Port Isabel Museums

05/05/2026

Col. W. N. Linton would go on to become a US Deputy Marshal for the southern district of Texas at Brownsville. He was from east Texas. March 30, 1895, he reports "rapid progress on light house repairs".

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! PIISD has benefitted from the guidance and nurturing efforts of teachers and administrators for well over a century! This article from the Brownsville Herald in May 13, 1895 (131 years ago) shows that PIISD Principal Linton would be spending his summer holiday in Brownsville! The last day of school in 1895 was May 10. Congratulations to all graduates between 1895 & 2026!

02/09/2026

Boating at Port Isabel! Postcards from the Past: It's 1933 and Mrs. Ellis Rogers of Maine gets a message from Margaret in Point Isabel. "Just came across the four mile Lagoon, and soon leaving Pt. Isabel for Brownsville." What postcard memories are you making today?

For more about Port Isabel history, visit the Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site (daily) and the Port Isabel Historical Museum (Wed-Sat 10a-4p).

01/15/2026

Remember The Jetties Restaurant? Sandy feet, paper placemats, great Gulf views, souvenir shopping, air-conditioning and FOOD!

For more local history visit the Port Isabel Historical Museum. 317 E. Railroad Ave. Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission: $5 Adults; $4 55+; $3 Children.

01/14/2026

Merchants Marine State Bank, "Modern Banking for the Port Isabel Area"! Launched banking careers, supported local businesses and the community, and gave away matches! Merchants Marine State Bank added the facade pictured on the matchbook cover which included a Community Room and the twin drive-in teller booths and a parking lot (across the street on Powers) in 1966 as part of a $70,000 investment.

01/01/2026

Remember the Blue Marlin MO-tel on the highway in Port Isabel? Cecilia Guillot provided these photos taken around 1951. Her parents owned it at one time!

12/12/2025

Check this out! A chance to snag some Tarpon history going back to 1998! Port Isabel High School

📚 Port Isabel Early College High School – Old Yearbook Sale! 📚
Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of Tarpon history!
We’re selling select past yearbooks for only $12 each (tax included).
Years Available:
1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
📍 Pick yours up at the PIECHS Front Office — while supplies last!
Once they’re gone, they’re gone! 🐬✨

11/29/2025

Take an adventure in local history at the Port Isabel Historical Museum ~ open Thanksgiving weekend! From indigenous history to sh*****ng history and much more!

Port Isabel Historical Museum. 317 E. Railroad Ave. Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission: $5 Adults; $4 55+; $3 Children.

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from the Port Isabel Historical Museum and the historic Charles Champion building! Closed on Thanksgiving Day, reopening on Friday 11/28. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more Port Isabel history visit the Port Isabel Historical Museum. 317 E. Railroad Ave. Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

08/21/2025

Welcome Back To School Week! Here is your Point Isabel I.S.D. Class of 1931! The first graduating class was Selma Long & Ethel Mahurin. Class Motto: "Now We Try A Boundless Sea". Class Colors: Pink & Green. Class Flower: Pink Rose.

For more Port Isabel history visit the Port Isabel Historical Museum. 317 E. Railroad Ave. Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

08/19/2025

1889, Pt. Isabel seeks incorporation to create a school! 136 years ago, education was so important to Port Isabel that this letter was drafted on August 12, 1889!

The State of Texas County of Cameron an election having been held at the town of Pt. Isabel on the 12th day of Aug. AD 1889 to determine whether said town shall be incorporated for Public School purposes only and the returns thereof showing a majority of the vote cast at said elect in favor of incorporation. It is now hereby ordered that said town is incorporated for school purposes only.
Witness my hand this 22nd day of August AD 1889.
E. Forto Co. Judge

On this day an election for 5 school trustees has been ordered at the Town of Point Isabel to take place on the 30th day of Sept AD 1889 and AG Deer has been appointed presiding officer.

Witness my hand this 17th day of Sept. AD 1889.
E. Forto Co. Judge