Port Arthur
Texas
City of Port Arthur
Port Arthur's Founding & Early Years
The inspiration for Port Arthur's founding was novel; railroad pioneer Arthur E Stilwell, who established the town, later wrote that the ideas for his railways and the location of his namesake city came from "brownies" who spoke to him.
Stilwell began settling the city in 1895 with financial assistance from Dutch investors. The founder of what is now Kansas City Southern Railroad envisioned Port Arthur as the southern terminus for his new railway, a center for trade and tourism. The city dates its official beginnings to its incorporation in 1898.
By that time Stilwell had established the Port Arthur Channel and Dock Co., which began cutting a canal along the western edge of the lake to deep water at Sabine Pass. The port was opened for seagoing shipping with the arrival of the British steamer Saint Oswald in August 1899.
Pioneers arrived by the hundreds and began building homes and opening businesses. Stilwell's contributions included the Sabine Hotel on Lakeshore Drive, a natatorium to serve all the residents and an Export Pier into Lake Sabine. He also brought 300 Dutch colonists to begin a new life as farmers in this rich coastal prairie. Though many of the Dutch names have been lost to Port Arthur, their cultural contributions are still found in nearby Nederland.
Recent News
City of Port Arthur News - Port Arthur Readies For May Election
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Read More »City Of Port Arthur Consolidated Strategy And Plan Summary Draft For 2023 Available March 10
Port Arthur citizens will be able to review the draft of the Consolidated Strategy and Plan Summary for 2023 beginning March 10, 2023. Click Here for more…
Read More »City of Port Arthur : and Industry Giving Free Trees withTrees for Houston on March 11, 2023
Do you need a tree for your front or side yard? The City of Port Arthur Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with Trees for Houston, Total Energies, and Baystar Thane, is sponsoring a tree giveaway. The trees are native to the Southeast…
Read More »PAHD Reports Positive COVID-19 Cases From March 1-6, 2023
The City of Port Arthur Health Department is reporting COVID-19-positive cases for Port Arthur, Groves, Nederland, and Port Neches from March 1-6, 2023. Please be certain to get yourself and your family members vaxed and boosted against COVID-19…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News PAHD Reports Positive COVID-19 Cases From February 28, 2023
The City of Port Arthur Health Department is reporting COVID-19-positive cases for Port Arthur, Groves, Nederland, and Port Neches from February 28, 2023. Please be certain to get yourself and your family members vaxed and boosted against COVID-19…
Read More »The City Of Port Arthur Is Heading Into Spring
The City of Port Arthur has events scattered throughout March, so please check the City's website and social media pages for updated City events... Today is the deadline for application for the 2023 Summer Jobs Program Summer Recreation/Playground…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News : Port Arthur Health Department - Join March’s 'Lucky Youth Event
The Port Arthur Health Department, in coordination with SETFCL, sponsors a Lucky Youth COVID-19 Vaccine Special Event. Gift cards will be available to the first who qualify! But, more importantly, let's get our children vaccinated and boosted…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News PAHD Reports Positive COVID-19 Cases From February 24-27, 2023
The City of Port Arthur Health Department is reporting COVID-19-positive cases for Port Arthur, Groves, Nederland, and Port Neches from February 24-27, 2023. Please be certain to get yourself and your family members vaxed and boosted against…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News PAHD Reports Positive COVID-19 Cases from February 21-23, 2023
The City of Port Arthur Health Department is reporting COVID-19-positive cases for Port Arthur, Groves, Nederland, and Port Neches from February 21-23, 2023. Please be certain to get yourself and your family members vaxed and boosted against…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News PAHD Reports Positive COVID-19 Cases From February15-20, 2023
The City of Port Arthur Health Department is reporting COVID-19-positive cases for Port Arthur, Groves, Nederland, and Port Neches from February 15-20, 2023. Please be certain to get yourself and your family members vaxed and boosted against…
Read More »City Of Port Arthur : Celebrating Black History : Assistant City Manager, Pamela Langford
The first in two characteristics of leadership, Pamela Langford has bridged the gap between equity and leadership in her roles at the City of Port Arthur. Pamela Langford began her tenure with the City of Port Arthur as a Student Assistant at…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News : PAHD Reports 20 Positive COVID-19 Cases For February 9-14, 2023
The City of Port Arthur Health Department is reporting (20) COVID-19-positive cases for Port Arthur, Groves, Nederland, and Port Neches from February 9-14, 2023. Please be certain to get yourself and your family members vaxed and boosted against…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News Did You Remember This Reminder? - City Of Port Arthurcovid Vaccination Clinic
This notice is a reminder from the City of Port Arthur Vaccination Clinic, located at 3501 Cultural Center Drive, Port Arthur, TX 77642. Click Here To View The City of Port Arthur News Did You Remember This Reminder? - City Of Port Arthurcovid…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News Happy Valentine's Day, Port Arthur
Tuesday, February 14th is Valentine's Day 2023! Valentine’s Day: February 14 According to the 2021 American Community Survey, 49.7% of men and 46.5% of women 15 years and over are now married. Never married are 37.1% men and 31.3% women. …
Read More »City of Port Arthur News - Port Arthur Employee Health Clinic-American Heart Month February 2023
Port Arthur Employee Health Clinic-American Heart Month February 2023 The Port Arthur Health Department Employee Health Clinic recognizes the benefits of a heart-healthy life and want to give citizens a few pointers on taking care of their life and…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News Highlights Dr. Albert Thigpen For Black History Month
Dr. Albert Thigpen was featured in the Port Arthur News' highlight of Black History Month for the City of Port Arthur in recognition of his appointment as Assistant City Manager - Administration- for the City of Port Arthur! But his contributions to…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News Public Library: Free, Basic Hands-On Computer Class
Learn to use a computer or refresh your skills with these basic computer classes. Classes meet every Wednesday in February in the Lucy Stiefel Gallery from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Contact Ms. Nuong Tran at (409) 985-8838 ext. 10219 or…
Read More »City Of Port Arthur COVID Vaccination Clinic
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Read More »City of Port Arthur News : Port Arthur Mayor Thurman Bartie Appointed to aNational League of Cities Council
Mayor Thurman Bartie has been appointed to serve on the National League of Cities Special Council on Race, Equity and Leadership (REAL). to "develop and guide programs among local elected officials from similar communities." Congratulations, again,…
Read More »City Of Port Arthur Citizens Invited To Jefferson Orangehardin Regional Transportation Study
The South East Texas Regional Planning Commission (SETRPC) will host a series of public meetings beginning February 22, 2023, permitting citizens in Jasper, Jefferson, Orange, and Hardin Counties the opportunity to learn about the SETRPC…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News PAHD Reports 39 Positive COVID-19 Cases From February 4-8, 2023
The City of Port Arthur Health Department is reporting thirty-nine (39) COVID-19-positive cases for Port Arthur, Groves, Nederland, and Port Neches from February 4-8, 2023. Please be certain to get yourself and your family members vaxed and boosted…
Read More »City of Port Arthur - PAHD Reports 49 Positive COVID-19 Cases from January31st - February 3rd
The Port Arthur Health Department is reporting forty-nine (49) COVID-19 cases from January 31 through February 3, 2023. Please be certain to get yourself and your family members vaxed and boosted against COVID-19 illnesses! The Vaccination Clinic is…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News : PAHD Reports Positive COVID-19 Cases for January 26-30, 2023
The Port Arthur Health Department is reporting twenty-five (25) COVID-19 cases from January 26-30, 2023. Please be certain to get yourself and your family members vaxed and boosted against COVID-19 illnesses! The COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic is open…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News Port Arthur Health Department-Youth "Hearts For Health "Event
The Port Arthur Health Department, in coordination with SETFCL, sponsors a "Hearts for Health" Youth COVID-19 Vaccine Special Event. Gift cards will be available to the first who qualify! But, more importantly, let's get our children vaccinated…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News : Port Arthur Public Library - Local Author's Showcase
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Read More »City of Port Arthur News : PAHD Reports Positive COVID-19 Cases for January19-23, 2023
The Port Arthur Health Department is reporting twenty-two (22) positive COVID-19 cases from January 19-23, 2023. Please be certain to get yourself and your family members vaxed and boosted against COVID-19 illnesses! The COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News - PAHD Reports 30 Positive COVID-19 Cases for January 24-25, 2023
PAHD Reports 30 Positive COVID-19 Cases for January 24-25, 2023 The Port Arthur Health Department is reporting thirty (30) positive COVID-19 cases from January 24-25, 2023. Please be certain to get yourself and your family members vaxed and boosted…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News : Public Reminder: Port Arthur Civic Center toHost the 2023 Stand Down on Feburary 3rd
Click Here to View the Information About City of Port Arthur News : Public Reminder: Port Arthur Civic Center toHost the 2023 Stand Down on Feburary…
Read More »City Of Port Arthur Citizens May Participate In The City's Master Planning
The Port Arthur Parks and Recreation Department invites citizens to participate in developing the city's Master Plan. You can help make decisions by answering the survey below: Port Arthur Parks & Recreation Survey The City of Port Arthur is…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News : Port Arthur PD Swears In Ten New Officers
Port Arthur Police administrators had the unique opportunity to hold a swearing-in ceremony for ten new police officers on January 12, in the City Hall Council Chamber. Congratulations, Officers!
Read More »City of Port Arthur News Port Arthur Public Library Lunar New Year Event January 23, 2023
Please join the Port Arthur Public Library as we welcome in the Lunar New Year with a performance by the Lion Dance! Click Here For More…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News : Point In Time Count- Southeast TX Coalition For The Homeless Registration
"We are just under one week away from PIT 2023 and I can't wait to watch our amazing group of volunteers jump into action." Ms. J. White, SETCH Coordinator Port Arthur volunteers who wish to be a part of this year's Point-in-Time (PIT) count of…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News Point In Time Count- Southeast TX Coalition For The Homeless Registration
"We are just under one week away from PIT 2023 and I can't wait to watch our amazing group of volunteers jump into action." Ms. J. White, SETCH Coordinator Port Arthur volunteers who wish to be a part of this year's Point-in-Time (PIT) count of…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News Port Arthur Citizens May Participate In The City's Master Planning
The Port Arthur Parks and Recreation Department invites citizens to participate in developing the city's Master Plan. You can help make decisions by answering the survey below: Port Arthur Parks & Recreation Survey The City of Port Arthur is…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News - PAHD Reports Positive COVID Cases for Port Arthur and Mid County for January 18, 2023
PAHD Reports Positive COVID Cases for Port Arthur and Mid County for Jan 18, 2023 Please remember that COVID Vaccinations are available, daily, for infants through adults at the TAMS Building, 3501 Cultural Center Drive, Port Arthur, from 8:30 AM to…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News - PAHD Reports Positive COVID Cases for Port Arthurand Mid County for January 14-17, 2023
Click here to view the information about City of Port Arthur News - PAHD Reports Positive COVID Cases for Port Arthurand Mid County for January 14-17,…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News - Port Arthur Public Library Forms Partnership with Tax Preparer Organization
Port Arthur Public Library Forms Partnership with Tax Preparer Organization Message from the PAPL Director: "It is my pleasure to announce that the Port Arthur Public Library has partnered up with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance/Tax…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News : PAHD Reports Positive COVID Cases for Port Arthurand Mid County for January 11-13, 2023
Click Here to View the Information About City of Port Arthur News : PAHD Reports Positive COVID Cases for Port Arthurand Mid County for January 11-13,…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News Port Arthur Health Department NFP Program: Inviting Change And Participation
Port Arthur Health Department NFP Program: Inviting Change and Participation The Port Arthur Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) program is looking to involve local leaders and Port Arthur citizens in the "transformational" work being done by the NFP…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News PAEDC Offering LSCPA Scholarship Program Application For 2023
Port Arthur's Economic Development Corporation welcomes all eligible students to apply for a scholarship toward education that will work -- from Lamar State College-Port Arthur. Get your application in now!PAEDC, LSCPA-2023 Scholarship Application…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News : PAHD Reports Positive COVID Cases for Port Arthurand Mid County for January 10, 2023
From January 10, 2023, the City of Port Arthur Health Department is reporting COVID-19 positive cases for Port Arthur, Groves, Nederland, and Port Neches. There are twelve cases for Port Arthur, seven cases for Groves, ten cases for Nederland, and…
Read More »City Of Port Arthur Parks And Recreation 2023 Summer Recreation Employment Applications
The Parks and Recreation Department is recruiting seasonal workers for its 2023 Summer Recreation Programs. Applications are available at the Port Arthur Recreation and Senior Center, 1308 9th Avenue, beginning today, January 10, 2023, until 5:00 PM…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News : PAHD Reports Positive COVID Cases for Port Arthurand Mid County for January 6-9, 2023
Click Here to View the Information About City of Port Arthur News : PAHD Reports Positive COVID Cases for Port Arthurand Mid County for January 6-9,…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News : PAHD Reports Positive COVID Cases for Port Arthur and Mid County - January 5, 2023
PAHD Reports Positive COVID Cases for Port Arthur and Mid County for Jan 5, 2023 Please note that COVID Vaccinations are available daily for infants through adults at the TAMS Building, 3501 Cultural Center Drive, Port Arthur, From 8:30 AM to 4:30…
Read More »Port Arthur Civic Center Selected As 2023 Stand Down Host Facility
In February, the Port Arthur Civic Center will welcome the Southeast Texas 2023 Stand Down Event, benefitting homeless veterans, veterans and their families, and homeless individuals in our area. Click Here for more…
Read More »City Of Port Arthur News : PAHD Reports Positive COVID Cases For Port Arthur And Mid County - January 4, 2023
Please note that COVID Vaccinations are available daily for infants through adults at the TAMS Building, 3501 Cultural Center Drive, Port Arthur, From 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Let's get vaxed and boosted! Click Here for more…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News : PAHD Reports Positive 63 COVID Cases for Port Arthurand Mid County Thru January 3, 2023
Click here to View the Information About City of Port Arthur News : PAHD Reports Positive 63 COVID Cases for Port Arthurand Mid County Thru January 3,…
Read More »City Of Port Arthur News : PAHD Reports Positive COVID Cases For Port Arthur And Mid County - December 29-30,2022
From December 29-30, 2022, the City of Port Arthur Health Department is reporting COVID-19 positive cases for Port Arthur, Groves, Nederland, and Port Neches. There are eighteen cases for Port Arthur, eleven cases for Groves, four cases for…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News : PAHD Reports Positive COVID Cases for Port Arthur and Mid County - December 22-28,2022
PAHD Reports Positive COVID Cases for Port Arthur and Mid County 12/22-28/22 Please note that COVID Vaccinations are available daily for infants through adults at the TAMS Building, 3501 Cultural Center Drive, Port Arthur, From 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News : PAHD Reports Positive COVID Cases for December 15-19,2022
Click Here to View the Information About City of Port Arthur News : PAHD Reports Positive COVID Cases for December…
Read More »City Of Port Arthur : Entry-Level Civil Service Exam Application For Firefighter
In Order To Be Eligible To Partipate In This Examination, The Attached Examination Application [which includes the Examinee Tie Breaker Questionnaire] MUST BE RETURNED TO THE Human Resources Office, No Later Than 5:00 P.M., Friday. December 30,…
Read More »Port Arthur Fire Department : Keep The Wreath Red
Fire Safety message from Chief Benson: Keep the Wreath Red Campaign Click Here for more…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News - Entry-level Civil Service Exam Application for Firefighter
Entry-level Civil Service Exam Application for Firefighter IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE TO PARTIPATE IN THIS EXAMINATION, THE ATTACHED EXAMINATION APPLICATION [which includes the Examinee Tie Breaker Questionnaire] MUST BE RETURNED TO THE HUMAN…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News PAHD Reports 40 Positive COVID Cases For December 8th Through December14th
Click Here To View The City of Port Arthur News PAHD Reports 40 Positive COVID Cases For December 8th Through December14th
Read More »City of Port Arthur News - PAHD Reports 34 Positive COVID Cases For December 3-7, 2022
Click here to Read More Information About PAHD Reports 34 Positive COVID Cases For December 3-7, 2022
Update For Parking For The 2022 Lighted Holiday Parade
The south side of the City Hall parking lot will be closed beginning Thursday, December 8th through Friday, December 9th in preparation for the 2022 Lighted Holiday Parade events. Parking will be available in parking lots next to City Hall. Mayor…
Read More »Port Arthur Police Officer Entry Level Examination Application Available Now
The Port Arthur Police Officer Entry Level Examination Application is available now for those interested. Please apply by 5:00 PM on January 6, 2023. Download the application here Click Here for more…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News - PA Transit: Plan Your Port Arthur Bus Trip With Google Maps
PA Transit: Plan Your Port Arthur Bus Trip With Google Maps Have you always wanted to know how to plan a bus trip when your transportation is down? Port Arthur Transit has now provided a step-by-step guide, from the free tools at Google, for…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News PAHD Reports 44 Positive COVID Cases Between November 24 And December 2, 2022
Click Here To View The City of Port Arthur News PAHD Reports 44 Positive COVID Cases Between November 24 And December 2, 2022
Read More »City of Port Arthur News Public Library Partners With Young Audiences
Port Arthur Public Library's Children and Young Adult Division is thrilled to have an opportunity to partner with the talented actors of Young Audiences of Houston this holiday! Please visit the Library on December 15, 2022 to see a live…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News Plan Your December With These Free Port Arthur Events
Plan Your December with These Free Port Arthur Events! December is filled with family fun in Port Arthur! Check out these free community events going on this month: December 1 @ 4:00 PM: Kansas City Southern’s Holiday Express 2022 December…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News : PAHD Reports Positive COVID Cases for November 19-23, 2022
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Read More »City Of Port Arthur - Fire Watch : Report From Chief Benson, Thanksgiving Day Safety
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Read More »City of Port Arthur News : Port Arthur Health Department Youth Gift Card Event for Covid Vaccines
The City of Port Arthur Health Department and the South East Texas Faith and Community Leaders have joined forces to get our youth protected from Covid. A Thanksgiving "School Break" Youth Covid Vaccine and Flu Special Event is scheduled for Monday,…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News Judith Smith, Port Arthur Health Director, Set To Speakthursday
Health care professionals - and citizens- are welcome to attend "Building Resilience at the Intersection of COVID-19, HCV, HIV, and Monkey Pox" online or in person on this Thursday, November 17, 2022, from 10:30 AM until 3:30 PM. With the impact of…
Read More »City of Port Arthur News PAHD Reports Positive COVID cases - November 5-10,2022
PAHD Reports positive COVID cases for November 5-10, 2022 Positive Cases November 5-10, 2022 - The City of Port Arthur Health Department reports COVID-19 positive cases for Port Arthur, Groves, Nederland, and Port Neches. Click Here For More…
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