Rockport in Aransas County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Site of Heldenfels Shipyard
Photographed By Norman Frank, March 16, 2012
1. Site of Heldenfels Shipyard Marker
Inscription.
Site of Heldenfels Shipyard. . Shipping industries flourished on the Rockport waterfront by the 1880s. Heldenfels Shipyard was established here on 12.9 acres in October 1917. Four 281-foot wooden cargo vessels were to be built for military use in World War I; the “Baychester” was launched on July 31, 1919, and the “Zuniga” on September 9, 1919. At the height of construction, over 900 men were employed at the shipyard. The need for ships fell as the war ended. Despite hurricane damage to the shipyard on September 14, 1919, the “Jasper” and the ‘Manchester” were completed as barges in 1920, ending this vital war contract.
Shipping industries flourished on the Rockport waterfront by the 1880s. Heldenfels Shipyard was established here on 12.9 acres in October 1917. Four 281-foot wooden cargo vessels were to be built for military use in World War I; the “Baychester” was launched on July 31, 1919, and the “Zuniga” on September 9, 1919. At the height of construction, over 900 men were employed at the shipyard. The need for ships fell as the war ended. Despite hurricane damage to the shipyard on September 14, 1919, the “Jasper” and the ‘Manchester” were completed as barges in 1920, ending this vital war contract.
Erected 1996 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2427.)
Location. 28° 0.3′ N, 97° 3.636′ W. Marker is in Rockport, Texas, in Aransas County. Marker is at the intersection of South Church Street (State Highway 70) and Shell Ridge Road, on the left when traveling south on South Church Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1800 S Church St, Rockport TX 78382, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 16, 2012. This page has been viewed 800 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on March 16, 2012. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
