” Does your town have wall art in your downtown district? Do you think it’s inspirational?

Stop 10 – Markers, Kline Building

Formerly the Kline Building, new restaurant, Pik Nik, was moved from the original location where the Center for the Arts stands today. The building started with humble beginnings as a coffee shop in the 1930s where both businessmen and fishermen alike came in for their morning cup of joe. It was operated by the Davis Family. In 1968, Shorty Kline bought it and his restaurant operated for many years. Many a Rockport deal was struck in this iconic building. What is amazing is the energy and hard work of the restaurant owner. Shorty worked in a chemical plant near Port Lavaca by day and cooked at night.

Cross St. Mary’s St and head east back toward Austin St. Turn left at Austin. Stroll a few blocks north to our next stop, view the street. Think about how this rural community’s path has changed throughout the years. Born out of Refugio County, Aransas County and its cities have transformed their identity from an immigration point, to a hide and tallow town, to the fishing/tourism paradise you see today. The Rockport downtown area survived many devastations showing resiliency. Its cultural path sparked an Art Colony that was inspired by our landscape’s beauty. Is this true of other communities? What inspires your town? Turn left after “Treasure Island” onto Wharf Street.

Stop 11 – Mural at A.L. Bracht Building

Quote from Simon Michael, “Artists should paint what they feel about what they see. Don’t paint pictures – paint experiences!” What experience is this artist feeling? What inspired the artist, Cam Walls?

Walk back toward Austin St and cross Wharf St. Turn left at North St.

Stop 12 – Mural of Rockport-Fulton Art Colony

Art is honest. Art is in everyday life. Art is community. How do you think art has inspired Rockport’s community? Do you think of an Art Colony when you think of rural? View this short documentary for more information:

Continue down North Street, crossing Magnolia at the crosswalk. Cross Magnolia toward the Railroad Depot

Stop 13 – Railroad Museum

Transportation changed rural communities forever. Rockport was no different. Before cars, one might remember from our schooling, the importance the transcontinental railroad had in America. From shipping beef and freight to transporting tourists to the many “bath” houses or hotels here in Rockport, the railroad was vital to town growth and survival. Step inside and learn more about how the railroad affected the many industries in our town. https://rockportculturalartsdistrict.com/rockport-railroad-depot/

Thank you for walking with us through our history. We hope you enjoyed the tour and time with us. You are now part of our heritage and culture.

For more things to do or learn about, visit:

The History Center for Aransas County – https://www.theachistorycenter.com/

The Fulton Mansion – https://thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/fulton-mansion

The Taft Blackland Museum – https://texastimetravel.com/directory/taft-blackland-museum/

Goose Island State Park – https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/goose-island

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge – https://www.fws.gov/refuge/aransas

The Rockport Cultural Arts District – https://www.rockportculturalartsdistrict.com/ and https://www.youtube.com/@RockportCulturalArtsDistrict