Introduction
Nestled in the heart of Corpus Christi, Heritage Park offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich past through its collection of twelve beautifully restored historic homes, some dating back as far as 1851.
This charming site not only preserves the architectural grandeur of a bygone era but also honors the ethnic diversity and cultural heritage that has shaped the city.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a scenic spot to explore, Heritage Park promises a captivating journey through time. In this first installment in our series, “A Step Back in Time,” we will take a look at three of the homes that give Heritage Park its distinctive character.
The Merriman-Bobys House: A Journey Through Time in Corpus Christi
The Merriman-Bobys House stands as a testament to the history and resilience of Corpus Christi, Texas. As the second-oldest structure in the city, built in 1851, it is a remarkable piece of architecture and a window into the city’s storied past.
Originally constructed by prominent lawyer and land developer Walter Merriman, the house has played various roles throughout its existence, from a family home to makeshift hospital during wars and pandemics.
Today, it is a cherished landmark that draws visitors eager to explore its history and appreciate its architectural beauty.
A Historical Landmark with Deep Roots
The origins of the Merriman-Bobys House trace back to the 1831 Mexican land grant awarded to Enrique Villareal, with the house being constructed just two decades later for Walter Merriman. In its early years, the house witnessed the rise of Corpus Christi as a city, while also serving as a hub of activity.
While Walter Merriman personally left an indelible mark on the region, his house also found itself at the center of two crucial moments in Texas and American History—the Civil War and the yellow fever epidemic of 1867.
During these times, the house served as a hospital, providing care to those in need. Despite heroic efforts the yellow fever outbreak tragically claimed the lives of one-third of Corpus Christi’s population, including all three of the city’s doctors.
A Home with Many Lives
After Merriman sold the home in 1870, it passed through several hands, including rancher John Rabb, whose family owned the property for decades. Over the years, the house was more than just a home; it became a social and cultural venue, with the local Texas Poetry Society holding meetings there, earning it the nickname “the party house” at one point in time.
By the 1960s, the Merriman-Bobys House was officially recognized as a Texas Historical Landmark, and in 1981, it was donated to the City of Corpus Christi. A year later, in 1982, the house was carefully moved from its original location on South Upper Broadway to Heritage Park, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.
An Architectural Gem
What sets the Merriman-Bobys House apart from other historic homes in Corpus Christi is its architecture. This fine example of Greek Revival architecture boasts three distinctive gables and was built with native wood, hand-sawn lumber, and square nails, reflecting early Texas craftsmanship.
Decorative Touches with Regional Flare
The house features an open porch, and a fireplace constructed with shellcrete (a type of decorative concrete that incorporates crushed shells into the mix), both characteristic of early Texas regional design. Its raised panel door, framed by sidelights and a full transom, adds to the house’s stately yet inviting appearance.
Though the house has seen several additions over the years, its historical integrity has been carefully maintained, providing visitors a glimpse of early Corpus Christi life. It currently operates as the Corpus Christi Visitor Information Center, welcoming guests to explore its rich history and unique design during business hours.
A Living Legacy
The Merriman-Bobys House is more than just a relic of the past—it is a living monument to the endurance of Corpus Christi through times of change, hardship, and growth. From its beginnings on land granted under Mexican rule to its current status as a historical treasure, the house continues to be a symbol of the city’s enduring past.
The Britton-Evans ‘Centennial’ House: Corpus Christi’s Oldest Historical Gem
Nestled in the heart of Corpus Christi, Texas, the Britton-Evans ‘Centennial’ House stands as a testament to the rich history of the region. Built between 1849 and 1850, this home is the oldest surviving structure in Corpus Christi, offering a glimpse into the city’s earliest Anglo-American settlement.
The house’s history is steeped in significant events, from serving as a military hospital during the Civil War, to being a refuge during raids in the 1870s, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in Texas history.
A House Fit for a Soldier, Statesman, and Pioneer
The Britton-Evans House was constructed by Captain Forbes Britton, a prominent figure in Corpus Christi’s early development. Britton arrived in the coastal settlement with General Zachary Taylor during the Mexican War in 1846. Following the war, he returned to the area with his wife, Rebecca, and began laying down roots, and building his home on the bluff, overlooking the scenic Corpus Christi Bay.
The Legacy of Forbes Britton
Captain Britton’s influence on Corpus Christi and Texas history is undeniable. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy and a Virginia native, Britton’s journey to Corpus Christi began during the Mexican War, but his contributions continued well beyond the battlefield.
He was instrumental in Corpus Christi’s growth, partnering in the shipping firm Britton, Mann & Yates, and playing a pivotal role in the early development of the city’s deep-water channels.
In 1860, Britton was appointed the Adjutant General of the Texas Militia by Governor Sam Houston, cementing his position as an influential political figure in Texas. His death in 1861 marked the end of an era for the Britton family, but his home continued to stand as a beacon of the city’s rich history.
Architectural Elegance at its Finest
The house is a beautiful example of Greek Revival architecture, featuring a double-story gallery and constructed from unique materials native to the coastal region. Its position on the bluff gave the family a prime view of Mann’s Wharf, the city’s main commercial pier, making it a perfect home for a man of Britton’s stature, who was involved in shipping and ranching ventures.
The House’s Historical Significance
The Britton-Evans House is much more than just a stately home—it has played a crucial role in Corpus Christi’s history. During the Civil War, it was converted into a hospital for Confederate soldiers in 1862 and, in the years following the war, was also used as a hospital and officers’ mess hall for the Federal Army in 1866.
This historic home also served as a refuge for residents during raids by desperadoes and Native American attacks in the 1870s, a vivid reminder of the tumultuous times faced by early settlers.
Change of Owners and Updates
Over the years, the home passed through several hands, including the Evans family, who made significant updates, including the addition of electricity and the replacement of the original spiral staircase.
For more than 50 years, the Evans family lived in the house until it was sold to the Southern Mineral Corporation in 1936. The home continued to serve various functions, including as the oil company’s headquarters, up until the 1960s.
A Triumph of Preservation
By the 1960s, the house was in need of significant repairs and the removal of encroaching vegetation. Preservationists feared that this piece of Corpus Christi’s history would be lost forever. In 1965, local advocates founded the Corpus Christi Area Heritage Society with the sole purpose of preserving historic homes, and their first project was the Britton-Evans House.
After raising $50,000, the society purchased the home in 1965 and, following four years of extensive restoration, officially opened it as a museum in 1969.
Today, the Britton-Evans House remains a shining example of early Texas architecture and an enduring symbol of the city’s rich past. Visitors are welcome to explore the home, which is filled with authentic period furniture dating from 1859 and earlier, offering a genuine glimpse into 19th-century life on the Gulf Coast.
Experience History Firsthand
Walking through the Britton-Evans ‘Centennial’ House is like stepping back in time to the early days of Corpus Christi. As the city’s oldest standing residence, the house is not just a museum—it is a living link to the region’s past, where visitors can explore the home’s beautifully restored interiors, view authentic antiques, and imagine what life was like for Corpus Christi’s earliest settlers.
Julius Lichtenstein House: A Testament to Corpus Christi’s Early 20th Century Elegance
Adding unique charm to Heritage Park, the Julius Lichtenstein House stands as a charming reflection of early 20th-century architectural elegance. Built in 1905, this Colonial Revival gem is a treasured piece of the city’s history, offering visitors a glimpse into a bygone era of merchant prosperity and community leadership.
Originally constructed at 715 North Chaparral Street, the home was moved in 1927 to make way for the Ritz Theatre, yet it retains its status as a historic landmark and continues to captivate those who step inside.
The Lichtenstein Legacy
The story of the Lichtenstein House is intertwined with the rich legacy of the Lichtenstein family, one of Corpus Christi’s most prominent business dynasties.
In 1873, the Lichtenstein family moved to Corpus Christi, where Moritz Lichtenstein, the family patriarch, established a dry goods store, M. Lichtenstein & Sons.
100 Years of Service
This store would go on to serve South Texas for over a century, growing into one of the region’s most prestigious businesses. By the early 1900s, the Lichtenstein name was synonymous with commercial success and civic leadership.
Rise to Prominence
Julius Lichtenstein, Moritz’s son, was a key figure in the family’s continued prominence. Born in 1871 in Indianola, Texas, Julius moved to Corpus Christi at a young age.
After taking over the family business following his father’s passing in 1904, Julius not only helped guide the business to further success but also played a pivotal role in shaping Corpus Christi’s social and civic landscape.
In 1905, Julius and his wife, Carrie Weil Lichtenstein, constructed their family home, blending influences from Julius’s travels to the East Coast with the architectural trends of the time.
Architectural Brilliance
The Julius Lichtenstein House is a striking example of Colonial Revival architecture, a style popularized by the famed architect Stanford White.
The house’s graceful simplicity is a reflection of Julius Lichtenstein’s refined taste, which contrasted with the ornate Victorian styles typically seen in Corpus Christi during that period.
Understated Elegance and Grandeur
One of the most captivating features of the house is its elliptical porch, which is supported by Tuscan-style columns. These classical elements evoke a sense of stately grandeur, despite the home’s relatively modest scale.
The porch provides an inviting entrance, with the oval front door, framed by intricate woodwork, setting the tone for the house’s elegant design. Visitors will also notice the turret—a hallmark of Victorian architecture—which adds a charming complexity to the otherwise understated colonial style.
Remnants of Internal Charms
The home’s unique design doesn’t stop at the exterior. The interior, though altered and expanded over the years, was once an exquisite display of early 20th-century craftsmanship.
Despite its layout being modified and divided into separate apartments by past tenants, traces of the original artistry remain.
An Historical Journey
Over the years, the Julius Lichtenstein House has weathered changes both physical and cultural. After Julius and Carrie moved out in 1913, the house remained in the family’s possession until 1926.
By 1929, the home had been moved nine blocks north, where it now resides in Heritage Park. This decision, prompted by the construction of the Ritz Theatre, ultimately saved the home from demolition and preserved its historical significance.
Restoration for the Arts and Community
In 1977, the Junior League of Corpus Christi embarked on a restoration project, reviving the house and transforming it into the Creative Arts Center, a hub for arts education. This transition from a private residence to a public educational center marks another chapter in the house’s rich and varied history.
The Creative Arts Center has since served as a gathering space for the community, offering visual and performing arts programs for people of all ages.
The Legacy Lives On
While the Lichtenstein family is no longer present, their legacy endures, both through the house and the enduring success of M. Lichtenstein & Sons, which remained a pillar of the Corpus Christi business community for over a century.
Designated a recorded Texas historic landmark in 1976 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Julius Lichtenstein House continues to stand as a tribute to the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.
As it nears its 120th anniversary, the house remains a living testament to the history of Corpus Christi, welcoming visitors to explore its storied past.
Conclusion
Exploring these historic homes allows visitors to step back in time and experience Corpus Christi’s transformation from a humble coastal town to a thriving urban center.
The houses are more than just architectural landmarks; they are enduring symbols of the city’s heritage, preserving the legacy of the families who helped build Corpus Christi into what it is today.
We hope you enjoyed this step back in time, and ask you to join us in our next instalment when we will with visit more of the incredible structures at Corpus Christi’s Heritage Park!
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