Corpus Christi

27.7964, -97.40302

Corpus Christi Travel Guide

Travel Author

Stig Albeck

City Map

City Introduction

Corpus Christi in Texas is a coastal city with a rich history starting when the city was founded in 1839 by Colonel Henry Lawrence Kinney. At that time, it was a small trading post known as Kinney’s Ranch, which served as a supply depot for a Mexican revolutionary army camped nearby. The name Corpus Christi means Body of Christ in Latin, and it was given to the area by Spanish explorer Alonso Álvarez de Pineda in 1519. He discovered the bay on the Roman Catholic feast day of Corpus Christi. The city grew significantly after the arrival of U.S. troops under General Zachary Taylor in 1845, who set up camp in preparation for the Mexican-American War.

Texas became a state in the United States in 1845 after the conflict, and throughout its history, Corpus Christi has played a crucial role in various conflicts, including the Civil War, where it was bombarded by Union warships. The opening of the Port of Corpus Christi in 1925 marked a significant milestone, transforming the city into a major hub for commerce and trade. During the 1900s, Corpus Christi grew significantly, and today, Corpus Christi is known for its busy port, beautiful beaches, and as a gateway to the Gulf of Mexico.

Downtown Corpus Christi er located along the Corpus Christi Bay, and you can make some lovely walks here and explore the city. In the heart of the city you can see the Corpus Christi Cathedral. It is a great example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Th cathedral was completed in 1940, and it features colorful tiled domes and intricate stone carvings. You can also take a walk along the waterfront with the central marina, where you can visit the Art Center of Corpus Christi and the McGee Beach south of the marina.

There are some heritage buildings in Corpus Christi as well. One of the most notable heritage buildings is the Centennial House, which was built in 1849. The historic home was once used as a Civil War hospital, and it has been restored and is now open as a museum showcasing the opulent lifestyle of the 1850s upper class. Visitors can explore its rooms filled with antique furniture and period-appropriate artifacts, offering a glimpse into the past.

The Art Museum of South Texas is another great place. It was designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson in 1972 and stands as an architectural landmark with its striking white concrete exterior. From the area at the museum, you have excellent views to the bay and to the Harbor Bridge going north. The majestic bridge crosses the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, which is a part of the city harbor.

Just north of the bridge there are a couple of attractions. You can visit the Texas State Aquarium with exhibits like the coral reef, the Caribbean Sea, the Dolphin Bay, and others. If you are interested in maritime history, you can go to the USS Lexington, a World War II-era aircraft carrier. The USS Lexington is moored as a museum ship, and it offers interactive exhibits, vintage aircraft displays, and guided tours, providing an immersive experience of naval history.

Other Attractions

Day Trips

San Antonio, Texas, United States, USA

San Antonio

San Antonio is one of the largest cities in the US state of Texas. Founded by the Spanish in 1718 as a mission, the place formally became a city in 1731, making it one of the oldest cities in Texas. San Antonio developed into the largest city in the Spanish and later Mexican province of Tejas. Texas became an independent republic in 1836, but the United States’ annexation of Texas in 1845 and the resulting Mexican American War turned the tide, and after the war only 800 lived in San Antonio.

However, growth returned quickly in the United States, and approximately 15,000 people lived in the city in 1860. In 1877 the railroad came to San Antonio, connecting it to ports and large markets. At the beginning of the 20th century, many old buildings were demolished to make way for wider streets with increased traffic and trams. Since then, San Antonio has developed into a city of millions.

Read about San Antonio

 

Austin, Texas, United States, USA

Austin

Austin is the capital and one of the largest cities in the state of Texas. The city’s history began in the 1830s, when settlers began to settle along the Colorado River in present-day Austin. Texas became a republic in 1836 after a war of independence against Mexico, and three years later the Texan Congress wanted to find a new location for the state capital.

The site was found and called Waterloo, before being named after the Republic’s first Secretary of State, Stephen F. Austin. Edwin Waller was assigned to lay out a city plan, and he made a right-angled street pattern with Congress Avenue and the state Capitol as the central elements.

Read more about Austin

 

Houston, Texas, United States, USA

Houston

Houston is the largest city in the US state of Texas. The city was founded at the confluence of Buffalo Bayou and White Oak Bayou in 1836. The new city was named after Texas President and General Sam Houston, who led the Battle of San Jacinto in April 1836, the last and decisive battle in Texas’ revolution and secession from Mexico.

In August of that year, Augustus Chapman Allen and John Kirby Allen acquired a piece of land where they established Houston through advertising, and they had the nation’s capital located here. However, this was moved to Austin in 1839 as Houston grew. A port was soon established along Buffalo Bayou, and within a few decades Houston had become a railroad hub for the export of cotton.

Read more about Houston

Geolocation

In short

Travel Expert

Stig Albeck

Other Interesting Guides

Similar to Corpus Christi Travel Guide