KINGSVILLE

Population 25, 719

Altitude 66

General

Established on the Fourth of July 1904 with the arrival of the first train over St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railroad; land for townsite, in the heart of the King Ranch, was donated by Mrs. Henrietta King. Mrs. King was interested in the settlement of the region between Corpus Christi and Brownsville. She also constructed the First Presbyterian Church Building, donated land for Baptist, Catholic, Episcopal and Methodist churches, built a high school and presented it to the town, and provided land for South Texas State Teachers College (now Texas A&I University). Kingsville became Kleberg County seat in 1913.

Today, the city is the center for agriculture, oil and banking. Kingsville is also home of the Naval Air Station, Kingsville.

BEN. P. BAILEY ART BUILDING GALLERY

JOHN E. CONNER MUSEUM

KING RANCH

KING RANCH MUSEUM

KING RANCH SADDLE SHOP

PARKS

SELLERS MARKET

VISITORS CENTERS

Attractions

• BEN. P. BAILEY ART BUILDING GALLERY - Displays of student and faculty artworks, along with traveling exhibits. Open long term Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. summer (mid May through mid August) Mon - Thurs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located on Texas A&I University Campus. Call 512-595-3901.
• JOHN E. CONNER MUSEUM - Hall of South Texas History has displays of Indian, Spanish, Mexican, and pioneer Texan cultures; ranching and agriculture equipment, railroads, and land promotion. Gallery of changing exhibits, Kleberg Hall of Natural History features equipment, railroads, and land promotion. Gallery of changing exhibits, Kleberg Hall of Natural History features plants and animals of South Texas in natural habitats; Discovery Area has specimens for "hands-on" examination. Open Tues to Sat from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Next door is Peeler Hall of Horns featuring 264 mounts of North American Game. Open Tues - Sat from 1 - 5 p.m. Located at Santa Gertrudis Street on campus of Texas A&I just west of Armstrong Street. Call 512-595-2819.
• KING RANCH - The largest ranch in the continental U.S.; established in 1853 when Capt. Richard King purchased 75,000 acres that had been Spanish land grant called Santa Gertrudis. Upon King's death, Mrs. Henrietta King inherited the estate along with a $500,000 debt. Through her leadership, the debt was cleared and the ranch increased in size. Holdings today comprise some 825,000 acres spreading over Nueces, Kenedy, Kleberg, and Willacy Counties. Robert J. Kleberg, attorney and legal counsel for early ranch, married Captain King's youngest daughter; King-Kleberg descendants still control the gigantic enterprise. Famous Running W brand is known worldwide; however, its origin is not known. Originally based on Texas Longhorns, the ranch led in introducing purebred cattle such as Hereford, Shorthorn, and Brahman. Now famous Santa Gertrudis breed, first strain of cattle originating in Western Hemisphere was developed here. Guided tours stop at the old cow camp for pan de campo and coffee, a walk through historic set of cattle pens, and a view of ranch headquarters. Tours usually conducted fro Monday to Saturday on the hour.. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday fro 1 to 4 p.m. Tours may vary during the summer. Entrance is immediately west of Kingsville off Texas 141. An admission is charged. Call 512-592-8055.
• KING RANCH MUSEUM -is located in a restored downtown ice plant, museum features excellent ranch photos by the award-winning photographer, Toni Frissell. Also collections of antique coaches, vintage cars, saddles, and other historic ranch items. Open Mon. to Sat. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Located at 405 North Sixth St. An admission is charged. Call 512-595-1881.
• KING RANCH SADDLE SHOP - Unsuccessful in purchasing quality saddles and leather goods in the marketplace, King began operating its own saddlery shop more than 120 years ago for use of his men, the "Kinenos." Through the years, the shop has outfitted governors, presidents, and foreign heads of state. Today the shop offers a variety of leather goods. Open from Mon to Fri from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. In historic Raglands Building downtown at 201 E Kleberg. Call 512-595-5761 or 1-800-282-KING.
• PARKS - City parks include swimming pools, tennis courts, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Dick Kleberg Park, 211 acres in grove of trees beside a lazy creek, features picnic tables, grills, swimming pool. Loop 428 near south edge of the city. Call 512-595-8591.
• J.K. Northway Exposition Center/Park has tennis courts, ball fields, and playground. Off U.S. 77 at south edge of the city.
• Kaufer-Hubert Memorial Park & Sea Wind RV Resort, Rivera Beach, and Loyola Beach are saltwater recreational areas on upper reaches of Baffin Bay southeast f Kingsville. Baffin Bay opens into Laguna Madre along Gulf Coast, renowned for saltwater trout and red drum fishing. Kaufer-Hubert Memorial Park & Sea Wind RV Resort has boat ramp, 134 unit campground, fishing pier, and other amenities. Call 512-297-5738. Fishing pier and bait and tackle shop is also available at the Rivera Beach Park. Located on U.S., 77 south, access to parks via F.M. 628 and F.M. 771.
• SELLERS MARKET - The marketplace features handmade treasures, home baked goods, crafts, painting, jewelry, workshops, demonstrations, and a tearoom. Located at 205 East Kleberg, under the old Flato Opera House. Call 512-595-4992.
• VISITORS CENTERS - For information on city attractions, accommodations, and events, visit the area visitor bureau. Located at U.S. 77 at Corrall Street. Mon thru Sat from, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Call 1-800-333-5032 or 512-592-8516.

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