Corpus Christi

by The Linguist

 

Corpus Christi, Texas

Corpus Christi is a city located in the southern part of Texas on the Gulf of Mexico. With a population of over 300,000 as of the 2020 census, it is the 8th most populous city in the state. Corpus Christi, which means “Body of Christ” in Latin, was founded in 1839 and has grown into a major port city and popular tourist destination.

Population and Demographics

According to the 2020 census, the population of Corpus Christi was 325,733, making it the 2nd most populous city in South Texas after San Antonio. Corpus Christi is the county seat of Nueces County and the principal city of the Corpus Christi metropolitan area, which had a population of 442,600 as of 2020.

Corpus Christi has a diverse population. As of the 2020 census, 60.2% of residents identified as Hispanic or Latino, 34.3% as White non-Hispanic, 4.7% as Black or African American, 1.7% as Asian, and 1.6% as two or more races. The median age is 34.3 years old.

History

The area that is now Corpus Christi was originally inhabited by the Karankawa and Coahuiltecan tribes. The first European to explore the region was Alonso Álvarez de Pineda in 1519. In 1839, the settlement was officially founded by Colonel Henry Lawrence Kinney and William P. Aubrey. The city’s name, Corpus Christi (“Body of Christ” in Latin), was chosen by Mr. Aubrey in reference to the feast day of Corpus Christi.

Corpus Christi was incorporated as a city in 1852. Its early growth was fueled by being a trading post and later by the discovery of oil in the region in the 1920s. The opening of the Intracoastal Waterway in the late 1920s made Corpus Christi a major port city and jumpstarted its economy. The city continued to expand with the opening of the Navy base and Texas A&M University in the 1940s.

Today, Corpus Christi retains many beloved historical buildings and landmarks, such as the Corpus Christi City Hall, Selena Museum, and USS Lexington Museum. The city celebrates its history and culture with events like the Buccaneer Days Festival.

Economy and Major Employers

The economy of Corpus Christi relies heavily on the petrochemical industry, shipping, tourism, and the military. Major employers in Corpus Christi include:

The Corpus Christi Army Depot, Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, and public ports are also major economic drivers. Tourism centered around Corpus Christi’s beaches brings in significant revenue for the city.

Attractions and Landmarks

As a coastal city, Corpus Christi is renowned for its beautiful beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Popular beaches include Whitecap Beach and North Beach. Water sports like sailing, windsurfing, and fishing are very popular activities.

There are also many cultural and historical attractions. Some landmarks and museums include:

Sports fans can catch a Corpus Christi Hooks minor league baseball game at Whataburger Field. The city also has a junior ice hockey team, the Corpus Christi IceRays, that play at the American Bank Center.

Transportation

Corpus Christi is served by Corpus Christi International Airport, located just northwest of downtown. The airport offers nonstop flights to major hubs like Houston, Dallas, Denver, Atlanta, and Charlotte.

Public transportation is provided by the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority, which operates bus services throughout the metro area. Popular routes connect downtown Corpus Christi with the beaches, malls, university, and other major attractions and neighborhoods.

Education

Corpus Christi is home to several school districts serving K-12 students, including:

Higher education options include Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Del Mar College, and Coastal Bend College.

Local Resources

Here are some additional local resources if you’re looking to learn more about Corpus Christi:

Location and Map

Corpus Christi is located in South Texas along the Gulf Coast. It sits in Nueces County and Aransas County. The approximate GPS coordinates for downtown Corpus Christi are 27.800603, -97.396381.