Rockport History

Rockport, named for the rock ledge beneath its shore, began development as a cattle processing and shipping port in 1865 right after the Civil War. The city was incorporated in 1871.

During the 1880’s boat building and fishing industries began to develop, and in 1886 the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway was brought in by the cattle raisers, including the Fulton, Mathis and Coleman families.

Tourism and resort trade began to flourish and in 1890, Rockport gained electric lights. Interest in projects to construct a deep-water harbor in Rockport were begun in 1884 through 1921, but in the end President Harding signed a bill for a port at Corpus Christi. A harbor was eventually built at Rockport in 1935, and a shipyard established in 1941 where submarine-chasing speedboats were built.

In 1919 a hurricane nearly obliterated Rockport and recovery was slow. The shrimping industry developed in the late 1920’s when the boat-building trade also picked up.

Today, fishing, shrimp and tourism are Rockport’s driving economic forces. Visitors fish, swim, bird-watch, and enjoy other attractions including Goose Island, the Fulton Mansion, the annual Rockport Art Festival in July, Seafair in October, and the Rockport Art Center.

Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, enjoy luxurious accommodations and
modern amenities at the Lighthouse Inn surrounded by the history of the Texas Gulf.