Port Aransas has a history as colorful as its sunsets. From its days as a pirate refuge to its evolution into the “Fishing Capital of Texas,” this barrier island town has witnessed over 500 years of Texas coastal history. Today, many of its historic landmarks stand as testament to the generations who shaped this unique community.
Early History & Pirate Legends
Long before settlers arrived, Mustang Island was home to the Karankawa Native Americans who fished its waters and hunted along its shores. Spanish explorers mapped the Texas coast in the 16th century, but the island remained largely uninhabited by Europeans for centuries.
According to local legend, the notorious pirate Jean Lafitte used Mustang Island as one of his favorite hideouts in the early 1800s. The island's remote location and natural harbor made it ideal for his operations. Some treasure hunters still believe that Lafitte's treasure remains buried somewhere on the island—though none has been found.
The Tarpon Era
The town was originally named “Tarpon” after the silver-scaled game fish that drew anglers from across the nation. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, tarpon fishing became the island's primary attraction, with wealthy sportsmen traveling to test their skills against the “Silver King.”
In 1910, when the protective jetties were completed and the ship channel established, the city changed its name from Tarpon to Port Aransas. The new name reflected its growing importance as a port, though fishing remained central to its identity.
The 8 Wonders of Port Aransas
In the early 2000s, the Port Aransas Preservation and Historical Association identified eight historic landmarks as the “8 Wonders of Port Aransas.” These sites represent the most significant historical and cultural treasures of the community.
The Tarpon Inn (1886)
The Tarpon Inn is the oldest surviving structure on Mustang Island and remains one of Port Aransas's most beloved landmarks. Built in 1886 from Civil War-era barracks, the hotel has hosted countless notable guests over its nearly 140-year history.
The inn's lobby walls are covered with over 7,000 tarpon scales, each signed by the angler who caught the fish. Among these scales is one signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who fished in Port Aransas in 1937. The hotel weathered numerous hurricanes, including the devastating 1919 storm that destroyed much of the town, and continues to welcome guests today.
Lydia Ann Lighthouse (1857)
Officially known as the Aransas Pass Light Station, the Lydia Ann Lighthouse has guided mariners through the treacherous channel since 1857. Standing on Harbor Island, the lighthouse is only accessible by boat, adding to its mystique and appeal.
The lighthouse is now privately owned but remains one of the most photographed landmarks in the area. Boat tours and kayak excursions offer the best views of this historic beacon, which continues to operate as an active aid to navigation.
The Jetties (1919)
The Port Aransas jetties represent one of the most ambitious engineering projects on the Texas coast. Construction took five attempts over 50 years before the granite structures were finally completed in 1919. Stretching into the Gulf of Mexico, the jetties stabilized the ship channel and transformed Port Aransas into a viable port.
Today, the jetties are one of the most popular fishing spots in Texas. Anglers line the granite boulders year-round, casting for redfish, speckled trout, and the occasional tarpon. The jetties also offer spectacular views of ships entering and leaving the channel.
Chapel on the Dunes (1930)
The oldest functional consecrated church on Mustang Island, Chapel on the Dunes was built by Aline Carter in 1930. Perched on a sandy bluff overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the small wooden chapel has hosted weddings, memorial services, and Sunday worship for nearly a century.
The chapel's simple beauty and stunning location make it a favorite venue for destination weddings. Despite its modest size, the church remains an active part of the community and a beloved historic landmark.
Farley Boat Works (1915)
Originally established in 1915, Farley Boat Works helped put Port Aransas on the map by building boats specifically designed for tarpon fishing. The distinctive “Farley boat” became synonymous with Port Aransas fishing and contributed to the town's reputation as a premier angling destination.
After falling into disrepair, the boat works was restored and reopened in 2011 as part of the Port Aransas Museum. Today, visitors can watch traditional boat-building demonstrations and even participate in classes to build their own model skiffs.
UT Marine Science Institute (1941)
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute was established in Port Aransas in 1941, becoming the first marine laboratory on the Texas Gulf Coast. The institute has conducted groundbreaking research on coastal ecosystems, fisheries, and marine life for over 80 years.
The institute's presence has made Port Aransas a center for marine science education and research. Public programs and tours offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the unique marine environment of the Texas coast.
The Modern Era
Port Aransas has weathered numerous challenges over the years, including devastating hurricanes in 1919 and 2017 (Hurricane Harvey). Each time, the resilient community has rebuilt, often stronger than before.
Today, Port Aransas balances its rich heritage with thoughtful development. New communities like Cinnamon Shore blend modern architecture with traditional coastal design, while preservation efforts protect the historic landmarks that make Port Aransas unique. The town continues to attract visitors and new residents drawn by its history, natural beauty, and authentic Texas character.