Rockport, Texas
Encyclopedia
Rockport is a city in Aransas County
, Texas
, United States
. The population was 7,385 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat
of Aransas County
. The coastal community has approximately 8000 citizens. Large windswept live oak
s are a dominating feature of the area and the state's oldest live oak, "Big Tree"
, resides on nearby Lamar Peninsula. The towns of Rockport and Fulton
intermingle and many refer to the combined communities as "Rockport-Fulton." The community has a Maritime Museum, The Fulton Mansion State Historic Site
, art galleries and shops.
, ski basin, and sport fishing. The city's beachfront park has won awards for "The Nation's Cleanest Beach". The city hosts several fairs and expositions each year including the Fiesta De La Playa, Seafair and a Wine Festival. There are also historic sites such as the Fulton Mansion and a Heritage district in downtown Rockport that offers a friendly and fun shopping environment. Key Allegro Marina is also a popular attraction, especially during The Rockport Offshore Challenge or The R.O.C.
Local operators offer wintertime tours of nesting whooping crane
s in the large Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
located nearby. Local birders and organizations such as the Aransas Bird and Nature Club have helped preserve unique bird watching reserves such as the Connie Hagar sanctuary and Aransas Woods that are easily accessible. Located along the migration route of several species of hummingbird
s, the city hosts an annual "Hummer and Birding Expo" which includes tours of local residences where hundreds of ruby throated hummingbirds can be viewed at feeders.
, the city has a total area of 14.5 square miles (37.6 km²), of which, 9.4 square miles (24.3 km²) of it is land and 5.1 square miles (13.2 km²) of it (35.29%) is water.
of 2000, there were 7,385 people, 3,157 households, and 2,127 families residing in the city. The population density
was 786.4 people per square mile (303.7/km²). There were 4,533 housing units at an average density of 482.7 per square mile (186.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 88.68% White, 1.31% African American, 0.50% Native American, 3.64% Asian, 3.40% from other races
, and 2.46% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 19.50% of the population.
There were 3,157 households out of which 24.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% were married couples
living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.6% were non-families. 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.74.
In the city the population was 21.4% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 21.3% from 25 to 44, 26.7% from 45 to 64, and 24.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females there were 92.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.0 males. The median income for a household in the city was $32,741, and the median income for a family was $40,880. Males had a median income of $36,195 versus $22,697 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $25,135. About 16.4% of families and 20.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 42.3% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over.
. Sacred Heart School also serves the community.
The city is also served by the Aransas County Public Library. The library is located at 701 E. Mimosa Rockport, Texas.
City of Rockport
Rockport residents chose Ward 2 and Ward 4 council member, as well as a mayor. The polling place will be at the Rockport City Hall.
Currently, Leo Villa (Ward 2), Jerry Beattie (Ward 4), and Todd Pearson (mayor) hold those positions.
Villa is opposed by Brian C. Olsen.
Beattie is not seeking re-election. H.L. “Herb” Wisch is the only candidate in Ward 4.
Pearson is opposed by William “Bill” James Cobb.
Mayor
Todd Pearson held his position against Cobb, 993-328.
ACISD
Aransas County residents chose Place 1, Place 2, and Place 5 trustees. The polling place was at the Rockport City Hall.
Prior to the race, Melanie Brewer (Place 1), Jim Remley (Place 2), and Rusty Little (Place 5) held those positions.
Brewer was opposed by teacher Nancy Bolting.
Remley was opposed by retired teacherSheryl “Sam” Kenney and pharmacist Alan Putman.
Little was opposed by attorney and investor Steve Fischer.
Challenger Steve Fischer was the only challenger to defeat an incumbent
in all of the races held in the county that day, 958-934. Brewer and Remley continued maintain their positions on the school board.
Town of Fulton
Fulton
residents elected a mayor, and an alderman/woman in Place 1 and Place 5. The polling place was held at the Fulton Town Hall.
Prior to the race, Russel Cole (mayor), Carol Thompson (Place 1), and Dale Owens (Place 5) held those positions.
Thompson was opposed by Thomas J. Belichick.
Cole and Owens ran unopposed.
Incumbent Carol Thompson defeated Belichick, 72-44.
Aransas County
Voters also cast ballot
s on a proposition authorizing the split of the road and bridge tax to address county drainage issues. The polling place was held at the regular precinct polling stations.
Aransas County, Texas
Aransas County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. It is part of the Corpus Christi Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2000, the population was 22,499. Its county seat is Rockport. Aransas County was formed in 1871 from Refugio County.-Geography:According to the U.S...
, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 7,385 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of Aransas County
Aransas County, Texas
Aransas County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. It is part of the Corpus Christi Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2000, the population was 22,499. Its county seat is Rockport. Aransas County was formed in 1871 from Refugio County.-Geography:According to the U.S...
. The coastal community has approximately 8000 citizens. Large windswept live oak
Live oak
Live oak , also known as the southern live oak, is a normally evergreen oak tree native to the southeastern United States...
s are a dominating feature of the area and the state's oldest live oak, "Big Tree"
The Big Tree, Rockport
The "Big Tree" is one of the most famous live oaks in the world. It was named Texas State Champion Coastal Live Oak in 1969. It is thought to be one of the largest in the United States.-History:...
, resides on nearby Lamar Peninsula. The towns of Rockport and Fulton
Fulton, Texas
Fulton is a town in Aransas County, Texas, United States. As of the 2000 census, this South Texas coastal fishing community had a population of 1,553...
intermingle and many refer to the combined communities as "Rockport-Fulton." The community has a Maritime Museum, The Fulton Mansion State Historic Site
George W. Fulton Mansion
The George W. Fulton Mansion is one of the earliest Second Empire style buildings constructed in Texas and is one of the most important of the style in the Southwest United States still in existence. Colonel George Ware Fulton and Harriet Gillette Smith built the 3.5 story structure overlooking...
, art galleries and shops.
Area attractions
Rockport is a popular tourist destination for its beachBeach
A beach is a geological landform along the shoreline of an ocean, sea, lake or river. It usually consists of loose particles which are often composed of rock, such as sand, gravel, shingle, pebbles or cobblestones...
, ski basin, and sport fishing. The city's beachfront park has won awards for "The Nation's Cleanest Beach". The city hosts several fairs and expositions each year including the Fiesta De La Playa, Seafair and a Wine Festival. There are also historic sites such as the Fulton Mansion and a Heritage district in downtown Rockport that offers a friendly and fun shopping environment. Key Allegro Marina is also a popular attraction, especially during The Rockport Offshore Challenge or The R.O.C.
Local operators offer wintertime tours of nesting whooping crane
Whooping Crane
The whooping crane , the tallest North American bird, is an endangered crane species named for its whooping sound. Along with the Sandhill Crane, it is one of only two crane species found in North America. The whooping crane's lifespan is estimated to be 22 to 24 years in the wild...
s in the large Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is a 114,657 acre protected area situated on the southwest side of San Antonio Bay along the Gulf Coast of the U.S. state of Texas. It is located in parts of Aransas, Refugio, and Calhoun counties. The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge was established by Executive...
located nearby. Local birders and organizations such as the Aransas Bird and Nature Club have helped preserve unique bird watching reserves such as the Connie Hagar sanctuary and Aransas Woods that are easily accessible. Located along the migration route of several species of hummingbird
Hummingbird
Hummingbirds are birds that comprise the family Trochilidae. They are among the smallest of birds, most species measuring in the 7.5–13 cm range. Indeed, the smallest extant bird species is a hummingbird, the 5-cm Bee Hummingbird. They can hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings...
s, the city hosts an annual "Hummer and Birding Expo" which includes tours of local residences where hundreds of ruby throated hummingbirds can be viewed at feeders.
Geography
Rockport is located at 28°1′52"N 97°3′0"W (28.031032, -97.049990). According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 14.5 square miles (37.6 km²), of which, 9.4 square miles (24.3 km²) of it is land and 5.1 square miles (13.2 km²) of it (35.29%) is water.
2000 Census data
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 7,385 people, 3,157 households, and 2,127 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 786.4 people per square mile (303.7/km²). There were 4,533 housing units at an average density of 482.7 per square mile (186.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 88.68% White, 1.31% African American, 0.50% Native American, 3.64% Asian, 3.40% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 2.46% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 19.50% of the population.
There were 3,157 households out of which 24.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.6% were non-families. 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.74.
In the city the population was 21.4% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 21.3% from 25 to 44, 26.7% from 45 to 64, and 24.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females there were 92.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.0 males. The median income for a household in the city was $32,741, and the median income for a family was $40,880. Males had a median income of $36,195 versus $22,697 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $25,135. About 16.4% of families and 20.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 42.3% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over.
Education
All of Rockport is served by the Aransas County Independent School DistrictAransas County Independent School District
Aransas County Independent School District is an independent county-wide school district based inRockport, Texas, United States.The district serves a area that covers most of Aransas County, including the city of Rockport, the town of Fulton, and the unincorporated communities of Holiday Beach...
. Sacred Heart School also serves the community.
The city is also served by the Aransas County Public Library. The library is located at 701 E. Mimosa Rockport, Texas.
Notable residents
- Margaret SkeeteMargaret SkeeteMargaret Skeete née Seward was an American supercentenarian and the oldest living American from 1993 to 1994. Skeete is the oldest person ever from Texas. She was 115 years 192 days old at the time of her death, and is the 15th oldest person ever as of October 2008...
(oldest person ever from Texas) - Dat NguyenDat NguyenDat Tan Nguyen is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League . He was the first Vietnamese American to play in the NFL. He played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1999 to 2005. He played college football at Texas A&M. He was the Cowboys' assistant linebackers coach and...
- George StraitGeorge StraitGeorge Harvey Strait is an American country music singer, actor, and music producer. Strait is referred to as the "King of Country," and critics call Strait a living legend. He is known for his unique style of western swing music, bar-room ballads, honky-tonk style, and fresh yet traditional...
- Jack WyattJack WyattJohn Francis Minford "Jack" Wyatt was an advertising executive and television host from New York City and Dallas, Texas, who, during his early fifties, was ordained as an Episcopalian priest...
May 2008 Elections
Aransas County had four general elections on May 10, 2008 involving the City of Rockport, the Town of Fulton, Aransas County Independent School District, and Aransas County.City of Rockport
Rockport residents chose Ward 2 and Ward 4 council member, as well as a mayor. The polling place will be at the Rockport City Hall.
Currently, Leo Villa (Ward 2), Jerry Beattie (Ward 4), and Todd Pearson (mayor) hold those positions.
Villa is opposed by Brian C. Olsen.
Beattie is not seeking re-election. H.L. “Herb” Wisch is the only candidate in Ward 4.
Pearson is opposed by William “Bill” James Cobb.
Mayor
Mayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
Todd Pearson held his position against Cobb, 993-328.
ACISD
Aransas County residents chose Place 1, Place 2, and Place 5 trustees. The polling place was at the Rockport City Hall.
Prior to the race, Melanie Brewer (Place 1), Jim Remley (Place 2), and Rusty Little (Place 5) held those positions.
Brewer was opposed by teacher Nancy Bolting.
Remley was opposed by retired teacherSheryl “Sam” Kenney and pharmacist Alan Putman.
Little was opposed by attorney and investor Steve Fischer.
Challenger Steve Fischer was the only challenger to defeat an incumbent
Incumbent
The incumbent, in politics, is the existing holder of a political office. This term is usually used in reference to elections, in which races can often be defined as being between an incumbent and non-incumbent. For example, in the 2004 United States presidential election, George W...
in all of the races held in the county that day, 958-934. Brewer and Remley continued maintain their positions on the school board.
Town of Fulton
Fulton
Fulton, Texas
Fulton is a town in Aransas County, Texas, United States. As of the 2000 census, this South Texas coastal fishing community had a population of 1,553...
residents elected a mayor, and an alderman/woman in Place 1 and Place 5. The polling place was held at the Fulton Town Hall.
Prior to the race, Russel Cole (mayor), Carol Thompson (Place 1), and Dale Owens (Place 5) held those positions.
Thompson was opposed by Thomas J. Belichick.
Cole and Owens ran unopposed.
Incumbent Carol Thompson defeated Belichick, 72-44.
Aransas County
Voters also cast ballot
Ballot
A ballot is a device used to record choices made by voters. Each voter uses one ballot, and ballots are not shared. In the simplest elections, a ballot may be a simple scrap of paper on which each voter writes in the name of a candidate, but governmental elections use pre-printed to protect the...
s on a proposition authorizing the split of the road and bridge tax to address county drainage issues. The polling place was held at the regular precinct polling stations.