History of Port Arthur, Texas, USA

Port Arthur was founded by Arthur Stilwell in 1895, on the western bank of Sabine Lake, and incorporated in 1898. The Rainbow Bridge across the Neches River connects Port Arthur to Bridge City.

wikipedia.org

1897 - TERRIBLE TORNADO. THE GULF COAST SUFFERS. The New Town of Port Arthur Nearly Wiped Out of Existence Sabine Pass Also Suffers.
Port Arthur, Tex., Sept. 13 - A tornado, terrible in its intensity, struck this city at an early hour last evening. Six people are known to have been killed, while many others were injured. Buildings were blown down and great damage was wrought by the cyclone.

The dead:
FRANK ALBRIGHT, Kansas City, employed by electric light company.
FRITZ MICHAEL, laborer, residence unknown.
GEORGE MARTINS, bricklayer, residence unknown.
UNKNOWN MAN, aged 38.
MAY AINSWORTH, 13-year-old daughter of WILLIAM AINSWORTH.
INFANT SON of W. H. JOHONSON, blown from his mother's arms and drowned.

The injured:
MRS. ROY STAFFORD, right leg broken near hip.
ROY STAFFORD, legs badly bruised.
LITTLE DAUGHTER of MRS. STAFFORD, seriously injured.

Many buildings were blown down, including the railroad roundhouse, where MAY AINSWORTH was killed: the natatorium, the bank building, townsite company's barns, Hotel Hayden, Strong & League's building, shifted off foundation: Brennan building, Colonnade... Read MORE...

1926 - BLAST DEAD TOTAL STANDS AT 26. THREE MORE DYING, 7 OTHERS HURT. MORGUE CHOKED WITH SCARRED REMAINS OF VICTIMS WHO DIED ON TANKER, GULF OF VENEZUELA.
Out of respect to the dead as a result of the GULF OF VENEZUELA disaster, a number of Port Arthur business men have suggested that all business houses close Tuesday between the hours of 11 a.m. and 12 o'clock noon. The banks of the city have taken the lead in the matter and all other business concerns are expected to join in the move.

Shortly after noon today, the casualty list in the explosion aboard the tanker GULF OF VENEZUELA, here, Sunday morning stood at 26 dead, three dying and seven seriously injured.

The blast, which occurred at 2:45 a.m. Sunday, caught most of the men asleep in their bunks and it is generally conceded by physicians that death in most cases was instantaneous, as they say the explosion was of sufficient violence to stop the heart action of those inside the hold of the vessel.

The work of identification was made very difficult by the charred condition of the bodies, individual identification being possible in only eight of the twenty-five cases. The... Read MORE...

1957 - October 22 - KJAC TV channel 4 in Port Arthur-Beaumont, TX (NBC) 1st broadcast

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Port Arthur is the 8th wettest city in the U.S., averaging 60.47 inches of precipitation per year.

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Here's a list of the best places to go and things to do in Port Arthur:
Sabine Pass Battleground State Historical Park:

Dive into history at this park that preserves the battleground where Confederate forces thwarted a Union invasion in 1863. The site offers a fascinating look into the Civil War era with interpretive panels and scenic views.

Sea Rim State Park:

Nature lovers, rejoice! Sea Rim State Park boasts beautiful beaches, marshes, and plenty of opportunities for birdwatching. It's a great spot for kayaking, fishing, or just soaking in the sun. Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls this area home.

Museum of the Gulf Coast:

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural history of the Gulf Coast at this museum. With exhibits ranging from sports and music to industry and art, it provides a comprehensive view of the region. Notable displays include those on Janis Joplin and the history of oil in the area.

Pleasure Island:

A local favorite, Pleasure Island offers a variety of recreational activities. From fishing and... Read MORE...