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…
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