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.

Liz Quintanilla looks at photos of Corpus Christi before the 1919 hurricane on display in the Nueces County Courthouse to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1919 storm on Monday, Sept. 16, 2019.

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Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales and Nueces County Commissioner Brent Chesney unveil a display photos of Corpus Christi before the 1919 hurricane in the Nueces County Courthouse to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1919 storm on Monday, Sept. 16, 2019.

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People look at photos of Corpus Christi before and after the 1919 hurricane on display in the Nueces County Courthouse to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1919 storm on Monday, Sept. 16, 2019.

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Photos of Corpus Christi before the 1919 hurricane on display in the Nueces County Courthouse to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1919 storm on Monday, Sept. 16, 2019.

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Photos of Corpus Christi following the 1919 hurricane on display in the Nueces County Courthouse to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1919 storm on Monday, Sept. 16, 2019.

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Photos of Corpus Christi before the 1919 hurricane on display in the Nueces County Courthouse to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1919 storm on Monday, Sept. 16, 2019.

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People look at photos of Corpus Christi before and after the 1919 hurricane on display in the Nueces County Courthouse to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1919 storm on Monday, Sept. 16, 2019.

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Photos of Corpus Christi before the 1919 hurricane on display in the Nueces County Courthouse to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1919 storm on Monday, Sept. 16, 2019.

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Photos of Corpus Christi before the 1919 hurricane on display in the Nueces County Courthouse to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1919 storm on Monday, Sept. 16, 2019.

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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.

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