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See Corpus Christi before and after 1919 hurricane at Nueces County Courthouse exhibit
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A Category 3 hurricane made landfall near Corpus Christi on Sept. 14, 1919. The city’s downtown and North Beach were decimated. Allison Ehrlich, Corpus Christi Caller-Times
The hurricane that swept through the Coastal Bend 100 years ago forever changed the face of Corpus Christi.
As many as 800 people were killed, and monetary losses totaled nearly $300 million in today’s dollars. But it also ushered in a new era for the city by finally spurring the creation of the Port of Corpus Christi and eventually the downtown seawall.
An exhibit documenting that turning point in Corpus Christi’s history was unveiled Monday at the Nueces County Courthouse.
More: Corpus Christi’s 1919 hurricane brought destruction, but reshaped the city for the future
The Nueces County Historical Commission created the 32-foot exhibit which is divided into three sections. The first has picture postcards showing Corpus Christi before the storm; the second photos of the devastation and debris left by the storm; the third images of the marker and plaque at Rose Hill Cemetery where many of the unidentified victims were buried in a mass grave.
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Items on display were loaned from the Corpus Christi Public Libraries, and the personal collections of Anita Eisenhauer, chairman of the Nueces County Historical Commission, and local historian and businessman Jim Moloney. The exhibit will be on display through March.
More: THROWBACK: Survivor of Corpus Christi’s 1919 hurricane created Saffir-Simpson scale
IF YOU GO
What: 1919 hurricane exhibit
When: On display through March during normal courthouse hours
Where: Nueces County Courthouse first floor, 901 Leopard St.
Information: 361-816-3850
Allison Ehrlich writes about things to do in South Texas and has a weekly Throwback Thursday column on local history. Help support local journalism with a subscription to the Caller-Times.
Read or Share this story: https://www.caller.com/story/news/local/2019/09/16/1919-hurricane-exhibit-nueces-county-courthouse/2299920001/