Rockport, Texas

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 (28.048645, -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.

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.

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.

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.

Public schools

All of Rockport is served by the Aransas County Independent School District and 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