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. It 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.
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 2 miles of this
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 16, 2012. This page has been viewed 1,104 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on March 16, 2012. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
