CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – November 13, 2023 – A collaboration between Visit Corpus Christi, the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, and supporting partners has led to the unveiling of the Corpus Christi World War II Heritage Trail. The 15-site trail features the history and contributions of the Coastal Bend as Texas’ one and only American World War II Heritage Trail recognized by The National Park Service. The trail not only aims to attract history enthusiasts and encourage travel to Corpus Christi and its surrounding areas, but also provides an opportunity for education and reflection to recognize the significant role the destination played during World War II. 

“The unveiling of Corpus Christi’s World War II Heritage Trial is more than just a tribute to our rich history,” said Brett Oetting, President and CEO of Visit Corpus Christi. “It's a testament to the resilience and dedication of the Coastal Bend during a pivotal time in our nation’s history and we look forward to welcoming visitors from across the world to learn more.” 

Last year, The Coastal Bend was officially named the only territory in Texas to receive the World War II designation. The nomination came from the Coastal Bend’s contributions, achievements, and preservations of the World War II home-front war efforts and includes the heritage and legacy of those contributions. In honor of the designation, the World War II Heritage Trail came to fruition, highlighting historically significant areas, memorials, and landmarks throughout the Coastal Bend. As visitors embark on their WWII Heritage Trail journey, they will be met with an opportunity to enjoy both free and paid attractions.  

"We are pleased and proud to have the Coastal Bend selected as Texas' only World War II Heritage designation. The contributions this community made to our victory in World War II cannot be forgotten.  The commemoration of the Heritage Trail will preserve this legacy for future generations," said Al Arreola, President of the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce.  

Official Designated World War II Heritage Sites: 

  • The USS Lexington Museum by the Bay (Corpus Christi) 
  • Naval Air Station Corpus Christi (Corpus Christi) 
  • Ward Island Radar Station (Corpus Christi) 
  • Coastal Defenses at Aransas Pass (Port Aransas) 
  • German POW Camp at NAS Corpus Christi - Historical Marker (Corpus Christi) 
  • American GI Forum  
  • Dr. Garcia’s Statue and Papers – Memorial (Corpus Christi) 
  • Sherrill Veterans Memorial Park (Corpus Christi) 
  • Amistead Veterans Memorial Park (Copus Christi) 
  • Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetary (Corpus Christi) 
  • Kleberg County War Memorial Building (Kingsville) 
  • South Texas Aviator Memorial (Corpus Christi) 
  • La Armada Housing Project (Corpus Christi) 
  • Kingsville Auxiliary Air Station (Kingsville) 
  • Chase Field (Beeville) 

For more information on the World War II Heritage Trail visit: www.visitcorpuschristi.com/wwii-heritage-trail/

ABOUT VISIT CORPUS CHRISTI:

Visit Corpus Christi is a state and national award-winning 501c6 Destination Management Organization contracted by the city of Corpus Christi with a mission to create a better community by sharing Corpus Christi with the world. The organization is primarily funded through Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) paid by visitors while staying overnight in hotels and short-term rentals. Visit Corpus Christi also has a non-profit foundation that supports the hospitality and tourism industry via education programs, raising and providing funding to individuals and businesses during times of need through the Visit CC Cares program.

For more information go to visitcorpuschristi.com