Views of the Neighborhood – The Eight Wonders of Port Aransas

~ John W. Howell

Of all the treasures in Port Aransas, the Museum has selected eight which have been labeled The Eight Wonders of Port Aransas. I thought it would be fun to take a look at what the museum considers the eight wonders.

Light house

Number one is the Lighthouse. Construction started in 1854, and the first light went on in 1857. The beacon could be seen as far out as seven miles into the Gulf. It was an operational lighthouse for Ninety -nine years before decommissioning. (photo courtesy of The Port Aransas Museum)

Eight Wonders of Port Aransas

Number two is the jetties. There are two and were built to stop the erosion of the ship channel. Work was begun in 1862, but it was not until 1910 that the jetties were constructed finally strong enough to withstand the sea force.

The third is the Tarpon Inn. So named after a popular gamefish that is now extinct from the Port Aransas waters. The hotel was built in 1886 just when it was clear that the jetties would be successful in protecting the ship channel from deterioration. The channel meant new visitors and new business opportunity.

I couldn’t get the Tarpon Inn in one shot so here is another

The fourth wonder is the University of Texas Marine Science Institute. Established in 1941 the institute has educated thousands of scientists on how to move marine science forward. Here is a picture of the educational center.

The fifth is the Port Aransas Museum. It is housed in a building that was initially a “kit ” home built in 1914. It has been moved three times around the island. It served as the life-saving station from 1916 to 1925 and then a private residence for seventy-seven years until donated to the museum.

The sixth is the Farley Boat Works. Founded in 1915 the works made boats that could withstand the heavy surf around Port Aransas. They were used primarily as fishing boats. The works continued to make boats until 1970. In 2011 the Farley Boat Works began making crafts once again.

Chapel in the Dunes

The seventh is the Chapel in the Dunes. It is atop the highest dune in Port Aransas. It was built in 1937 to serve as a devotional place for the Carter family. It also became the center for ice cream socials for the children of Port Aransas held by Arline Carter know as the “Angel Lady.”

The last Farley Boat

Photo courtesy of The Port Aransas Museum

The eighth wonder is the Last Farley Boat. The last boat to leave the boat works. It was a finished hull bought by James Mayfield a local shrimper. He was going to have the shell made into a new shrimp boat. He never got around to it and instead inverted the hull to form a roof on his shop.

I hope you have enjoyed a glimpse of the Eight Wonders of Port Aransas

 

59 thoughts on “Views of the Neighborhood – The Eight Wonders of Port Aransas”

  1. What a wonderful journey this Sunday morning! I especially love the chapel and the Last Farley Boat. Both have quite a story to tell. Enjoy the day, hopefully, one of sunshine and warmth.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. John,

    Love the eight wonders tour. The chapel bears a remarkable resemblance to Wilson- Tom Hanks bestie in Castaway. I do realize this is a result of the photographers vantage point. And I am appreciative of that, 😉

    Liked by 2 people

  3. Great post, with some fun memories. The staysail boom from a boat I sailed for years was stored in the old lighthouse while the previous owners were cruising.

    Do you happen to know if the tarpon scale that President Roosevelt signed is still around, or was it lost when the Tarpon Inn was damaged? As for the tarpon, they’re still around, and are being caught all along the Louisiana-Texas coastline. I hear the guides on our fishing show talk about them from time to time, including some from your area. Here’s a recent video of a catch from the Port A jetties. Jetty tarpon are smaller, but there are big ones being caught farther out during the season. At the end of the video, it shows the fellow who caught the fish taking two of the scales — one for him, and one for the Tarpon Inn. Tradition lives!

    The Chapel in the Dunes is new to me. I’ve never even heard of it, but it looks lovely. It’s on my list if I ever can get down that way. And I love that last Farley boat. I think the Museum chose well.

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    1. Yup, Roosevelts scale is still there. The Tarpon caught in Port A are few and far between and yes small. When I used “extinct” I should have used rare. The Chapel is to not miss. It is all painted inside with murals depicting scenes from the bible..

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  12. Those are remarkable, John. I love lighthouses, and that one is a beauty. Is it open to the public as a tourist attraction? I also really like the story of the last Farley boat. That’s a pretty good use of a boat hull. I think the museum did a good job. Thanks for bring them together for us to tour. Have a great week.

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  18. I enjoyed visiting Port A. today, John — thank you for this interesting, educational excursion. I like the chapel, but the Tarpon Inn fascinates me. I’m surprised all those fences and railings have been able to withstand hurricanes (or perhaps it’s located far away from their paths?)

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  19. I love all of these “wonders” but the lighthouse is the one that draws me. I have always been fascinated by the keepers of the sea and love stories that involve them. Thank you, John!

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  20. Every post where you share information and photos of Port Aransas, I am amazed at the history preserved there. This one is my favorite so far. The lighthouse, Tarpon Inn, and the Farley boat are my favorites. But then there are the jetties which are fascinating in themselves and the kit house and one can’t forget the chapel. I can only imagine what one could learn at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute and a tour of the Farley Boat Works would undoubtedly reveal some interesting boat building secrets. Let’s just face it, there is no way to pick a favorite here. F-a-b-u-;l-o-u-s post, John!

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  24. Delightful tour of Port Arkansas, John. Was the kit house from Sears? It doesn’t look like one. I love the chapel in the dunes and the story of the angel lady. 🙂

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