1919 Storm
A powerful hurricane devastated Corpus Christi on September 14, 1919. It left an official death toll of 284 with estimates of up to 500 more uncounted dead. Low-lying sections of the city were inundated by up to twelve feet of storm-driven tides. In the downtown, known as the beach section, buildings lining the bay were destroyed or heavily damaged, while the rest of the downtown was flooded with oil-slicked waters. On North Beach, Corpus Christi’s first suburban neighborhood of substantial residences, more than 220 homes were demolished by the storm tide. Those residents unable to reach the safety of high ground were swept into Nueces Bay to battle the storm and debris for their lives. Many died, but some survived the 14-mile struggle across the bay to come ashore at White Point or the Turner Ranch on the back side of Nueces Bay.
Corpus Christi – A History
Corpus Christi – A History documents the stories of the people who strove to make South Texas their home. Adventurers, outlaws, settlers, cowboys, ranchers and entrepreneurs from the United States, Europe and Mexico all came to the Coastal Bend of Texas, struggling against nature and their fellow man to make their homes and livelihoods. Corpus Christi nearly disappeared during two wars, but grew and prospered in another. In this account, the tales of its growth are combined with the stories of its residents to reveal the intriguing history of the city and South Texas. Included are the contributions of Henry L. Kinney, Zachary Taylor, Richard King, Mifflin Kenedy, Uriah Lott, Ben Garza and Roy Miller. All left their indelible mark on South Texas.
Daniel P. Whiting – A Soldier’s Life
A Soldier’s Life is delightful and will have appeal to general readers, and I know that scholars will find it extremely useful. Murphy Givens, Jim Moloney and the Nueces Press have done a tremendous service in making this long-lost manuscript available. Daniel P. Whiting’s commentary on his experiences in the Second Seminole War, the war against Mexico, the Mormon expedition, and most particularly the relationships between soldiers and civilians in the antebellum United States offer invaluable insights into the nation’s military experience. It also offers a unique perspective on a widowed father’s attempt to raise his children. A Soldier’s Life has some unique insights into mid-nineteenth century America, and deserves a broad audience. I know that I would have benefited from it in writing my last book, and hope to be able to use it as I continue working on the present one. Dr. Robert Wooster, Regents Professor of History, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi
Great Tales From the History of South Texas
The history of the Old West has deep roots in South Texas where the Wild Horse Desert was a lawless land controlled by no authority. This western region of South Texas, from San Antonio to Corpus Christi, stretching west and south to the Rio Grande, was the birthplace of the big cattle ranches, the cattle barons, rustlers, hide thieves, outlaws, and bad men operating on both sides of the border. Murphy Givens brings the stories of the Old West to life in “Great Tales From the History of South Texas”