Corpus Christi in Nueces County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Louis de Planque
In the two years after the storm, he opened studios in Indianola and Corpus Christi. As de Planque prepared to close his Indianola studio, the 1875 hurricane struck there and he and his wife barely survived. Using a lantern show to raise money, de Planque purchased new equipment and revived his Corpus Christi studio, where he spent the rest of his career. Called "Don Luis" in Corpus Christi, the six-foot, 200-pound de Planque was known to love parties and cut a striking figure by attending many events dressed in eccentric costumes, such as leather leggings and a serape topped with a feathered tyrolean hat. Local lore stated that no local or visiting celebrity could escape a session in de Planque's studio. He died of a stroke in Corpus Christi on May 1, 1898. He married twice and trained his second wife, Frenchwoman Eugenie J. Robert, as a photographer. She continued to operate his photography business for a number of years after his death.
Erected 2014 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17954.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Disasters • Industry & Commerce • War of 1812. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1842.
Location. 27° 48.087′ N, 97° 23.982′ W. Marker is in Corpus Christi, Texas, in Nueces County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Ramirez Street and Padre Street. The marker is located in the north section of the Old Bayview Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1150 Ramirez Street, Corpus Christi TX 78401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. William Henderson Maltby (a few steps from this marker); John Dix (within shouting distance of this marker); Eli Todd Merriman (within shouting distance of this marker); William DeRyee (within shouting distance of this marker); Matthew Nolan (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Bayview Mesquite (within shouting distance of this marker); James Downing (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas S. Parker (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Corpus Christi.
Also see . . . Photography in Civil War Texas.
One of the most important Civil War Texas photographers was a Prussian-born immigrant who barely operated within the borders of Texas. Louis De Planque operated photography galleries on both sides of the Rio Grande in both Brownsville and the sister city of Matamoros, Mexico. De Planque arrived in Mexico about the same time of Maximilian's forces during the French intervention. He was a superb artist who took many rare outdoor scenes. Source: The Handbook of Texas(Submitted on October 2, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 239 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 2, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.