Texas State Travel Guide: 1988 Page: 24
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12 miles across bay northeast of
Rockport. Administered by U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service as refuge for pro-
tection and management of various
species of wildlife inhabiting this
coastal area. Some 300 species of
birds-Canada geese, pintail and bald-
pate ducks, sandhill cranes, and more
have been recorded. Other inhabitants
include white-tailed deer, javelinas,
and raccoon. Sight-seeing, nature
observation, hiking, and photography
permitted along designated public-use
roads, trails, and at observation tow-
ers; also picnic areas. Most rewarding Near-extinct whooping crane
time to view wildlife is Nov. through
Mar., when greatest numbers of
species are at refuge (including whoopers). Refuge is open daylight hours.
Wildlife Interpretive Center features mounted specimens, slide show on
whooping cranes, literature. Open daily 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. At refuge headquar-
ters, about 35 miles northeast of Rockport via Texas 35 north; F.M. 774 east,
and F.M. 2040 south. 512/286-3559.
One of the best ways to view wildlife, especially whoopers, is from boats
in the intracoastal canal. From early November through early April, boats
from the Rockport Yacht Basin and Sandollar Marina cruise past tidal flats
and salt marshes (where many species may be seen) into the whoopers'
habitat. Fares vary.
Bird Garden and Wetlands Pond-Community project to promote
understanding of functions and values of plants as a natural resource worthy
of protection and survival, and to promote development of low cost, low
maintenance landscapes that provide food for birds, in particular, humming-
birds. Great place to picnic. In Texas Department of Transportation's rest
area on east side of Texas 35 N. in Rockport.
Copano Bay Causeway State Park-Former highway causeway across
bay north of Rockport (replaced by a modern span); now excellent fishing
piers administered by Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Piers extend from north
and south sides (not connected); total length of both over mile and a half.
Concessions on both sides provide tackle, bait, food; public boat ramp south
side. Near the present Texas 35 causeway. Modest fee.
Fishing-Jetty sheltering Rockport Yacht Basin is popular spot for bay fish-
ing; dawn hours generally most productive. Many hotels and motels on
bayfront maintain private fishing piers for guests. Depending upon season of
the year and proverbial luck, catches may include redfish, sand and speckled
trout, catfish, croaker, sheepshead, flounder, and drum. Group-boat bay fish-
ing available at yacht basin. Offshore species may include tarpon, sailfish,
marlin, ling, wahoo, king mackerel, bonito, pompano, red snapper, warsaw,
and others. Public fishing piers are the Fulton Harbor Pier and public piers at
north and south ends of Rockport Beach Park.
Fulton Mansion State Historical Structure-Completed in 1876 after
four years of construction at cost of $100,000, the ornate four-story house
was a showplace of its time. Included many innovations: central air condi-
tioning, forced air heating, hot and cold running water. Restored house and
grounds open Wed. - Sun. 9 - 11:30 a.m., 1 - 4 p.m. (Groups of ten or more
need to call in advance, 512/729-0386). Fulton Beach Rd. just south of
Fulton. Admission.
Goose Island State Park-307 acres on peninsula between Copano and
St. Charles Bays. Rest rooms, showers, picnic sites, open shelters, children's
play area, fishing pier, fish cleaning table, boat ramp. Tent and trailer camp-
ing permitted; unsupervised bay swimming beach. Site of "Big Tree," an
immense live oak certified as largest in Texas, estimated 2,000 years old.
About 12 miles north of Rockport; Texas 35, Park Road 13. Admission.
512/729-2858.When completed
in 1876, the
ornate Fulton
Mansion included
many innova-
tions: central
air conditioning,
forced air heat-
ing, hot and cold
running waterI"
A4 *1 t, 'J
Vi"
'A'
A _.JState champion
Live Oak at
Goose Island
State Park near
RockportF
4j
-JANO2ITexas
Maritime
Museum in
RockportPaws and Tows Recreation Hall-Waterfront facility offering square
dances, arts and crafts shows, and other activities for winter visitors and area
residents. On Fulton Beach Rd. in Fulton.
Rockport Center for the Arts-Restored 19th-Century Bruhl-O'Connor
home redesigned to house studio classrooms and gallery display areas. Open
Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sun. 1 - 4 p.m. 902 Navigation Circle, at
Rockport harbor. 512/729-5519.
Texas Maritime Museum-Recounts the state's maritime development:
Alonso de Pineda's discovery of desolate coastline in 1519; the boom and
bust of steamboat traffic on Texas rivers; Texas's brief experience as a naval
power; and development of Texas commercial fishing industry. Open Tues. -
Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sun. noon - 4 p.m. Closed major holidays. Admission.
Near center of Rockport on Texas 35. 512/729-1271.SINTO
Pop. 5,602I
Alt. 48
Map U-17
General-San Patricia County seat estab-
lished 1885 as station on San Antonio and
Aransas Pass Railroad. Greatest population
e surge came in 1909 when several large
ranches divided into smaller farms; resultingdiversity of agriculture still apparent. Small downtown park with picnic area.
300-acre Rob and Bessie Welder Park with playground, golf, tennis, swim-
ming pool, and small lake; east of U.S. 181 north.
Welder Wildlife Refuge-Largest privately endowed wildlife refuge in
world; provisions for sanctuary made in rancher Rob Welder's will. Acreage
and large administration-museum building occupy portion of Welder Ranch
established from Spanish land grant more than 150 years ago. Tours on
Thurs. 3 p.m. Group and special tours may be requested from tour director,
512/364-2643. Refuge north of city off U.S. 77.TAFT
Pop. 3,244Alt. 34
Map U-7
General-Established in early 1900s on the
San Antonio and Aransas Pass RR in east
central San Patricio County. Town named for
Charles Taft of the Coleman-Fulton Pasture
Co. for which the station was a shippingpoint. Other partners in the enterprise were named Mathis, Fulton, and
Sinton-all of whom have towns named for them also. Today's economy
is based on agriculture and diversified industries.
Taft Blackland Museum-Housed in building once headquarters of the
giant Coleman-Fulton Pasture Co. Exhibits range from antique farm and
ranch equipment to personal and household items of early settlers. Museum
also contains valuable memorabilia from the Taft Ranch. Open Thurs.
10 a.m. - noon, 1 - 4 p.m., Sun. 2 - 5 p.m. 301 Green Ave. 512/528-2206.I
r
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Texas. Department of Transportation. Texas State Travel Guide: 1988, book, 1988; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1203617/m1/26/?q=waco+tornado: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.