Corpus Christi in Nueces County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
1941 Corpus Christi Seawall
A designated Texas Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, the Corpus Christi Seawall has helped to protect the coastal city for more than seventy years. Periodically devastated by hurricanes, Corpus Christi began to consider a protective barrier in 1919. For the next twenty years, seawall plans were proposed only to be ignored or rejected.
Finally in 1939, seawall construction began, funded with over $2,000,000 provided by the remission of state and ad valorem taxes from seven south Texas counties. San Antonio contractor Jay Depuy built the 1,100-foot long seawall, using the design of the Dallas Civil Engineering firm, E.L. Myers and E.N. Noyes. Dredging eastward from Water Street, Depuy created a new land mound extending over 500 feet into the bay. From its edge to its juncture with the shoreline, he drove creoso ted timber pilings, able to bear eighteen tons of pressure, through the earthen mound into the bay bottom. Using a mobile foundation-forming device, he then erected a 14-foot high steel reinforced concrete seawall with steps from it top down into the water.
When completed in 1941, along with three piers and a marina, the seawall was not merely a protective barrier; its steps provided the people of Corpus Christi with an amphitheater to the sea. With this as their base, they held bonfire war bond rallies during WWII, watched the sesquicentennial fireworks display and celebrated the arrival of the Columbus ships. Constructed through the ingenuity of engineers, the persistence of politicians and the enthusiasm of citizens, this concrete wall has protected shoreline businesses and property well into the 21st century.
Erected 2015 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 18252.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Man-Made Features. In addition, it is included in the ASCE Civil Engineering Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1941.
Location. 27° 47.741′ N, 97° 23.464′ W. Marker is in Corpus Christi, Texas, in Nueces County. Marker is at the intersection of North Shoreline Boulevard and Schatzell Street, on the right when traveling north on North Shoreline Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Corpus Christi TX 78401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Gutzon Borglum and the Corpus Christi Bayfront (here, next to this marker); 1966 Farm Workers Rally and March (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Selena Memorial (about 300 feet away); Niña (about 500 feet away); Capitán Blas María de la Garza Falcón (about 600 feet away); Site of Nueces Hotel (about 800 feet away); Site of Old Salt Mill (about 800 feet away); Corpus Christi (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Corpus Christi.
Also see . . . Corpus Christi's political seawall history. Corpus Christi began seeking a seawall after its 1919 hurricane. Completing it took 20 years, with the dedication taking place on the first Sunday in December 1941. The celebration was interrupted by events in Pearl Harbor on that December 7. The interruption seems fitting. O’Rear book shows building Corpus’ seawall was a process that included mad artists, dodgy politicians, ruthless businessmen, ambitious engineers and starry-eyed civic leaders in one big tangled package. In other words, it was a classic Texas saga. (Submitted on May 17, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 21, 2018. It was originally submitted on May 17, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 620 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 17, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.