Timeline of Corpus Christi, Texas facts for kids

Corpus Christi, Texas, is a vibrant city with a long and interesting history! From its early days as a trading spot to becoming a major port city, many exciting things have happened here. Let's explore the timeline of Corpus Christi, learning about the people and events that shaped it.

Early Days: Before the 1800s

• 1519 - A Spanish explorer named Alonso Alvarez de Pineda sailed into the Corpus Christi Bay. He named the bay after a religious holiday called the Feast of Corpus Christi, which was happening on that day.

The 1800s: A New City Begins

• 1821
  • Mexico became independent from Spain.
  • The area known as the Old Indian Trading Grounds became part of Mexico.
• 1828
  • This area was still called the Old Indian Trading Grounds.
  • Manuel de Mier y Terán traveled through Mexican Texas. He thought Corpus Christi Bay would be a good spot for a port, even though there wasn't a city there yet.
• 1829 - Traders often landed on the coast near Corpus Christi Bay. At this time, there was no town or settlement.
• 1836
  • Texas gained independence from Mexico, becoming the Republic of Texas.
  • The Old Indian Trading Grounds became part of the Republic of Texas, though both Texas and Mexico claimed the land.
• 1839 - Henry Kinney set up a trading post here, which was also known as "Kinney's Ranch."
• 1840
  • On January 17, a short-lived country called the Republic of the Rio Grande claimed the land south of the Nueces River, which included Kinney's Ranch.
  • On November 6, the Republic of the Rio Grande ended.
  • The area went back to the Republic of Texas, but Mexico still believed it was their land.
• 1845
  • August: Kinney's Ranch became an important U.S. military base under the command of Zachary Taylor.
  • December 29: Kinney's Ranch became part of the United States of America after Texas joined the U.S.
• 1846
  • March: The U.S. military troops left the area.
  • The town became the main center for the new Nueces County.
• 1847 - The town was officially named "Corpus Christi." This new name was chosen to make it easier for mail to be sent and received.
• 1852
  • September 9: Corpus Christi officially became an incorporated city.
  • Residents elected their first city council and mayor, Benjamin F. Neal. He served until 1855.
• 1860 - The city's population was 175 people.
• 1861 - Corpus Christi became part of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War.
• 1862 - August: U.S. forces attacked the town during the Civil War.
• 1865 - The Confederate States of America ended, and Corpus Christi became part of the United States again.
• 1870 - The population grew to 2,140 people.
• 1875 - Some disagreements occurred between different groups of people in the area.
• 1876 - The city adopted its own city charter, which is like a rulebook for how the city is run.
• 1883 - The Corpus Christi Caller newspaper started publishing.
• 1890 - The population reached 4,387 people.

The 1900s: Growth and Change

• 1910 - The population continued to grow, reaching 8,222 people.
• 1911 - The Corpus Christi Times newspaper began publishing.
• 1912 - The Roman Catholic Diocese of Corpus Christi was created.
• 1914
  • A new county courthouse was built.
  • August 1: The Rotary Club of Corpus Christi was formed. This club helped a lot with the early development of the city, including the Chamber of Commerce and the Port.
• 1919 - September: A major hurricane hit the city.
• 1926
  • September: The Port of Corpus Christi officially opened, becoming a very important part of the city's economy.
  • The Intracoastal Waterway also opened, making it easier for boats to travel.
• 1927 - The Corpus Christi Public Library was established.
• 1928 - The Grande Theatre was built.
• 1929
  • The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) was founded in Corpus Christi.
  • The Corpus Christi Caller-Times newspaper began publishing, combining the two earlier newspapers.
• 1930
  • Oil was discovered near Corpus Christi, which brought new jobs and growth.
  • The population jumped to 27,741 people.
• 1935 - Del Mar College was founded, offering higher education to students.
• 1937 - KRIS radio began broadcasting.
• 1940
  • The Beach Theater opened for movies.
  • The population continued to boom, reaching 57,301 people.
• 1941
  • March 12: The U.S. military's Naval Air Station Corpus Christi was officially opened.
  • A "sea wall" was built to protect the city from storms.
• 1947 - The University of Corpus Christi was founded.
• 1950
  • The North Padre Island Causeway opened, connecting the mainland to Padre Island.
  • The population reached 108,287 people.
• 1951 - The Osage Drive-In cinema opened, where people could watch movies from their cars.
• 1956 - KRIS-TV and KZTV (television) began broadcasting in Corpus Christi.
• 1957
  • The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History was established, offering educational exhibits.
  • The Astor Restaurant opened.
• 1959 - The Harbor Bridge opened, making it easier to cross the ship channel.
• 1960 - The Corpus Christi International Airport opened, connecting the city to other places by air.
• 1968
  • Frances Farenthold was elected to the Texas House of Representatives.
  • The Padre Island National Seashore was dedicated near the city, preserving a beautiful natural area.
• 1970
  • August 3–4: Hurricane Celia caused significant damage to the city.
  • The population reached 204,525 people.
• 1972 - The Art Museum of South Texas was established.
• 1980 - August: Hurricane Allen occurred.
• 1981 - Sunrise Mall opened for shopping.
• 1983
  • Selena Quintanilla Pérez, a talented singer from Corpus Christi, won a Tejano Music Award.
  • Solomon Porfirio Ortiz became the U.S. representative for Texas's 27th congressional district.
• 1985 - The Port of Corpus Christi was named a foreign trade zone by the U.S. government, helping with international trade.
• 1989 - Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi became active, offering more higher education opportunities.
• 1990
  • The Texas State Aquarium opened, showcasing marine life.
  • A Greyhound Race Track opened.
• 1991 - The USS Lexington Museum was established, allowing visitors to explore a historic aircraft carrier.
• 1995 - March 31: Pop singer Selena, a beloved star from Corpus Christi, passed away.
• 1998 - The city's official website went online.
• 2000 - The population reached 277,454 people.

The 2000s: Into a New Century

• 2003 - Corpus Christi was named an All-America City, recognizing its community efforts.
• 2004 - December 24: A rare snowstorm occurred in Corpus Christi, bringing a white Christmas!
• 2007 - Senor Jaime's put up a 12-foot rooster statue, which became a city landmark.
• 2010
  • The song "I'm from Corpus" was released as a theme song for the city.
  • The population grew to 305,215 people.
• 2011 - Blake Farenthold became the U.S. representative for Texas's 27th congressional district.

Images for kids

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  After Hurricane Allen, 1980

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  Snow in Corpus Christi, 2004