Port Isabel in Cameron County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Landmark on the Point
A beacon for travelers then and now
Photographed by James Hulse, November 25, 2024
1. Landmark on the Point Marker
The sturdy lighthouse at Point Isabel has survived war, coastal storms, and abandonment. Built in 1852 on the grounds of a Mexican-American War military depot, the lighthouse was a strategic prize for Confederate and Federal troops during the American Civil War. During its operation in the last half of the 19th century, its light projected 15 miles out to sea to help safely guide ships through the Brazos Santiago Pass and into the Laguna Madre.
Now
Since 1952 the lighthouse has been the centerpiece of a State Park and in 2000 Texas Parks and Wildlife restored it to its 1880 appearance. Today the lighthouse stands as a well-known landmark, but time is unkind on the coast, so in 2016 much needed maintenance began to repair the effects of coastal weather and salt air.
Captions
Above: Port Isabel Lighthouse sometime before its restoration and it becoming a State Park in 1952.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Below: People show off their tarpon catches in front of the lighthouse in 1934, before it was a State Park. A nearby mesquite tree on the grounds was carved to represent the tarpon in nearby waters.
Robert M. Steene, TxDot
The strong little lighthouse on the point still stands to welcome visitors to Port Isabel.
TPWD
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.
Location. 26° 4.669′ N, 97° 12.438′ W. Marker is in Port Isabel, Texas, in Cameron County. It is at the intersection of East Queen Isabella Blvd (State Road 100) and N Garcia Street, on the left when traveling east on East Queen Isabella Blvd. The marker is located east of the lighthouse on the grounds of the historic site. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 421 E Queen Isabella Blvd, Port Isabel TX 78578, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South Texas. It is also 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 walking distance of this marker: Point Isabel Lighthouse (a few steps from this marker); Old Point Isabel Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Fort Polk (within shouting distance of this marker); Port of Matamoros (within shouting distance of this marker); Port Isabel, C.S.A. (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Charles Champion (about 600 feet away); Rio Grande Rail Road Company (about 700 feet away); Queen Isabel Inn (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Isabel.
Another marker is no longer nearby. A View from the Top (was a few steps from this marker
Photographed by James Hulse, November 25, 2024
2. Landmark on the Point Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, November 25, 2024
3. The Port Isabel Lighthouse and the Landmark on the Point Marker
The marker is located next to the bench.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 26, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 26, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 183 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 26, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
