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Welcome to Texas City, Texas ...TEXAS CITY, a part of the Mainland Texas Gulf Coast area since before the turn of the century, has a colorful, interesting story to tell. The city has survived one of the worst man-made disasters that ever happened in America, the explosions of the S.S. Grandcamp and S.S. High Flyer in 1947; five major hurricanes; two depressions; and two world wars in which it played a significant part. It's history includes Indians, the pirate Jean LaFitte, the First Aero Squadron of the U.S. Army, the exciting early oil boom days, and the growth of one of our nation's great industrial complexes. Texas City has a lot to offer. ANCHOR PARK (Entrance to Dike Road) A plaque and the anchor of the freighter S.S. Grandcamp stand at the flagpole commemorating the great disaster of 1947 when the freighter exploded in the harbor. A historical marker in the park honors the First Aero Squadron in the United States, which was based here from 1913 to 1915. AUSTINIA HISTORICAL MARKER (at the mouth of Moses Lake) This settlement began in 1838 with the first railroad charter granted in Texas. Historical Marker at Bay Street Park. BAY LAKE RANCH Site of Guy Bryan's home (nephew of Stephen F. Austin). He served in the state and national legislature, and in the Confederate Army. Historical marker at Bay Street Park BAY STREET PARK (Bay Street and 14th Ave.) There are three sections to Bay Street Park. The first is devoted to the historical birthplace of U.S. Military Aviation. Only a handful of historians were aware of this before our F-100 Jet and Burgess-Curtis Biplane were placed in the park. The second section is dedicated to nature and excellence in scouting and includes the interpretive center Shoal Point Lighthouse which provides information on our hurricane protection levee, dike, port, and internal pump drainage system. The final section is for our special children and is a family park with handicap-accessible equipment. BAYOU GOLF CLUB (2800 Ted Dudley Drive) Bayou Golf Club is a public recreation facility of the City of Texas City. Along with an 18-hole championship golf course on 200 acres, facilities include a practice driving range, practice putting green, practice chipping green, pro shop and snack bar and grill. BIOSPHERE 1 RECYCLE CENTER (3301 Loop 197 N.) A multi-purpose recycle facility, open 7 days per week. Texas City residents can drop off items as well as pick up mulch free of charge. CAMPBELL'S BAYOU The first settlement on the mainland was made by James Campbell and his wife in 1821 after they had left the privateer Jean Lafitte's company. Friendly Karankawa Indians helped the Campbell settlement get started. It existed until its destruction by the 1900 hurricane. Survivors attempted to continue the settlement but it was abandoned after the 1915 hurricane; the remaining survivors moved to Texas City. The remains of an old cemetary containing plague victims, Civil War soldiers, and Campbell's Bayou families mark the location of the settlement. The cemetery is on private property and is closed to the public. There is a historical marker at Virginia Point near the causeway. CHARLES T. DOYLE CONVENTION CENTER (2010 5th Ave. N.) A multi-use convention center adjoining the Nessler Center. The center can accommodate various functions including trade, garden and arts and craft shows, community meetings, banquets, dances, and conventions. COLONEL H.B. MOORE HOUSE (8 9th Ave N.) This house was built in 1915 by Texas City industrialist and World War I hero Col. H. B. Moore. His wife Helen was a state legislator. The home is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. HERITAGE SQUARE (1st Street and 3rd Ave.)
MEMORIAL PARK AND CEMETARY (Loop 197 and 29th St.) Burial site for the unidentified dead from the 1947 explosion. Obelisk War and Peace Monument commemorates employees killed in the line of duty and soldiers from the Texas City who have given their lives to their country in 20th century wars. MIKESHA - SANDBERG PARK (Loop 197 S. and Dock Road) Park named in memory of the general manager H. J. "Mike" Mikeska and assistant manager W.H. "Swede" Sandberg of the Texas City Terminal Railroad Company at the time of the 1947 explosion. Site of the propeller from the S.S. High Flyer, the second ship to explode in the disaster. Mikeska was killed in the explosion; Sandberg survived to help with rescue efforts and became manager of the Port facilities. NOBLE PARK Dedicated to the railroad history in Texas City. Kiwanis Depot houses a historical exhibit, Lulac Fountain adorns the entrance, and actual rail cars sit in the park for visitors to view. OLD KOHFELDT SCHOOL (1309 1st Ave. S.) This building was erected as an elementary school in 1909 and abandoned in 1939. The army used it in World War II and in 1959, it was purchased for use as a non-profit day nursery by the Church Women United. SHOAL POINT/LIGHTHOUSE HISTORICAL MARKER Commemorates the early community located at the beginning of the Dike which later became Texas City. The lighthouse was located at Half Moon Shoal, two miles out in the Bay. A historical marker is located at Bay Street Park. SKYLINE DRIVE Scenic drive along Texas City's seawall, entrance off Dike Road one-way to the north. Part of the city's flood protection, this elevated road ends at the Moses Lake floodgate. STREET OF MEMORIES 6th Street in the old downtown district, has been rejuvenated through Economic Development and local business owners. Many buildings have taken on an authentic look of yesterday when 6th Street thrived as the heart of our community. TEXAS AVENUE ORIGINAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (Between Bay St. and 6th St.) This street was the business and commercial center of Texas City. Few of the old buildings remain and the street has lost much of its importance as the town moved north and west. However, recent development along 6th Street includes the Texas City Museum, a showcase for both industrial displays and local historical treasures. TEXAS CITY DIKE World's longest man-made (5 miles) fishing pier, part of Texas City's flood control system and haven for local fisherman, boaters, and water enthusiasts. TEXAS CITY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX (Loop 197 S.) This is the heart of the Texas City petrochemical complex, one of the largest and wealthiest in the United States. TEXAS CITY MUSEUM (409 6th St. N) A delightful display of local historical artifacts and important exhibits telling the story of Texas City's industrial contributions. TEXAS CITY RAINWATER PUMP STATIONS Pump Station "A" is the Gottfried Moller Rainwater Pump Station, located in the northeastern part of town near the Texas City Levee at Dollar Bay on Moses Lake. Pump Station "B" is the Captain A. B. Wolvin Pump Station, located in the 3400 block of Loop 197 North (25th Avenue North) on Moses Lake. These are of the Archimedes Screw type, and we are a part of the total flood control system; other parts included the flood control system; other parts included the flood control levee and drainage ditches that lead to the pump stations. THE BEST LITTLE THEATRE IN TEXAS (College of the Mainland) Performances of exceptional quality run year-round with offerings form Broadway musicals to Shakespeare. THE MAINLAND BUILDING (6th Street N., 800 Block) Texas City's first multi-storied building housed the Texas City Improvement Company founded by the Myers brothers and Captain Wolvin for the purpose of building a city and harbor. WEDELL'S CORNER (9th St. and 4th Ave S.) Jimmy Wedell, a native of Texas City, designed, built and flew planes which established records in the early barnstorming days of aviation. He and his brother, Walter, another aviation pioneer, were killed in separate plane crashes. |
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