Corpus Christi in Nueces County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Lone Star Fair
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 16, 2018
1. The Lone Star Fair Marker
When the fair opened, May 1, 1852, main attractions included races on a new racetrack, bullfights by the noted Mexico City Matador, Don Camarena, the popular Maltby's Circus, a theatrical troupe from New Orleans, philosophical oratory, stock and agricultural shows, and exhibitions of horsemanship and wild bull riding, with prizes for all competitive events.
Kinney planned for an attendance of 30,000, but only 2,000 visitors appeared. The failure of the fair was attributed to the remoteness of Corpus Christi, poor transportation, and the revolutionary activity the fair supported. The venture bankrupted Kinney and he soon departed for Nicaragua to recoup his fortunes.
Erected 1973 by Texas Historical
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • War, Texas Independence. A significant historical date for this entry is May 1, 1852.
Location. 27° 47.809′ N, 97° 23.769′ W. Marker is in Corpus Christi, Texas, in Nueces County. Marker is at the intersection of Antelope Street and North Lower Broadway Street, on the right when traveling east on Antelope Street. Marker is located where Antelope Street diverts around Broadway Bluff to descend from North Upper Broadway Street to North Lower Broadway Street. Antelope Street becomes Peoples Street at this point. Marker on the right (north) side of Pompeo Coppini's 1914 "Queen of the Sea" sculpture, fountain & staircase. 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. Broadway Bluff Improvement (a few steps from this marker); Mother Margaret Mary Healy Murphy (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Bernard Murphy (about 400 feet away); Site of the Corpus Christi Lighthouse (about 500 feet away); Old St. Patrick's Church (about 800 feet away); The Corpus Christi Caller-Times (approx.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 16, 2018
2. The Lone Star Fair Marker (tall view)
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Henry Lawrence Kinney
Also see . . . Henry Lawrence Kinney.
In 1852 Kinney organized the Corpus Christi Fair in an effort to promote the region. But though the fair itself was a success, Kinney was less successful in luring settlers, and he began to lose a great deal of money. In order to recover some of his losses, he went to Washington in an attempt to persuade the government to invest in several schemes, including a camel corps to transport goods from Corpus Christi to San Francisco and an army hospital in Corpus Christi. None of the ideas ever materialized, and Kinney embarked on a new venture to establish a colony in Nicaragua. (Submitted on June 6, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 16, 2018
3. "Queen of the Sea" Fountain & Staircase (marker visible right side; unrelated marker at left)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 263 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 6, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
