Site of Heldenfels Shipyard

Shipping industries flourished on the Rockport waterfront by the 1880s. Heldenfels Shipyard was established here on 12.9 acres in October 1917. Four 281-foot wooden cargo vessels were to be built for military use in World War I; the "Baychester" was launched on July 31, 1919, and the "Zuniga" on September 9, 1919. At the height of construction, over 900 men were employed at the shipyard. The need for ships fell as the war ended. Despite hurricane damage to the shipyard on September 14, 1919, the "Jasper" and the "Manchester" were completed as barges in 1920, ending this vital war contract. (1996)

Site of Heldenfels Shipyard is a historical marker in Rockport, Aransas County, dedicated in 1996. It is one of 49 historical markers documented in Aransas County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 55 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 28.0050, -97.0606 near Rockport. The nearest cataloged historic site is The Cedars (historical marker), about 0.6 miles away. Others within a short drive include Hynes-Balthrope House, Mathis House, and Baylor-Norvell House.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5007002427. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.