Port Arthur, Texas

City in Texas, United States

Port Arthur

City

Port Arthur

Nickname(s):

PA, PAT

Location of Port Arthur, Texas - U.S. Census Map

Port Arthur

Location in Texas

Show map of Texas

Port Arthur

Location in the United States

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Coordinates: 29°52′06″N 93°53′24″W﻿ / ﻿29.86833°N 93.89000°W﻿ / 29.86833; -93.89000
Country| United States
State| Texas
County| Jefferson, Orange
Settled| 1895
Incorporation| 1898
Government

• Type| Council-Manager
• City Council| Mayor
Area

[1]

• Total

| 144.17 sq mi (373.41 km2)
• Land| 77.15 sq mi (199.82 km2)
• Water| 67.02 sq mi (173.58 km2)
Elevation

[2]

| 0 ft (0 m)
Population

(2020)

• Total

| 56,039
• Density| 703.55/sq mi (271.64/km2)
Time zone| UTC−6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)| UTC−5 (CDT)
ZIP codes|

77640-77642

Area code| 409
FIPS code| 48-58820[3]
GNIS feature ID| 2411461[2]
Website| portarthur.net

Port Arthur is a city in the state of Texas, United States of America, located 90 mi (140 km) east of metro Houston. Part of the Beaumont–Port Arthur metropolitan area, the city lies primarily in Jefferson County, with a small extension in Orange County. The largest oil refinery in the US, the Motiva Refinery, is located in Port Arthur.[4]

The population was 53,818 at the 2010 census,[5] down from 57,755 at the 2000 census. In 2020, its population was 56,039.[6] In the 19th century, initial attempts to settle the area had all failed, mostly. However, in 1895, Arthur Stilwell founded Port Arthur, and the town quickly grew, being incorporated as a city in 1898. It soon developed into a seaport and, eventually, became the center of a large oil-refinery network.[7] The Rainbow Bridge across the Neches River connects Port Arthur to Bridge City.

Due to its location on the Gulf of Mexico, Port Arthur is vulnerable to hurricanes and other intense tropical weather, as well as extreme heatwaves, high humidity, and freak tornadoes. Since its inception, the city has experienced several incidences of extreme weather resulting in significant damages and casualties.

## History

[edit]

Aurora was an early settlement attempt near the mouth of Taylor Bayou on Sabine Lake, about 14 miles (23 km) long and 7 miles (11 km) wide. It is a saltwater estuary formed by the confluence of the Neches and Sabine Rivers. Through its tidal outlet, 5-mile-long (8 km) Sabine Pass, Sabine Lake drains some 50,000 sq mi (100,000 km2) of Texas and Louisiana into the Gulf of Mexico.

The town was conceived in 1837, and in 1840 promoters led by Almanzon Huston were offering town lots for sale. Some were sold, but Huston's project failed to attract many settlers. The area next was known as "Sparks", after John Sparks, who moved his family to the shores of Sabine Lake near the site of Aurora. The Eastern Texas Railroad, completed between Sabine Pass and Beaumont, Texas, passed 4 miles (6 km) west of Sparks. However, the American Civil War soon began, and rail lines were removed. In 1886, a destructive hurricane hit the coast, causing the remaining residents to dismantle their homes and move to Beaumont. By 1895, Aurora had become a ghost town.[8]

Arthur Stilwell led the resettling of the area as part of his planned city as the southern terminus of his Kansas City, Pittsburg and Gulf Railroad, predecessor to the Kansas City Southern Railway.[9] Stilwell named the city Port Arthur after himself,[10] not the British Royal Navy Lieutenant who gave his name to Port Arthur, China.[11]

Pleasure Island now separates the city from the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. The 18.5-mile (29.8 km) man-made island was created between 1899 and 1908 by the Corps of Engineers to support development of the port.

Arthur Stilwell founded the Port Arthur Channel and Dock Company to manage the port facilities. The port officially opened with the arrival of the British steamer Saint Oswald in 1899.

When oil was discovered at Spindletop, the J.M. Guffey Petroleum Company, later Gulf Oil, had run pipelines to Port Arthur as a shipping point and a location for an oil refinery. In November 1901, the first tanker, the Cardium, departed with Spindletop oil. The refinery was enlarged in 1902, and a pipeline connected to the Glenn Pool Oil Reserve in Oklahoma. The Texas Company, later Texaco, also started building a refinery in 1902. By 1916, the Port Arthur refinery was one of the three largest in the United States.[12][13]

In 1977, a slate of four black candidates (McElroy, Benjamin, Linden, and Strawder) challenged four white city council members, including Mayor Bernis Sadler. The "torrid" election (as the Port Arthur News described it)[14] led to the 1982 Supreme Court voting rights decision in City of Port Arthur v. United States.

In 2015, the city council proposed an ordinance to declare Port Arthur a "film friendly city".[15] In October 2021, Governor Abbott announced that the city had officially been declared a "film friendly city" by the Texas Film Commission.[16][17]

## Geography

[edit]

Port Arthur is located on the eastern edge of Jefferson County on the west side of Sabine Lake.[18] It is bordered to the northeast by Orange County, Texas, and to the southeast, across Sabine Lake, by Cameron Parish, Louisiana. The Port Arthur city limits extend south along the west side of Sabine Pass, the outlet of Sabine Lake, as far as the Gulf of Mexico on the city's southern border. To the north, the city limits extend across the Neches River into Orange County. Port Arthur is bordered to the northwest by the cities of Nederland, Groves, and Port Neches, and to the northeast by Bridge City in Orange County.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 144.1 square miles (373.1 km2), of which 76.9 square miles (199.2 km2) are land and 67.1 square miles (173.9 km2), or 46.61%, are covered by water.[5]

### Communities

[edit]

Communities in Port Arthur include:

* El Vista
* Griffing Park
* Lakeview
* Pear Ridge
* Port Acres
* Sabine Pass
* West Side

### Tropical cyclones

[edit]

Pleasure Island damage from Hurricane Ike

#### Hurricane of September 12, 1897

[edit]

Celebrations in Port Arthur on completion of the Kansas City, Pittsburg and Gulf Railroad between Kansas City and Port Arthur occurred Saturday, September 11, 1897. The celebrations brought additional people into town. The next day, a major hurricane hit Port Arthur. Water flowed five feet deep in the streets. People loaded into the unfinished railroad roundhouse seeking shelter; the building promptly collapsed, killing four. In the end, 13 people died, homes were destroyed, and a pleasure pier was severely damaged.[9]

#### Hurricane Audrey

[edit]

In June 1957, Hurricane Audrey made landfall just east of Port Arthur in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, as a category 3 hurricane. The storm caused extensive wind damage around the city and significant storm surge flooding just east in Southwest Louisiana.

#### Hurricane Rita

[edit]

On September 24, 2005, Hurricane Rita made landfall between Sabine Pass, Texas, and Johnson Bayou, Louisiana, as a category 3 hurricane. A wind gust of 116 mph (187 km/h) was recorded in Port Arthur. The storm caused widespread significant wind damage throughout the city, with power outages lasting several weeks in some locations. Some areas of the city also received flooding due to Rita.[19]

#### Hurricane Humberto

[edit]

On September 13, 2007, Hurricane Humberto made landfall west of Port Arthur as a category 1 hurricane. The storm moved northeast across the Golden Triangle, causing widespread wind damage; however, most of the damage was relatively minor. An 84 mph (135 km/h) wind gust was recorded at the Southeast Texas Regional Airport just northwest of the city.[20]

#### Tropical Storm Edouard

[edit]

On August 5, 2008, Tropical Storm Edouard made landfall just west of Port Arthur. The effects felt in the city were light; however, wind gusts up to 55 mph (89 km/h) were recorded.[21]

#### Hurricane Ike

[edit]

On September 13, 2008, Hurricane Ike made landfall on Galveston Island as a category 2 hurricane. Due to the storm's unusually large size, effects were widespread and were felt across much of Southeast Texas. Port Arthur sustained significant wind damage and many of the city's residents lost power. The Port Arthur seawall protected the city from the major flooding that surrounding cities experienced.

#### Hurricane Harvey

[edit]

On August 29, 2017, after Harvey made a second landfall at tropical storm status, 26 inches of rain fell in a single day at the airport near Port Arthur, triggering widespread flash flooding in the city. According to the Port Arthur mayor Derrick Freeman, 20,000 homes were flooded with up to 6 ft of water. On August 30, Freeman posted on Facebook, "Our whole city is underwater right now."[22]

#### Hurricane Laura

[edit]

On August 25, 2020, with Hurricane Laura expected to make landfall as a major hurricane having Port Arthur in its direct path, Port Arthur was evacuated.[23][24] However, turning almost due north, Laura ended up making its final landfall near Cameron, Louisiana.[25]

### Climate

[edit]

Port Arthur is tied with Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Astoria, Oregon, as the most humid city in the contiguous United States. The average relative humidity is 90% in the morning, and 72% in the afternoon.[26]

Climate data for Port Arthur, Texas (Jack Brooks Airport) 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1901–present

Month  | Jan  | Feb  | Mar  | Apr  | May  | Jun  | Jul  | Aug  | Sep  | Oct  | Nov  | Dec  | Year
Record high °F (°C)  | 86
(30)  | 90
(32)  | 95
(35)  | 94
(34)  | 101
(38)  | 106
(41)  | 108
(42)  | 108
(42)  | 105
(41)  | 99
(37)  | 94
(34)  | 86
(30)  | 108
(42)
Mean maximum °F (°C)  | 77.4
(25.2)  | 79.3
(26.3)  | 83.0
(28.3)  | 86.9
(30.5)  | 91.7
(33.2)  | 95.7
(35.4)  | 97.0
(36.1)  | 98.4
(36.9)  | 95.8
(35.4)  | 90.7
(32.6)  | 83.9
(28.8)  | 79.2
(26.2)  | 99.3
(37.4)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)  | 63.5
(17.5)  | 67.3
(19.6)  | 73.2
(22.9)  | 79.0
(26.1)  | 85.7
(29.8)  | 90.9
(32.7)  | 92.6
(33.7)  | 93.1
(33.9)  | 89.5
(31.9)  | 82.1
(27.8)  | 72.3
(22.4)  | 65.5
(18.6)  | 79.6
(26.4)
Daily mean °F (°C)  | 53.7
(12.1)  | 57.5
(14.2)  | 63.3
(17.4)  | 69.3
(20.7)  | 76.5
(24.7)  | 82.0
(27.8)  | 83.6
(28.7)  | 83.8
(28.8)  | 80.0
(26.7)  | 71.6
(22.0)  | 61.9
(16.6)  | 55.6
(13.1)  | 69.9
(21.1)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)  | 43.8
(6.6)  | 47.8
(8.8)  | 53.4
(11.9)  | 59.6
(15.3)  | 67.3
(19.6)  | 73.1
(22.8)  | 74.6
(23.7)  | 74.4
(23.6)  | 70.6
(21.4)  | 61.1
(16.2)  | 51.5
(10.8)  | 45.8
(7.7)  | 60.2
(15.7)
Mean minimum °F (°C)  | 28.0
(−2.2)  | 31.9
(−0.1)  | 35.6
(2.0)  | 43.3
(6.3)  | 53.9
(12.2)  | 66.3
(19.1)  | 70.3
(21.3)  | 69.7
(20.9)  | 58.4
(14.7)  | 44.1
(6.7)  | 34.3
(1.3)  | 30.6
(−0.8)  | 26.2
(−3.2)
Record low °F (°C)  | 11
(−12)  | 10
(−12)  | 20
(−7)  | 32
(0)  | 42
(6)  | 53
(12)  | 61
(16)  | 58
(14)  | 45
(7)  | 30
(−1)  | 22
(−6)  | 12
(−11)  | 10
(−12)
Average precipitation inches (mm)  | 5.32
(135)  | 3.09
(78)  | 3.63
(92)  | 3.92
(100)  | 4.70
(119)  | 6.70
(170)  | 6.85
(174)  | 6.89
(175)  | 6.69
(170)  | 5.47
(139)  | 3.89
(99)  | 4.98
(126)  | 62.13
(1,578)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 9.6  | 8.6  | 7.6  | 7.2  | 7.2  | 10.7  | 11.8  | 11.3  | 8.9  | 7.5  | 7.6  | 9.7  | 107.7
Average relative humidity (%)  | 79.0  | 76.6  | 76.2  | 77.1  | 78.7  | 79.0  | 80.7  | 80.3  | 79.3  | 76.9  | 78.0  | 79.6  | 78.4
Mean monthly sunshine hours | 135.5  | 168.5  | 188.1  | 203.2  | 262.9  | 284.6  | 281.7  | 258.6  | 231.9  | 241.3  | 184.8  | 148.9  | 2,590
Percent possible sunshine | 42  | 54  | 51  | 53  | 62  | 68  | 66  | 63  | 63  | 68  | 58  | 47  | 58
Source: NOAA (relative humidity and sun 1961–1990)[27][28][29]

## Demographics

[edit]

Historical population Census| Pop.| Note| %±

|
|
|

1900| 900| | —
1910| 7,663| | 751.4%
1920| 22,251| | 190.4%
1930| 50,902| | 128.8%
1940| 46,140| | −9.4%
1950| 57,530| | 24.7%
1960| 66,676| | 15.9%
1970| 57,371| | −14.0%
1980| 61,251| | 6.8%
1990| 58,724| | −4.1%
2000| 57,755| | −1.7%
2010| 53,818| | −6.8%
2020| 56,039| | 4.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[30]
Port Arthur racial composition as of 2020[31]
(NH = Non-Hispanic)[a] Race  | Number  | Percentage

|
|

White (NH)  | 9,259  | 16.52%
Black or African American (NH)  | 21,046  | 37.56%
Native American or Alaska Native (NH)  | 105  | 0.19%
Asian (NH)  | 3,272  | 5.84%
Pacific Islander (NH)  | 14  | 0.02%
Some Other Race (NH)  | 191  | 0.34%
Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH)  | 987  | 1.76%
Hispanic or Latino | 21,165  | 37.77%
Total | 56,039 |

At the 2010 census,[33] 53,818 people, 20,183 households, and 13,191 families resided in the city. The population density was 654.6 inhabitants per square mile (252.7/km2). The 23,577 housing units averaged 284.4 per square mile (109.8/km2). At the 2020 census, the population increased to 56,039.[6] The racial makeup of the city was 41.7% African American, 37.9% White, 1.2% Native American, 6.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, and 15.3% from other races in 2010. Hispanics or Latino Americans of any race were 29.6% of the population. In 2019, the American Community Survey estimated 18.7% of the population was non-Hispanic white, 38.1% Black and African American, 0.2% Native American, 7.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.2% some other race, and 34.5% Hispanic or Latino American of any race.[34]

Of the 20,183 households in 2010, 30.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.2% were married couples living together, 19.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.6% were not families; 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.31. In the city, the population was distributed as 27.0% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.1 males.

From 2014 to 2019, the median household income was $36,557; families had a median income of $44,115; married families $56,304; and non-family households $24,280. Among the population, 27.2% lived at or below the poverty line, against the state's 13.6% impoverished population from 2014 to 2019 census estimates. In contrast, the nearby city of Beaumont had a poverty rate of 16.7%, down from 17.6%.[35]

## Economy

[edit]

Big Arthur crane

Home to a large portion of United States oil refining capacity, Port Arthur has seen renewed investment in several key installations. Motiva Enterprises began undertaking a major addition to its western Port Arthur refinery, expanding capacity to 600,000 barrels per day (95,000 m3/d).[36] This $10.0 billion project is the largest U..S refinery expansion to occur in 30 years.[36] Premcor Refining (now Valero) completed a $775 million expansion of its petrochemical plant, and BASF/Fina commenced operations of a new $1.75 billion gasification and cogeneration unit on premises of its current installation, which had just completed its own $1 billion upgrade. These operations are supported by the Port of Port Arthur, one of Texas' leading seaports.

The city was the site of an oil spill in 2010, when an oil tanker and barge collided, causing 450,000 gallons of oil to spill into the Sabine/Neches waterway alongside the city.[37]

### Central business district disintegration

[edit]

The commercial center of Port Arthur was at its peak in the early 1900s. Together with the effects of suburbanization, which drew off wealthier residents to new housing away from town, gradually taking businesses with them, from 1960 until 1974,[38] successive waves of economic recession caused much distress in the town. The central business district has many boarded up and vacant locations.

#### Hotel Sabine

[edit]

The Hotel Sabine opened at 600 Proctor Street in 1929 and operated as the Vaughn Hotel until the mid-1930s. At 118 feet, 10 stories, and the tallest building in Port Arthur,[39] the building is of Beaux-Arts architecture style, built with steel-reinforced concrete and brick on 640 steel-laced wooden cypress pilings driven 60 ft into the ground. It was overdesigned and overbuilt due to lack of knowledge on the strength of concrete in the 1920's.[40] The hotel closed down in the mid-1980s.

The Port Arthur News reported August 28, 2010, that "DWA (Digital Workforce Academy) Buys Sabine Hotel",[41] By November 2011, the hotel was reported to be slated for demolition. The cost of renovations were estimated at $10–12 million and demolition estimates as $500,000 to $1.2 million.[42] As of April, 2021, Motiva was still considering buying the hotel, but remained uncertain and uncommitted to it.[43][42]

Hurricane Rita struck a direct hit on the Proctor Street Seawall, and damaged many downtown businesses and homes. As economic activity picked up in the region, calls for downtown revitalization have been advanced.[44][45] The true center of commercial activity has gravitated from downtown to other areas.[46] The main shopping center is Central Mall, opened outside the downtown in 1982.

## Arts and culture

[edit]

Port Arthur's Museum of the Gulf Coast is recognized as the area's definitive collection of items and displays for figures from Port Arthur and the surrounding communities.

UGK, perhaps Texas's most influential hip-hop group, originated in Port Arthur before relocating to Houston.

## Government

[edit]

Delta Queen moored in front of City Hall

The mayor of Port Arthur is Thurman "Bill" Bartie.

The county operates the Jefferson County Sub-Courthouse in Port Arthur.[47]

Government for Port Arthur  Position  | Name  | Elected to Current Position

|
|

Mayor | Thurman "Bill" Bartie  | 2019–present
At Large Position 5  | Thomas Kinlaw III  | 2023–present
At Large Position 6  | Donald Frank  | 2020–present
District 1  | Willie Bae Lewis  | 1983–2001, 2005–2007, 2023–present
District 2  | Tiffany Hamilton  | 2014–2017, 2023–present
District 3  | Doneane Beckcom  | 2023–present
District 4  | Harold Doucet  | 2011–2013, 2017–2020, 2023–present

### Politics

[edit]

List of mayors of Port Arthur, Texas

* Nat R. Strong, 1898–1899 [48]
* Charles Eugene Smith, 1899–1902
* Rome H. Woodworth, 1902–1905
* Joseph P. Landes, 1905–1906
* J.H. Drummond, 1906–1908
* P.C. Pfeiffer, 1908–1911
* George N. Bliss, 1911–1915
* R.H. Dunn, 1915–1917
* John W. Tryon, 1917–1921
* James Pinckney Logan, 1921–1929, 1931–1932, 1950–1952
* J.W. O'Neal, 1929–1931
* H.M. Smith, 1932–1933
* H.O. Preston, 1933–1934
* E.R. Winstel, 1934–1935[49]
* Fred L. Bachert, 1935–1936, 1939–1940
* Inman H. Wheless, 1936–1937
* Frank J. Imhoff, 1937–1938
* Neal D. Rader, 1938–1939
* L.C. Heare, 1940–1942
* R.L. Rutan, 1942–1944
* Leland Lacy, 1944–1945
* Walter H. Bailey, 1945–1947
* H.L. Crow, 1947–1948
* James Walter Long, 1948–1950[50]
* Chris F. Petersen, 1952–1953[51]
* Myron J. Babin Jr., 1953–1954[51]
* Nick Norris, 1954
* A.L. Gillman, 1954
* C.R. Eisler, 1954–1957,[51] 1959–1960, 1960–1961
* Zane Q. Johnson, 1957–1958
* M.B. Avila, 1958–1959
* Herman T. Schneider, 1960
* Harvie A. Parker, 1961–1963
* R. B. McCollum, 1963
* Lloyd Hayes, 1963–1969
* Bernis Sadler, 1969–1984
* Malcolm Clark, 1984–1990
* Mary Ellen Summerlin, 1990–1994
* Robert T. Morgan Jr., 1994–1998
* Oscar Ortiz, 1998–2007
* Delores "Bobbi" Prince, 2007–2016[52]
* Derrick Freeman, 2016–2019[53]
* Thurman Bartie, 2019–present[54]

The United States Postal Service operates the Port Arthur Post Office,[55] the Port Acres Post Office,[56] and the Sabine Pass Post Office in Sabine Pass.[57]

### State and federal representation

[edit]

In the Texas State Legislation, Port Arthur is in the 4th Senate District, represented by Republican Brandon Creighton, and in the 22nd State House District, represented by Democrat Christian Manuel while the Sabine Pass portion of Port Arthur is within the 21st State House District, represented by Republican Dade Phelan.

In the United States House of Representatives, Port Arthur is in Texas' 14th congressional district, represented by Republican Randy Weber.

## Education

[edit]

### Colleges

[edit]

#### Lamar State College-Port Arthur

[edit]

Main article: Lamar State College-Port Arthur

Located in downtown Port Arthur, celebrated its 100th birthday in 2009. Offering a full variety of basic core curriculum classes in which credits are transferable throughout Texas public universities, Lamar State College is recognized for associate programs in commercial music, nursing, legal assistant, and process technology. The college also fields competitive teams in men's basketball and women's softball.

#### Galveston College (for Hamshire-Fannett and Sabine Pass ISD areas)

[edit]

The sections of Port Arthur within the Hamshire-Fannett and Sabine Pass ISDs are assigned to Galveston College in Galveston.[58] State legislation does not specify an assigned community college for the remainder of Jefferson County.

#### Career and Technical Education Center

[edit]

It was formerly named Stilwell Technical Center and is the second college in Port Arthur. The Port Arthur Independent School District is now headquartered at its former location on 9th Avenue. In 2012 the school was relocated to a new building built on the same property of Memorial High School at 3501 Sgt Lucian Adams Dr.

### Primary and secondary schools

[edit]

Most of the city is served by the Port Arthur Independent School District.[59] It operates a single high school, Memorial High School, formed in 2002 by the consolidation of three high schools: Stephen F. Austin, Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson.[60]

The portion around Southeast Texas Regional Airport is served by the Nederland Independent School District. Some parts are served by Port Neches-Groves Independent School District. The Sabine Pass community is served by the Sabine Pass Independent School District. There are portions of Port Arthur in Nederland ISD, Beaumont ISD, and Hamshire-Fannett ISD.[59] In Orange County, the portions of Port Arthur are in Bridge City Independent School District.[61]

The Bob Hope Charter School is located in Port Arthur.[62]

It formerly had a Catholic high school, Bishop Byrne High School, which closed in 1983.[63]

### Public libraries

[edit]

The Port Arthur Public Library, at 4615 9th Avenue at Texas State Highway 73, serves as the public library system for the city.[64]

## Media

[edit]

See also: List of newspapers in Texas, List of radio stations in Texas, and List of television stations in Texas

### Newspapers

[edit]

The Port Arthur News is the only daily newspaper serving Port Arthur. Operating since 1897 The News is one of the oldest continually operated businesses in Port Arthur. It is currently owned and operated by Boone Newspapers. From 1932–1941 Port Arthur had a second newspaper called The Peoples Press.

### Television

[edit]

* KBTV (Dabl) channel 4

### Radio

[edit]

Frequency  | Call letters / licensed to (if not Beaumont)  | Format  | Owner  | Notes

|
|
|
|

560  | KLVI | News, Talk radio | iHeartMedia
1250  | KDEI (Port Arthur)  | Catholic radio  | Radio Maria
1340  | KOLE (Port Arthur)  | Various  | Birach Broadcasting
92.5  | KCOL (Groves)  | Oldies "Cool 92.5"  | iHeartMedia
93.3 (Port Arthur)  | KQBU | Regional Mexican "Que Buena 93.3"  | Univision
94.1  | KQXY | CHR "Q94"  | Cumulus Broadcasting
95.1  | KYKR | Country "Kicker 95.1"  | iHeartMedia
98.5  | KTJM (Port Arthur)  | Regional Mexican "La Raza 98.5/103.3"  | Liberman Broadcasting-Houston
102.5  | KTCX (Beaumont)  | Urban contemporary "Magic 102.5"  | Cumulus Broadcasting
103.3  | K277AG (Beaumont)  | Hip-Hop, R&B "The Beat 103.3"  | iHeartMedia | Simulcast of KKMY-HD2
104.5 (Orange)  | KKMY | Rhythmic CHR "104.5 Kiss FM"  | iHeartMedia
105.3  | KLTW (Winnie)  | Contemporary Christian | Educational Media Foundation
106.1  | KIOC (Orange)  | Rock "Big Dog 106"  | iHeartMedia
107.9  | KQQK | Regional Mexican "107.9 El Norte"  | Liberman Broadcasting-Houston

## Transportation

[edit]

### Air

[edit]

The Jack Brooks Regional Airport in the northwest part of Port Arthur serves Beaumont and Port Arthur.

### Bus

[edit]

Local bus service is provided by Port Arthur Transit.

### Rail

[edit]

The nearest inter-city rail station to Port Arthur is Beaumont station in nearby Beaumont, which serves the greater area. The station is served by Amtrak's Sunset Limited line, with a train arriving thrice weekly in each direction.

## Notable people

[edit]

J'Covan Brown

* Lucian Adams, recipient of Medal of Honor, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart[65]
* Jonathan Babineaux, former professional football player, Atlanta Falcons[66]
* Jordan Babineaux, former professional football player, Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans[67]
* G.W. Bailey, actor[68]
* Zachary Breaux, jazz musician[69]
* Aaron Brown, professional football player
* J'Covan Brown (born 1990), basketball player in the Israel Basketball Premier League
* Jamaal Charles, professional football player[70]
* C. J. Chenier, musician[71]
* Babe Didrikson Zaharias, athlete who excelled in golf, basketball, baseball and track and field
* Todd Dodge, American football coach[72]
* Ted Dunbar, jazz musician[73]
* Earl Evans, college and professional basketball player
* Kevin Everett, professional football player[74]
* Mitch Gaspard, college baseball coach[75]
* John Warne Gates, wire and steel magnate, railroad and oil financier
* Danny Gorrer, professional football player[76]
* Jason Halbert, musical director for Kelly Clarkson
* Kree Harrison, runner-up on American Idol, 12th season[77]
* Lee Hazlewood, musician, was raised in Port Arthur.[78]
* Tom Hicks, former owner of Texas Rangers, Dallas Stars, Liverpool FC, and Dr Pepper/7-UP
* Jim Hurtubise, race car driver, moved to Port Arthur as an adult.[79]
* Stephen Jackson, former professional basketball player, who played in the NBA for 14 seasons
* Jimmy Johnson, football broadcaster, player, coach, and executive[80]
* Janis Joplin, singer/songwriter[81]
* Evelyn Keyes, film actress
* Bobby Leopold, professional football player[82]
* Kenneth Lofton Jr., college and FIBA U-19 Team USA player
* Inika McPherson, track and field athlete
* Donald Narcisse, player in Canadian Football League[83]
* Pimp C & Bun B of UGK, rappers[84]
* Johnny Preston, pop singer
* Robert Rauschenberg, painter and graphic artist[85]
* Leah Rhodes, Hollywood costume designer
* J.P. Richardson aka "The Big Bopper", singer and songwriter born in the Port Arthur neighborhood of Sabine Pass[86]
* Elandon Roberts, professional football player
* Amber Chardae Robinson, actress
* Raymond Strother, political consultant[87]
* Tad Tadlock, choreographer
* Joe Washington, college and professional football player
* Ken Webster, actor and director

## See also

[edit]

* Texas portal

* List of oil pipelines
* List of oil refineries

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race.[32]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
2. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Port Arthur, Texas
3. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
4. ^ "Tropical Storm Harvey Closes America's Biggest Refinery". Maritime Executive. August 30, 2017. Retrieved August 31, 2017.
5. ^ a b "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (G001): Port Arthur city, Texas". American Factfinder. U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2018.
6. ^ a b "Geography Profile: Port Arthur city, Texas". data.census.gov. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
7. ^ Port Arthur incorporates\- Retrieved 2013-09-10
8. ^ Wooster, Robert. "Aurora, TX (Jefferson County)," Handbook of Texas Online". Retrieved February 21, 2011.
9. ^ a b "The Completion of the KCP&G – A Centennial History". Lowell G. McManus, The Meridian Speedway. Retrieved August 19, 2020.
10. ^ "Arthur e. Stilwell | American leader | Britannica". Encyclopedia Britannica.
11. ^ "The Name Port Arthur, History and Origin of How It Was Applied". Los Angeles Herald, Volume XXXI, Number 300, 25 July 1904 (accessed at UCR Center for Bibliographical Studies and Research). Retrieved December 11, 2020.
12. ^ Linsley, Judith; Rienstrad, Ellen; Stiles, Jo (2002). Giant Under the Hill, A History of the Spindletop Oil Discovery at Beaumont, Texas in 1901. Austin: Texas State Historical Association. pp. 186–187, 199, 209–210\. ISBN 9780876112366.186-187,+199,+209-210&rft.pub=Texas+State+Historical+Association&rft.date=2002&rft.isbn=9780876112366&rft.aulast=Linsley&rft.aufirst=Judith&rft.au=Rienstrad,+Ellen&rft.au=Stiles,+Jo&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:Port+Arthur,+Texas" class="Z3988">
13. ^ Hunt, Herschiel. The History of Port Arthur. Southern Publishing Concern, 1926.
14. ^ Brittain, Martha (April 3, 1977). "Sadler Sweeps to Victory". Port Arthur News. p. 1. Retrieved January 26, 2025.
15. ^ Holley, Joe (May 2, 2015). "One idle downtown's brilliant idea for revival". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
16. ^ Meaux, Mary (October 9, 2021). "What does the new 'Film Friendly City' designation for Port Arthur mean?". Port Arthur News. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
17. ^ Kersey, Rachel (October 19, 2021). "Do you think of movie producers when you think of Port Arthur?". Beaumont Enterprise. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
18. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
19. ^ Hurricane Rita Analysis Archived 2017-05-04 at the Wayback Machine
20. ^ Masters, Dr. Jeff (September 13, 2007). "Hurricane Humberto surprises Texas and Louisiana". wunderground.com. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
21. ^ "Track of Edouard". www.weather.gov. National Weather Service. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
22. ^ Harrington, Rebecca. "Flash floods send Texans into 'survival mode' as Harvey hits Port Arthur with 26 inches of rain in one day". Business Insider. Retrieved August 30, 2017.
23. ^ "Evacuations ordered as Hurricane Laura aims at U.S. coast". CNBC. August 25, 2020. Retrieved August 27, 2020.
24. ^ "Evacuations: These are all the evacuation orders in place in the Houston Area". KPRC 2 Houston, August 27, 2020. Retrieved January 13, 2025.
25. ^ "Hurricane LAURA". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
26. ^ "Average Relative Humidity - Morning (M), Afternoon (A)" (PDF). Comparative Climatic Data for the United States Through 2012. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: U.S. Dept. of Commerce. 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 18, 2014.
27. ^ "NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved August 22, 2021.
28. ^ "Station: Port Arthur SE TX AP, TX". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved August 22, 2021.
29. ^ "WMO Climate Normals for Port Arthur, TX 1961–1990". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved December 19, 2016.
30. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
31. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
32. ^ "About the Hispanic Population and its Origin". www.census.gov. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
33. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 22, 2017.
34. ^ "2019 ACS Demographic and Housing Estimates". data.census.gov. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
35. ^ "Geography Profile: Beaumont city, Texas". data.census.gov. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
36. ^ a b "The Economy of Southeast Texas Home Page". Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved September 3, 2007.
37. ^ Gonzalez, Angel (January 24, 2010). "Oil Spill Hits Texas Port". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved January 24, 2010.
38. ^ "Retirement and Looking Back to "the Way it Was" (economic tailspin)\- Retrieved 2013-09-10
39. ^ Sabine Hotel[usurped]\- Retrieved 2013-09-10
40. ^ "Proposal could breathe life into historic Hotel Sabine". Archived from the original on July 3, 2010. Retrieved September 11, 2013. The Port Arthur News, Retrieved July 12, 2024
41. ^ "DWA buys Sabine Hotel" Archived December 3, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, Port Arthur News, 28 August 2010, Retrieved 2013-09-10
42. ^ a b "Notable Port Arthur Hotel Could Meet its Demise". myfoxhouston. November 11, 2011. Archived from the original on December 2, 2013. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
43. ^ "Motiva representative to Port Arthur leaders: We will continue downtown development". April 22, 2021.
44. ^ Sanders, Ashley. "Plant expansions to create a housing boon" Archived September 28, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, The News. August 21, 2006. Retrieved on September 23, 2010.
45. ^ Rappleye, Christine. "The Beaumont Enterprise - Those who recall bustling downtown Port Arthur are still around; old way of life isn't Archived 2007-09-27 at the Wayback Machine." The Beaumont Enterprise. September 23, 2007. Posted June 11, 2008. Retrieved on September 23, 2010.
46. ^ "Port Arthur" Archived 2013-12-03 at the Wayback Machine, Encyclopedia of Southern Jewish Communities, Retrieved 2013-09-10
47. ^ "Jefferson County, Texas Phone Director." County of Jefferson. Retrieved on August 22, 2010.
48. ^ "Port Arthur News Newspaper Archives, May 28, 1998, p. 42". May 28, 1998.
49. ^ "Port Arthur News Newspaper Archives, Mar 27, 1934, p. 1". March 27, 1934.
50. ^ Burns, Chester R. (March 1, 1995). "Biography of Long, James Walter". Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
51. ^ a b c "The Political Graveyard: Mayors and Postmasters of Port Arthur, Texas". politicalgraveyard.com. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
52. ^ "Port Arthur's First African-American Mayor". July 25, 2007.
53. ^ Scott, By Brandon K. (July 6, 2016). "Freeman sworn in as Port Arthur mayor". Beaumont Enterprise.
54. ^ Bain, By Kaitlin (June 21, 2019). "Port Arthur votes in new mayor; Bartie defeats Freeman by 8 points". Beaumont Enterprise.
55. ^ "Post Office Location - PORT ARTHUR Archived 2009-02-10 at the Wayback Machine." United States Postal Service. Retrieved on December 6, 2008.
56. ^ "Post Office Location - PORT ACRES Archived 2009-02-10 at the Wayback Machine." United States Postal Service. Retrieved on December 6, 2008.
57. ^ "Post Office Location - SABINE PASS Archived 2012-05-13 at the Wayback Machine." United States Postal Service. Retrieved on August 22, 2010.
58. ^ Texas Education Code Sec. 130.179. Galveston College District Service Area.
59. ^ a b "2020 Census – School District Reference Map: Jefferson County, TX" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
60. ^ Faye, Matt (March 17, 2018). "State Champion Memorial Titans get star treatment at parade". Beaumont Enterprise. Retrieved February 16, 2019. "Memorial High School was established in 2002 after the Port Arthur school district consolidated Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and Stephen F. Austin high schools."
61. ^ "2020 Census – School District Reference Map: Orange County, TX" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved September 26, 2024. \- Text list
62. ^ Pastorella, Cody. "New PA Charter School provides Hope to area students Archived September 26, 2010, at the Wayback Machine." The Port Arthur News. September 20, 2010. Retrieved on September 23, 2010.
63. ^ Meaux, Mary (February 3, 2017). "Bishop Byrne alumni planning for reunion". The News Port Arthur. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
64. ^ "Port Arthur Library ❘ Library Information". Retrieved July 12, 2024.
65. ^ Goldstein, Richard (April 4, 2003). "Lucian Adams, 80, Is Dead; Army Hero in World War II". New York Times.
66. ^ "Jonathan Babineaux". NFL Enterprises. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
67. ^ "Jordan Babineaux". NFL Enterprises. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
68. ^ "G. W. Bailey". Museum or the Gulf Coast. Archived from the original on November 3, 2013. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
69. ^ Jasinski, Laurie E. (2012). Handbook of Texas Music. Texas State Historical Association. ISBN 9780876112977.
70. ^ "Jamal Charles". NFL Enterprises. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
71. ^ "C.J. Chenier". Cumberland Valley School of Music. Archived from the original on July 25, 2011. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
72. ^ "North Texas fires Port Arthur native Todd Dodge". Mysa. October 20, 2010. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
73. ^ Brown, Cody. "Dunbar, Theodore [Ted]". Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
74. ^ "Kevin Everett". NFL Enterprises. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
75. ^ Halliburton, Tom (May 26, 2006). "2006 Southland Conference Baseball Tournament". PAnews.com. Archived from the original on December 4, 2013. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
76. ^ "Danny Gorrer". NFL Enterprises. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
77. ^ Stevenson, Jane (May 14, 2013). "'American Idol':Who Should Win". Toronto Sun.
78. ^ Keller, R. "Lee Hazlewood". Americana and Roots Music. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
79. ^ Kupper, Mike (January 10, 1989). "Flamboyant Figure: Auto Racing World Will Miss Fun-Loving Driver Jim Hurtubise". Los Angeles Times.
80. ^ "Jimmy Johnson". National Football Foundation. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
81. ^ Hughes, Richard B. "Joplin, Janis Lyn". Handbook of Texas Online. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
82. ^ "Bobby Leopold". databaseSports.com. Archived from the original on December 2, 2013. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
83. ^ Soeterik, Dick. "Narcisse: CFLAA Former CFL Player of the Week". Canadian Football League Association. Archived from the original on November 4, 2013. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
84. ^ Cooper, Roman (December 2, 2012). "UGK Inducted Into Museum Of The Gulf Coast Music Hall Of Fame". article. HipHopDX. Retrieved February 27, 2014.
85. ^ "Robert Rauschenberg". Museum or the Gulf Coast. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
86. ^ "J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson". Internet Accuracy Project. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
87. ^ "About Ray Strother" (PDF). Dole Institute of Politics. Fall 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 4, 2013.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Port Arthur, Texas.

* City of Port Arthur official website
* Historic Article on Port Arthur (WWII)
* Many historical photographs of Port Arthur
* Port Arthur, TX at City-Data.com

* v
* t
* e

Port Arthur, Texas

Areas|

* Griffing Park
* Lakeview
* Pear Ridge
* Port Acres
* Sabine Pass

Primary and
secondary schools|

* Port Arthur ISD
* Memorial HS
* Bridge City ISD
* Nederland ISD
* Port Neches-Groves ISD
* Sabine Pass ISD
* Bob Hope School

| Closed|

* PAISD
* Stephen F. Austin HS (-2002)
* Thomas Jefferson HS (-2002)
* Abraham Lincoln HS (-2002)
* Bishop Byrne HS (-1983)

|

Community
colleges|

* Lamar State College–Port Arthur
* Galveston College (for Sabine Pass ISD residents)

Transportation|

* Rainbow Bridge
* Jack Brooks Regional Airport (northeast of the city)

Landmarks|

* Museum of the Gulf Coast

This list is incomplete.

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of Jefferson County, Texas, United States

County seat: Beaumont

Cities|

* Beaumont
* Bevil Oaks
* China
* Groves
* Nederland
* Nome
* Port Arthur‡
* Port Neches
* Taylor Landing

Jefferson County map

CDPs|

* Beauxart Gardens
* Central Gardens
* Fannett
* Hamshire

Other
communities|

* Cheek
* Dowling
* La Belle
* Viterbo

Footnotes|

‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties

* Texas portal
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* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of Orange County, Texas, United States

County seat: Orange

Cities|

* Bridge City
* Orange
* Pine Forest
* Pinehurst
* Port Arthur‡
* Rose City
* Vidor
* West Orange

Orange County map

CDPs|

* Forest Heights
* Little Cypress
* Mauriceville

Other
community|

* Orangefield

Ghost towns|

* Lemonville
* Texla

Footnotes|

‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties

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* Abilene
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See: List of counties in Texas

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