Portland in San Patricio County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Reef Road

Photographed by Dave W, February 19, 2022

1. Reef Road Marker

Restoration of marker was done by Brandon Cox of BSA Troop 345 in 2016 as an Eagle Scout Project.

Inscription.
Early settlers in the eastern and central areas of San Patricio County faced difficulty traveling across Corpus Christi Bay to Corpus Christi, the main center for trade. The Reef Road, which according to local tradition was discovered by Indians, was the shortest and most favored route. Consisting of oyster shell reefs close to the water's surface, the road was passable only at low tide. Construction of the railroad (1887) and first causeway (1915) across the bay signalled a decline in usage of the road, but it remains an important part of the county's history.

Erected 1989 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4225.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 27° 51.347′ N, 97° 21.189′ W. Marker is in Portland, Texas, in San Patricio County. It is at the intersection of U.S. 181 and Indian Point Pier, on the left when traveling south on U.S. 181. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Portland TX 78374, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Site of Indian Point Mass Grave of 1919 Hurricane Victims (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Bay View College

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(approx. 2.1 miles away); Texas Section American Society of Civil Engineers (approx. 3.1 miles away); 1919 Storm (approx. 3.1 miles away); USS Lexington CV-16 (approx. 3.6 miles away); USS Lexington (approx. 3.6 miles away); Rising Sun (approx. 3.6 miles away); Kamikaze (approx. 3.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portland.

Photographed by Dave W, December 27, 2025

2. Reef Road Marker

Marker seen here mid frame along the walking path that is to the south of the highway.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2022, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 623 times since then and 79 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 3, 2022, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. 2. submitted on December 27, 2025, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.