PORTLAND
The original townsite of Portland came into being from 640 acres purchased by John G. Willacy in November 1890. The land was located on both sides of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railroad and overlooked both Corpus Christi and Nueces Bay. On February 6, 1891 Willacy sold this land to the Portland Harbor and Improvement Company and on June 19. 1891 officers of the Portland Harbor and Improvement Company filed a map of the City at the County Courthouse.
Portland was called the “Gem City of the Gulf” and was described as being the most attractive and pleasant spot in Texas. It was situated on a beautiful 30 to 40 foot high bluff and overlooked 150 square miles of dancing waves and fronted the deepest water in Corpus Christi Bay. As a summer and winter resort Portland was described as being particularly fortunate with her mild climate and prevailing bay breezes. As a place for sportsmen, Portland offered great attraction. Ducks and other game were abundant, while the bays abounded with redfish, tarpon and other varieties of fish. More fish and oysters were taken from these waters than at any point on the Gulf Coast. Here also was the home of the sway, crane, heron and other water fowl.
The New England Land & New England R.E. Company purchased 1,280 acres of land east and north east of the original 640 acres. Most of the stockholders of these companies resided in Portland, Maine, thus the town was named in honor of their hometown.
LOCATION
Portland is located on the Gulf Coast on Highway 181 across the Harbor Bridge, seven miles northeast of Corpus Christi, Texas. Portland is 144 miles southeast of San Antonio, Texas and 209 miles Southwest of Houston, Texas. Portland is a city of 10.55 square miles, located in San Patricio County on the South Texas coastal plain, fronting on Corpus Christi Bay and Nueces Bay. The Portland city limit is contiguous with that of Corpus Christi, Texas. The city is joined with other major cities in the state by two major highways, U.S. Highway 181 and State Highway 35. It is the gateway city into Corpus Christi and other points south.
POPULATION
As of the 2000 census, a new resident or visitor to Portland can expect to be welcomed by a population of over 15, 100. The count in San Patricio County was 70,562.
CLIMATE
Portland’s climate is described as “temperate”. Average weather conditions fall somewhere between conditions usually associated with “humid subtropical” and “semi-arid” climates. Rainfall in Portland averages about 27.1 inches per year. Peak rainfall months are May and September; winter months are driest. Maximum temperatures during summer months range in nineties; temperatures average 58 degrees.Yearly average wind speed is 12.3 providing some of the finest wind surfing in the world.
RECREATION
Portland is located on two bays, which provide excellent fishing, boating, sailing, swimming, and water skiing. Lake Corpus Christi is located within a 40-minute drive of Portland and provides camping, both private and in a state park, and many water and wildlife related activities. The National Seashore is located within a 40-minute drive either by road or by ferry.
The City of Portland has 568.04 acres of dedicated city park land (13 named parks) which includes approximately 439.24 acres of wetlands park area used for wade fishing, nature studies, and picnicking.
The Sunset Lake Hike/Bike Trail has approximately 264.61 acres of wetlands, 2.1 mile Hike/Bike Trail, 500 ft. board walk, 2 parking areas, and Non-motorized Boating Activities.
NorthShore Country Club has an eighteen-hole golf course for members. In 1989, the club became part of the PGA Ben Hogan Golf Tour. There are public courses in both Corpus Christi and Sinton, Texas, within a 20-minute drive.
Indian Point Fishing Pier Park on Corpus Christi Bay at Portland, Texas. Pier & wade fisherman’s first choice for the premiere fishing experience. Bird Watching, Nature Study, Children’s Play Area, Food & Drink. Some of the best wade fishing and bird watching can be found at Portland’s Indian Point wetlands. Indian Point Park, with ample parking, is accessible by car off Hwy. 181 at the north end of the Nueces Bay causeway.