National Register of Historic Places listings in Aransas County, Texas facts for kids
Aransas County, Texas, is home to some really special places! These spots are so important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a national list of buildings, sites, and objects that are worth saving because of their history.
In Aransas County, there are five such places. One is a whole historic area, and four are individual buildings or sites. Some of these places are also recognized by the state of Texas as important landmarks. Let's explore these amazing historic treasures!
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Exploring Aransas County's Historic Treasures
Aransas County has a rich history, and these listed places help us remember the past. From old lighthouses to grand homes, each one tells a unique story about the people and events that shaped this part of Texas.
The Aransas Pass Lighthouse: A Guiding Light
The Aransas Pass Light Station is a beautiful brick lighthouse built way back in 1857. Lighthouses are like beacons that help ships find their way safely to shore, especially at night or in bad weather. This historic lighthouse stands north of Port Aransas on Harbor Island. It has guided countless ships through the waters of Aransas County, Texas. It's a true symbol of maritime history in the area.
The Grand George W. Fulton Mansion
The George W. Fulton Mansion is a stunning house located on Fulton Beach Road in Fulton. It was built between 1872 and 1875 for a man named George Ware Fulton. The house is designed in a style called Second Empire, which was popular during that time. Today, you can visit the Fulton Mansion as a Texas State Historic Site. They even offer tours so you can learn all about its history and see how people lived long ago.
The Charming Hoopes-Smith House
The Hoopes-Smith House is another beautiful historic home, found at 417 N. Broadway in Rockport. This house was built between 1890 and 1892 for James M. Hoopes and his family. It's built in the Queen Anne style, which often features towers, turrets, and decorative details. Today, this historic house is a Bed & Breakfast, meaning people can stay there and experience a piece of history firsthand.
The Ancient Kent-Crane Shell Midden
The Kent-Crane Shell Midden is a very different kind of historic site. It's located on the Liveoak Peninsula near Copano Bay in Fulton. A "shell midden" is basically a large pile of shells, bones, and other items left behind by ancient people. These middens are like giant trash heaps that tell archaeologists (people who study the past) a lot about how early communities lived, what they ate, and what tools they used. This site is very important for understanding the history of the earliest people in Aransas County.
The Historic T. H. Mathis House
The T. H. Mathis House is a lovely residence at 612 Church Street in Rockport. This house was built in the Greek Revival style, which often includes columns and a grand, symmetrical design, similar to ancient Greek temples. What's really special about the Mathis House is that it's still owned by the same family who built it! This means generations of one family have lived there, preserving its history and stories over many years.
Images for kids
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The Aransas Pass Lighthouse, also known as Lydia Ann Lighthouse.
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A closer look at the George W. Fulton Mansion.
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The Hoopes-Smith House, now a Bed & Breakfast.
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The T. H. Mathis House, still owned by the original family.
