Texas Almanac, 1980-1981 Page: 17
[710] p. : ill. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this book.
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TEXAS GULF COAST 17
The Gulf Coast is a composite of countless picture-postcard scenes. This Dallas Museum or Nuturui nistory pnoro oy
Rosa Finsley catches a peaceful glimpse of the coast at sunset.mainland. The islands are generally a mile or so in
width and sustain in their middle a great amount of
low vegetation, which tends to stabilize their sands.
The largest of this chain is Padre Island, site of the
Padre Island National Seashore. Visitors and campers
are welcome on the National Seashore, and it can be
reached easily by bridge from Corpus Christi. Padre
Island is the longest barrier island in the world. Im-
mediately to the northeast of Padre Island is Mustang
Island. Mustang Island has excellent roads its full
ength, and is approachable by bridge from Corpus
:hristi or by ferry from Aransas Pass. Mustang Island
s the location of the interesting town of Port Aransas.
'ort Aransas, Galveston and the new community of
south Padre Island are the only sizable towns weather-
ig the blast of Gulf storms on the barrier islands.
'ermanent settlements have generally found the
barrier islands unhospitable. Modern communications
and construction techniques have greatly increased
the safety of living on the Texas coast.
Campers are welcome at several points along the
offshore islands, particularly on Mustang and Padre
Islands. The coast in general is one of the finest nature
experiences in the state. It should be advised, how-
ever, that the sandy islands support few trees for
shade and the strong Gulf breeze is powerful and virtu-
ally constant. The remote reaches of Padre Island pro-
vide a unique escape for nature lovers, especially
those endowed with 4-wheel drive vehicles for travel
on north Padre Island.
Each Texas Gulf town has its own special interest.
The town of High Island on the eastern Texas coast isthe highest point of ground on the coast. As a result, it
has long been a landmark and focal point for migrat-
ing birds. The area around Port Lavaca, Indianola and
Port O'Connor abounds with a rich history of early
French settlement and later waves of immigration as
German settlers landed there on their way to homes in
the Texas Hill Country. Today, these historic bays and
inlets of the central coast are especially a haven for
fishermen. Port Mansfield, on the mainland, sheltered
by Padre Island, is a relatively new coastal town. Local
inhabitants occasionally refer to Port Mansfield as
America's last pioneer port.
Many towns of the Texas Gulf Coast seem quieter
than towns of the East or West Coast. Visiting in Texas
coastal towns one often feels more a part of all that is
happening. The Texan atmosphere of simple good liv-
ing pervades them to create a very pleasant way of
life.
At the same time, the Texas coast is a thriving,
bustling center of industrial activity. It is an outlet to
the sea for a rapidly growing Texas economy. The bal-
ance between environmental quality and the needs of
industry is very much a concern of all persons inter-
ested in the coast-conservationist and industrialist
alike. Fortunately, industry reached the Texas coast
after many environmental mistakes had been made
elsewhere. Texas has a chance to profit from the mis-
takes of others in the natural and industrial develop-
ment of its beaches and bays.
The coast of Texas is geographically unique with
its low, sandy profile; its great arc both east and south,
and its intersection of moist and arid climatic areas. ItI
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Texas Almanac, 1980-1981, book, 1979; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth113815/m1/19/: accessed May 6, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.