Rockport in Aransas County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

An Innovator

Photographed by Dave W, November 9, 2025

1. An Innovator Marker

Inscription. The Coleman-Fulton Pasture Company was a leader in changing ranching in South Texas. They erected one of the first range fences to protect their cattle from diseases and keep their bloodlines safe. Fulton pushed for drilling water wells and using windmills to help the water supply. He also suggested growing corn and grain sorghum to improve the cattle's diet and produce men meat. Fulton even got U.S. patents for the modification of steam engines be create artificial cooling units to ship beef to markets.

Soon, railroads made it cheaper to transport live animals to northern slaughterhouses of shipping cooled meat. By the 1880s, there were fewer meat-packers along Texas’ Costal Bend. Even though the Fultons’ business did not last long, their innovations had a lasting impact on the industry. They coded up selling much of their ranch land to small farmers. After George died in 1893, the remaining ranch land eventually became the Taft Ranch, which operand until 1930.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1893.

Location. 28° 3.45′ N, 97° 2.099′ W. Marker is in Rockport, Texas, in Aransas County. It is at the intersection of Fulton Beach Road and Henderson Street

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on Fulton Beach Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 317 S Fulton Beach Rd, Rockport TX 78382, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the American 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: Oakhurst Innovations (here, next to this marker); Harriet's Garden (a few steps from this marker); The Old Fulton Home (within shouting distance of this marker); A Cattle Empire (within shouting distance of this marker); Fulton Mansion (within shouting distance of this marker); Home of George W. Fulton (within shouting distance of this marker); Beyond Oakhurst (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fulton Seafood Industry (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rockport.

Photographed by Dave W, November 9, 2025

2. An Innovator Marker

Marker on left looking west.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2025, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 78 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 10, 2025, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.