General-

Area settlement began as early as 1822, but the actual city was established in 1859 when Houston and Texas Central Railroad built through.  Other railroads followed, and the city became a cotton processing and shipping center for the region.  The Downtown area is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and features a collection of shops filled with treatures of past and present.

Be sure to visit the LaSalle House, a Queen Anne Victorian built in 1897.  It features antiques, collectibles, and rare books at 412 E. Washington St.   Tours of the house are on each Saturday and Sunday.  Bed and breakfast accomdations are also available in the Victorian mansion.

For Information on driving tours, location maps, and visitor packets drop by the chamber of commerce or call 1-800-252-6642, or 409-825-6600.

Horlock History Center-

In a two-story Eastlake home established in 1892.   Authentically furnished, the home has three rooms devoted to exhibits which reflect the ethnic diversity of the area.  Open Fri & Sat from 9:30am to 4:30pm, and Sundays from 1-4pm.  1215 E. Washington St.  (Texas 105).

LaSalle Monument

130 years before the first Anglo-American settlers, the French arrived in Texas led by Robert Cavelier, Sieur de la Salle.  It was a mistake, he was actually seeking the mouth of the Mississippi River, but a series of misadventures brought his fleet of three ships to Matagorda Bay.  He established a coastal coloney called Fort Saint Louis.  Two years later while exploring inland, one of LaSalle's men murdered him near present day Navasota.  Statue is on Texas 90 downtown and honors the French trader-explorer. 

Washington on the Brazos State Park-

Six miles southwest on the Brazos River, via Texas 90.

University of Texas Marine Science Institute-

Laboratory and research facility.   Displays include Gulf marine life, plants, and fascinating introduction to oceanography.  Along ship channel between Mustang and San Jose Islands.  Open weekdays 8 a.m. - noon, 1 - 5 p.m. 512/749-6729.

Visitor Center-

For additional information for accommodations, dining, events and area facilities, stop by the Port Aransas Convention and Visitor's Bureau at 421 West Cotter, or call 1-800-452-6278.