Corpus Christi in Nueces County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Flour Bluff
In the spring of 1838 France blockaded the coast of Mexico during the Pastry War, so-called because of the mistreatment of French citizens, including pastry chefs, living in Mexico. The strategic location of Corpus Christi Bay led to the revival of smuggling in this area. Supplies were carried overland across the Rio Grande, and the illicit trade flourished as Mexico bought sorely needed goods in Texas. Although president Sam Houston did not wish to antagonize Mexico, Mexican patrols at Corpus Christi offended many Texans. In July, 1838, authorities at Texana heard reports of Mexican activity near the bay. A captured Mexican sea captain said that his government had declared Corpus Christi a port of entry and had dispatched about 400 men to protect it. A summons was issued, calling Texans to rally at Texana, August 7, to drive the invaders from the republic's boundaries. By the time the volunteers reached the area, some of the Mexicans had landed their supplies near the tip of Corpus Christi Bay and returned to Matamoros. The rest scattered, leaving about 100 barrels of flour and parts of a steam engine. The Texans confiscated the usable flour, and other contraband, and the site became known as Flour Bluff.
Erected 1976 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 1924.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1938.
Location. 27° 39.788′ N, 97° 17.248′ W. Marker is in Corpus Christi, Texas, in Nueces County. Marker is on Graham Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 654 Graham Rd, Corpus Christi TX 78418, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Naval Air Station Corpus Christi (here, next to this marker); German POW Camp at NAS Corpus Christi (a few steps from this marker); Flour Bluff Independent School District (approx. 1.4 miles away); Duncan Cemetery (approx. 1.4 miles away); Sunshine Cemetery (approx. 4.1 miles away); Ward Island (approx. 4.2 miles away); Karankawa Indians (approx. 4.4 miles away); Coastal Hide, Tallow and Packing Industries (approx. 4.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Corpus Christi.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 30, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2022, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 352 times since then and 102 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 30, 2022, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.