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Rockport, Texas
Rockport, Texas.jpg
Flag of Rockport, Texas
Flag
Nickname(s): 
The Texas Riviera
Location of Rockport, Texas
Location of Rockport, Texas
Aransas Rockport.svg
Country United States
State Texas
County Aransas
Incorporated August 18, 1870
Area
 • Total 21.09 sq mi (54.63 km2)
 • Land 16.55 sq mi (42.85 km2)
 • Water 4.55 sq mi (11.78 km2)
Elevation
7 ft (2 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total 8,766
 • Estimate 
(2019)
10,604
 • Density 640.88/sq mi (247.45/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP codes
78381-78382
Area code(s) 361 Exchanges: 727,729.790
FIPS code 48-62804
GNIS feature ID 1345420
RockportFutlon (30)
Rockport Texas USA

Rockport is a city in Aransas County, Texas, United States. The population was 8,766 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat.

Rockport is adjacent to the town of Fulton, and many refer to the combined communities as "Rockport-Fulton"; however, Rockport and Fulton are legally separate municipalities.

History

In 1870, Rockport was established as a cattle slaughtering, packing, and shipping port. The city is named for the rock ledge that runs along its shore.

Geography

Rockport is located at 28°2′55″N 97°2′28″W / 28.04861°N 97.04111°W / 28.04861; -97.04111 (28.048645, -97.041185), on the Live Oak Peninsula, the western shore of Aransas Bay, an arm of the Gulf of Mexico, and the eastern shore of Copano Bay. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.5 square miles (47.9 km2), of which 13.9 square miles (36.1 km2) is land and 4.6 square miles (11.8 km2), or 28.84%, is water.

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Rockport has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop.
1890 1,069
1900 1,153 7.9%
1910 1,382 19.9%
1920 1,545 11.8%
1930 1,140 −26.2%
1940 1,729 51.7%
1950 2,266 31.1%
1960 2,989 31.9%
1970 3,879 29.8%
1980 3,686 −5.0%
1990 4,753 28.9%
2000 7,385 55.4%
2010 8,766 18.7%
2015 (est.) 10,490 19.7%
U.S. Decennial Census

2000 Census data

As of the census of 2000, there were 7,385 people, 3,157 households and 2,127 families residing in the city. The population density was 786.4 people per square mile (303.7/km²). There were 4,533 housing units at an average density of 482.7 per square mile (186.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 88.68% White, 1.31% African American, 0.50% Native American, 3.64% Asian, 3.40% from other races, and 2.46% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 19.50% of the population.

There were 3,157 households out of which 24.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.6% were non-families. 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.74.

In the city, the population was 21.4% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 21.3% from 25 to 44, 26.7% from 45 to 64, and 24.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females there were 92.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.0 males. The median income for a household in the city was $32,741, and the median income for a family was $40,880. Males had a median income of $36,195 versus $22,697 for females. The per capita income for the city was $25,135. About 16.4% of families and 20.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 42.3% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture

Hoopes smith house 2006
The Hoopes-Smith House in Rockport is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Area attractions

Rockport is a popular tourist destination for its access to various forms of marine recreation such as boating, fishing (bay, offshore, wade, beach, and pier), duck hunting, the ski basin, swimming, birdwatching, and seafood. The city's largest public beach, Rockport Beach Park, offers a wide variety of ways to have fun including a playground and two beach pavilions.

The city hosts several fairs and expositions each year including the Oyster Fest, Seafair, and a Wine Festival. There are also historic sites such as the Fulton Mansion, and a heritage district and aquarium in downtown Rockport that offers a friendly and fun shopping and restaurant environment next to Rockport Harbor.

The community has the Texas Maritime Museum, the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site, art galleries, restaurants, and shops. Area visitor accommodations are provided by a wide range of lodgings, from small bed and breakfasts to major hotels, and RV facilities.

Parks and recreation

The Big Tree

Large windswept live oaks are a dominating feature of the area, and the state's oldest live oak, "Big Tree", resides on nearby Lamar Peninsula.

Rockport Beach Park

Which has a large public beach fronting Aransas Bay, two pavilions, saltwater pool, boat launching ramps, and various other amenities.

Boating and Marinas

There are a number of marinas, boat launching ramps, marine service businesses, and ship chandlers in the area (catering to both recreational and commercial vessels, sail and power). Several marinas are operated by the Aransas County Navigation District, and there is also the Key Allegro Marina, a popular attraction, especially during The Rockport Offshore Challenge or The R.O.C.

The Big Blue Crab

Large Big Blue Crab, local park and attraction located on the banks of the Little Bay next to the Historic Sea View Motel.

Birdwatching

The area around and in Rockport is noted as a prime birdwatching center, located on a major North American migratory bird route, the Central Flyway.

Whooping cranes

Whooping cranes winter in the large Aransas National Wildlife Refuge located nearby. Local organizations such as the Aransas Bird and Nature Club have helped preserve unique birdwatching reserves such as the Connie Hagar sanctuary and Aransas Woods that are easily accessible. Located along the migration route of several species of hummingbirds, the city hosts an annual "Hummer and Birding Expo" which includes tours of local residences where hundreds of ruby-throated hummingbirds can be viewed at feeders.

Education

Former rockport school 2014
Former Rockport school, 2014

Public schools

All of Rockport is served by the Aransas County Independent School District, and the city is home to the Rockport-Fulton High School Pirates. Sacred Heart School, a private school, also serves the community.

Library

The Aransas County Public Library is located at 701 E. Mimosa Street in Rockport.

Notable people

  • Ernie Caceres, musician
  • Guy Clark, American country and folk singer, musician, songwriter, recording artist, and performer
  • Dat Nguyen, football player; grew up in Rockport
  • Margaret Skeete, oldest living American from 1993 to 1994, and the oldest person ever from Texas
  • John H. Wood, Jr., first federal judge assassinated in the 20th century
  • George Strait, Country singer: also retired in Rockport
  • Bill Williams, game designer and author, creator of Mind Walker

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Rockport (Texas) para niños

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