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Art ByWam |
Please enjoy the sights of Port Aransas, TX and surrounding area. There are two sections to my gallery, photo's that have been digitally altered to appear to be paintings (printed on canvas or watercolor paper) and photo's that are unaltered (printed on photo paper). This sight is under construction, but in 60 days I should have it up and running so purchases can be made via the internet. Selected pieces may be seen and purchased at the Art Center for the Islands (Port Aransas,TX). A more extensive display may be found at the "Goofy Gecco" (Port Aransas,TX) or at the "Beach Lodge Gift Shop"(Port Aransas, TX. You can e-mail Me at: Bill@Artbywam.com
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Located on the northern tip of Mustang Island is the little fishing |
History Experts believe the islands along the Texas coast began life as a collection of submerged sand bars about 4,500 years ago. They gradually grew together, becoming home to Mustang Islands' first inhabitants, the Karankawa Indians. "Mestenos" (Mustangs) roamed on fields of wildflowers and tall grasses after escaping from the Conquistadors that brought them to the island in the 1800's. European settlers first named the tiny land mass Wild Horse Island, leading to present day Mustang Island. Pirate legends and War stories color the history of Port Aransas and its neighboring islands. Bands of buccaneers, including the scurrilous Jean LaFitte and his group made use of Mustang Island's sand, burying a chest brimming with gold and jewels. To this day, visitors enjoy searching for the treasure, allegedly marked with a Spanish dagger with a silver spike driven through the hilt. Rebels also made use of the island during the 1846-1848 Mexican War, building a small fort to guard the entrance to Aransas Bay. This fort was used until after the Civil War, during which time Confederate troops removed and buried the lens of the Aransas Pass Light Station, now known as the Lydia Ann Light House. This action was to render the tower useless to the Union forces. The lens remains lost to this day. The city of Port Aransas has undergone several name changes throughout its history; however, the natural pass was first named "Aransazu," later becoming Aransas. Its location was depicted on an 1833 map as Sand Point. Locals called it Ropesville in the early 1890's, but changed its name to Tarpon by 1899 because of the large number of the fish caught in the waters of the small community, now 250 strong. Citizens began calling their town Port Aransas about 1910. During the turn of the century, trade in the coastal village included sea turtle export and fishing. Rich in both, its waters boasted 1000+ species of saltwater fish and turtles weighing up to 500 pounds. Today's Port Aransas is a very popular tourist destination for Birder's, Fisherman, Sailors, Winter visitors from northern climes and summer visitors who come to enjoy the beach and get out of the Texas interiors heat. |