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Ever wondered how Rockport Texas got its name?

Updated: Jan 31

Old Photograph of La Playa Hotel that was once located in Rockport Texas USA
La Playa Hotel in Rockport Texas

Rockport, Texas is a coastal city located on the southern tip of Aransas County. Rockport’s history has been one of the extremes with hurricanes almost destroying the town many times since it was first settled.


An old Map of Aransas County Texas from the 1800's
Map of Aransas County from 1800's

Being a coastal community with sand everywhere. Many people have wondered how Rockport got its name, being that there are no rocks around. This article will explain how the name “Rockport” was chosen as a name.




In the early days of Rockport Texas History


Looking back on its history many people don’t know that after the civil war, Aransas/Refugio counties actually became important cattle ranching and shipping centers around the mid-1800s.



Packing Plants during the Civil War along Fulton Beach Road in Fulton Texas Aransas County USA
Packing Plants during the Civil War along Fulton Beach Road


James M. Doughty, T.H. Mathis, and John M. Mathis constructed cattle pens and a long wharf that extended out into Aransas Bay from a place known in those days as “Rocky Point.” The Rocky Point was actually a limestone ledge that went out to the deep-water channel in Aransas Bay. The ledge also formed a natural harbor that could serve the shipping boats that would arrive for cattle being sent to market.

Painting depicting the early cattle loading pier at rocky point in Rockport Texas
The cattle days of Rockport Texas



Doughty got his brother and half-brothers (Jeremiah and Robert Driscoll) to join the partnership. Warehouses and cattle chutes were built right on the Rocky Point, and range cattle were driven straight from the pastures onto waiting steamships. Soon, the Morgan Steamship line was sending three ships weekly to pick up cattle from the Rocky Point wharf. The ships then went to markets in New Orleans.

There were only about 1,000 people in both Aransas and Refugio counties in 1866. The town needed a name, and the name chosen was “Rockport” – named for the limestone ridge, or Rocky Point. In 1871, Aransas County was created out of the coastal portion of Refugio County. Rockport was incorporated in 1870 and became the county seat in 1871.


Modern Photo of where the old Rocky Point would have been located in Rockport Texas
Old Rocky Point in Rockport Texas

In 1940, when Rockport put in its new harbor, the limestone ledge was dynamited out. The old wharf stood at the end of Wharf Street.




Hope you enjoyed this article. You can find more informative history articles about Aransas County at the website for the History Center for Aransas County




Also, you can read our article The History of Aransas County here:


Come stay with us. Check out the places we currently have available.




Also please check out our page sponsors



Here are some additional helpful links while exploring the Rockport Texas area:


Check out our Online Shop





Who we are

The RockportFulton.com website is a comprehensive guide to the towns of Rockport and Fulton, Texas. The website provides a wealth of information about the local area, including events, activities, and attractions.



Arial View of the Rockport Texas Waterfront
Rockport Texas USA


Visitors to the website can find information about local festivals, markets, and events, as well as details about local businesses, restaurants, and accommodations. The website also features a calendar of events, so visitors can easily plan their trip and make the most of their time in Rockport and Fulton.


In addition to providing information about the local area.


RockportFulton.com is also a great resource for those who are interested in the history and culture of Rockport and Fulton. The website includes articles and photos that highlight the rich history of the towns and their unique character.


Overall, the RockportFulton.com website is an excellent resource for anyone planning a trip to Rockport and Fulton, or for those who simply want to learn more about these charming coastal towns.



The Town of Fulton Texas at sunset
The Town of Fulton Texas

Here are some additional links to help you explore the area

Thank you for visiting our page:

Be sure and check out our other great article:

https://www.rockportfulton.com/top-3-reasons-to-visit-rockport-texas

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Fulton Oysterfest

Updated: Mar 1



The Fulton Oysterfest is an annual event in Fulton, Texas put on and sponsored by the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department. Oysterfest features carnival rides, games, food, an oyster-eating contest, live music, unique vendor booths, and much more. This year the festival will host a fireworks display along the waterfront near the Fulton Harbor.

Annual Fulton Oysterfest in Fulton Texas
Annual Fulton Oysterfest

Info on this year's Fulton Oysterfest

This year will commemorate its 44th Annual event. Held March 2nd through the 5th 2023 at Fulton Harbor Park.



The oysters are flowing at this year’s Fulton Volunteer Fire Department Oysterfest, where everyone in town comes together to celebrate our community’s history while supporting a worthy cause. It may not be your typical small-town event – it has grown into something much bigger than anyone could have planned or imagined but still manages to keep its local festival vibe!




Admission to the Festival

Thursday Only: $2 Thursday Only: Active/Retired Military – Free Fri-Sat-Sun: $5 (12 and Over)

The Carnival area is free to enter and tickets for rides are available on site


Carnival Area at the Fulton Oysterfest in Fulton Texas
Carnival Area at the Fulton Oysterfest

Contests


Men's and Women's Raw Oyster Eating Contests

  • 1st Place - $200

  • 2nd Place - $100

  • 3rd Place - $50

Oyster Decorating Contest

  • 1st Place - $125

  • 2nd Place - $100

  • 3rd Place - $75



This year's Schedule of Events:


Thursday, March 2, 2023

  • 5:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.Grounds Open

  • 5:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.Arts & Crafts Tent

  • 8:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.Fireworks Canceled due to high winds expected

  • 9:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. Festival Grounds and Carnival Open

Friday, March 3, 2023

  • 5:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.Grounds Open

  • 5:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.Arts & Crafts Tent

  • 7:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.Decorated Oyster Contest Live Auction

  • 9:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.Festival Grounds and Carnival Open

Saturday, March 4, 2023

  • 10:00 a.m.–Midnight Grounds Open

  • 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.Arts & Crafts Tent

  • 11:00 a.m.Oysterfest Parade

  • 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.OUTSIDE STAGE

  • 1:45 p.m.–3:00 p.m.3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.Men’s Raw Oyster Eating Contest

  • 4:00 p.m–Midnight Festival Activities

Sunday. March 5, 2023

  • 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.Grounds & Arts & Crafts Tent Open

  • 10:00 a.m–6:00 p.m.OUTSIDE STAGE

  • 12:45 p.m.–2:00 p.m.2:00 p.m.Women’s Raw Oyster Eating Contest




The festival is the place to be this year. It’s guaranteed fun, and if you need some accommodations we’ve got a system set up that not only shows every available room for rent but also provides pricing information! Check out https://rockportfulton.com/rockport-fulton-hotel-accommodations/



The Town of Fulton Texas
The Town of Fulton Texas

Here are some additional links you may enjoy while visiting the Rockport Fulton Area

Check out some of our products in our shop!



Here is the link to the Official Fulton Oysterfest page:

Fulton Oysterfest


Here is a map of all the places available to stay:



Here are some additional helpful links while exploring the Rockport Texas area:


Check out our Online Shop





Who we are

The RockportFulton.com website is a comprehensive guide to the towns of Rockport and Fulton, Texas. The website provides a wealth of information about the local area, including events, activities, and attractions.



Arial View of the Rockport Texas Waterfront
Rockport Texas USA


Visitors to the website can find information about local festivals, markets, and events, as well as details about local businesses, restaurants, and accommodations. The website also features a calendar of events, so visitors can easily plan their trip and make the most of their time in Rockport and Fulton.





In addition to providing information about the local area.


RockportFulton.com is also a great resource for those who are interested in the history and culture of Rockport and Fulton. The website includes articles and photos that highlight the rich history of the towns and their unique character.


Overall, the RockportFulton.com website is an excellent resource for anyone planning a trip to Rockport and Fulton, or for those who simply want to learn more about these charming coastal towns.



The Town of Fulton Texas at sunset
The Town of Fulton Texas

Here are some additional links to help you explore the area

Thank you for visiting our page:





#FultonTexas #localevents

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July 4th in Rockport Texas and Rockport Beach

Updated: Jan 4


Experience the best 4th of July Celebrations around.

Looking for a place to spend the 4th of July?

Tired of the same old destinations for your summer vacation? Rockport Texas is just a few hours away from all the major Texas cities and offers an array of activities to keep you busy. In town, take a tour of our historic downtown area or visit one of the many art galleries in this quaint seaside village. Visit the Texas Maritime Museum and enjoy exhibits on local history including coastal pirates, ranching life, fishing culture, and more! Rockport also hosts the famous Rockport Art Festival. If you’re looking for something that gets your adrenaline pumping then head down to Rockport Beach where there are plenty of things to do like sunbathing, volleyball, jet skiing, and swimming. The beach is home to some great birdwatching spots and is known as one of the cleanest and best beaches in the nation. 

Rockport Fulton is the perfect destination this year. It has everything you could want in a small town on the Gulf Coast, including world-class beaches and fireworks displays. And it doesn’t stop there: Rockport hosts one of the best art festivals in America’s heartland as well!




This is definitely where you should be this 4th of July. Not only does it host a top-notch beach, but also one of the best fireworks shows around.


Come see what all we have to offer at Rockport Fulton this Fourth of July! We’re sure that once you visit our city, you’ll never want to leave again – so make your plans now and come celebrate with us! You won’t regret it!

Here is what you can expect

Annual 4th of July Boat Parade

The day usually starts up with many decorated boats gathering in little bay usually around the old Key Allego Marina area and make it a point to go around the Little Bay ski Basin for everyone to see. Every year the number of boats has grown. The parade is led by the Commodore and avid boat enthusiast of the Rockport Yacht Club. 


Rockport Texas

The Rockport Art Festival

Also going on during the weekend festivities is the famous Rockport Art Festival. The Art Festival is hosted by the Rockport Center for the Arts and has been going on for over 50 years. Rockport has always been known as a well-known art community and the Festival brings some of the top artists in the nation to display their masterpieces at the festival.  They always have some great food and live music at the event as well as a huge air-conditioned tent to relax and enjoy your visit. 

Rockport Art Fest 2021

Rockport Art Festival

Secure yourself a spot at Rockport Beach Park

From there you can grab your beach gear and head on over to the world-renowned Rockport Beach Park. The Beach is one of the best and cleanest beaches in the nation and is a “Blue Wave” certified beach. It’s great for children and adults alike. There are nice concrete cabanas with BBQ pits throughout the beach area as well as on the Little Bayside. If you want a good spot you may want to get there as early as possible. The crowds that weekend get huge and the coveted spots fill up quickly! Don’t worry though there is plenty of room if you just bring your lawn chair.   

Rockport Beach Park

Wendell Family Fireworks Display

So after you’ve enjoyed the Boat Parade, experienced the world-class Rockport Art Festival, and enjoyed the fun and action at the Rockport Beach Park you’re now ready to experience one of the greatest firework displays in the coastal bend area. The Wendell Family Fireworks has been putting on the show for over 50 years and is one of the best times to be in Rockport. Fireworks usually start around 9 pm and can be seen for miles away. Crowds watch the show from their boats in Little bay, from Rockport Beach, or along Little Bay’s pristine shoreline. If you’ve never experienced it you’ve been missing out. Those who have been here kept coming back every year for its grandeur.  

Rockport Texas 4th of July Fireworks

Watch the Grand Finale

Here is a video we made showing and highlighting the activities around Rockport during the day. Hope you enjoy it and plan to come out. If you would like to plan a trip click on the link on the side that says local accommodations. There you will find a comprehensive list of places to stay. Come visit we promise you won’t be disappointed. 



Some Additional Links and info to help you enjoy your visit to Rockport Fulton:

Best hotels in Rockport Fulton Texas - Vacation rentals and places to stay

Vacation Rentals | rockportfulton

Rockport Beach Live Camera | rockportfulton

Rockport Texas | Best Fishing Guides (rockportfulton.com)

Rockport Texas | Best Fishing Guides (rockportfulton.com)

Best Local Bars | Rockport FultonTexas

Rockport Fulton Restaurants - | Rockport Fulton

Bait Shops in Rockport Fulton Texas

Rockport Fulton Fishing Piers

City Information | RockportFulton.com

Events Calendar | Rockport Texas (rockportfulton.com)


Thank you for visiting our site we really appreciate your support and encouragement. We hope everyone can make it out on the 4th of July this year. We expect a great crowd, great local events, and a great show as always.

Who we are

The RockportFulton.com website is a comprehensive guide to the towns of Rockport and Fulton, Texas. The website provides a wealth of information about the local area, including events, activities, and attractions.



Arial View of the Rockport Texas Waterfront
Rockport Texas USA


Visitors to the website can find information about local festivals, markets, and events, as well as details about local businesses, restaurants, and accommodations. The website also features a calendar of events, so visitors can easily plan their trip and make the most of their time in Rockport and Fulton.


In addition to providing information about the local area.


RockportFulton.com is also a great resource for those who are interested in the history and culture of Rockport and Fulton. The website includes articles and photos that highlight the rich history of the towns and their unique character.


Overall, the RockportFulton.com website is an excellent resource for anyone planning a trip to Rockport and Fulton, or for those who simply want to learn more about these charming coastal towns.



The Town of Fulton Texas at sunset
The Town of Fulton Texas

Here are some additional links to help you explore the area

Thank you for visiting our page:




#4thofJuly #RockportBeach #RockportArtFestival #WendelFamilyFireworks #RockportTexas



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