Robstown is a city in Nueces County, Texas, of the United States of America, and is a western suburb of Corpus Christi. It was founded in 1907 by a land speculator from Keota, Iowa by the name of George H. Paul. Paul purchased 10,410.43 acres of the Driscoll Ranch located north of the Texas-Mexican Railroad built in 1875. Around the same period, Robert Driscoll Jr. opened a small shop known locally as "Robs Store". The residents soon started referring to the surrounding settlement as "Rob's town." a name that eventually became Robstown.[6] The population was 10,222 as of the 2023 census.[3][7]
City of Robstown | |
|---|---|
| Nicknames: Pickerland, Robé | |
 Location in the state of Texas | |
 | |
| Coordinates: 27°47′33″N 97°40′10″W / 27.79250°N 97.66944°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Nueces |
| Mayor | Mary Ann Saenz[1] |
| Area | |
• Total | 12.98 sq mi (33.63 km2) |
| • Land | 12.98 sq mi (33.63 km2) |
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 72 ft (22 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 10,143 |
| • Density | 867/sq mi (334.8/km2) |
| [3] | |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code | 78380 |
| Area code | 361 |
| FIPS code | 48-62600[4] |
| GNIS feature ID | 1345344[5] |
| Website | www |
The Texas State Legislature recognizes Robstown as the birthplace of Texas hold 'em poker.[8] Texas Hold'em was birthed in the early 1900s, but did not become widely known until 1967 when it was launched in Las Vegas, Nevada. Robstown is also known for its long-standing mascot, the "Cotton Pickers" used by the Robstown Independent school district. The Cotton Picker mascot reflects the city's agricultural heritage, specifically cotton fields as many families in the city of Robstown worked in the cotton energy. [9]
Geography
editRobstown is located at 27°47′33″N 97°40′10″W / 27.79250°N 97.66944°W (27.792615, –97.669386).[10]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 12.1 square miles (31 km2), all land.
Climate
editThe climate in Robstown is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen climate classification system, Robstown has a humid subtropical climate, Cfa on climate maps.[11] Robstown enjoys a great amount of sunshine all year round and will mildly see precipitation depending on the climate and influence of the Gulf of Mexico.
| Climate data for Robstown, Texas (1981–2010 normals, extremes 1953–2012) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 92 (33) |
95 (35) |
104 (40) |
106 (41) |
104 (40) |
108 (42) |
107 (42) |
113 (45) |
109 (43) |
101 (38) |
98 (37) |
90 (32) |
113 (45) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 67.2 (19.6) |
70.8 (21.6) |
76.9 (24.9) |
82.9 (28.3) |
87.8 (31.0) |
92.7 (33.7) |
94.8 (34.9) |
96.0 (35.6) |
91.7 (33.2) |
85.4 (29.7) |
77.0 (25.0) |
68.9 (20.5) |
82.7 (28.2) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 56.6 (13.7) |
60.1 (15.6) |
66.3 (19.1) |
72.8 (22.7) |
78.8 (26.0) |
83.3 (28.5) |
85.0 (29.4) |
85.8 (29.9) |
81.7 (27.6) |
74.8 (23.8) |
66.5 (19.2) |
58.1 (14.5) |
72.5 (22.5) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 46.0 (7.8) |
49.4 (9.7) |
55.7 (13.2) |
62.7 (17.1) |
69.8 (21.0) |
73.9 (23.3) |
75.2 (24.0) |
75.6 (24.2) |
71.8 (22.1) |
64.2 (17.9) |
55.9 (13.3) |
47.2 (8.4) |
62.3 (16.8) |
| Record low °F (°C) | 16 (−9) |
20 (−7) |
23 (−5) |
37 (3) |
43 (6) |
58 (14) |
63 (17) |
64 (18) |
50 (10) |
32 (0) |
25 (−4) |
12 (−11) |
12 (−11) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 1.79 (45) |
2.05 (52) |
1.86 (47) |
1.64 (42) |
3.06 (78) |
2.92 (74) |
3.31 (84) |
3.05 (77) |
4.81 (122) |
3.62 (92) |
2.41 (61) |
1.62 (41) |
32.14 (816) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.2 (0.51) |
0.2 (0.51) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 6.9 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 5.7 | 5.1 | 5.2 | 4.9 | 5.4 | 8.6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 72.1 |
| Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Source: NOAA[12][13] | |||||||||||||
Demographics
edit| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1920 | 948 | — | |
| 1930 | 4,183 | 341.2% | |
| 1940 | 6,780 | 62.1% | |
| 1950 | 7,278 | 7.3% | |
| 1960 | 10,266 | 41.1% | |
| 1970 | 11,217 | 9.3% | |
| 1980 | 12,100 | 7.9% | |
| 1990 | 12,849 | 6.2% | |
| 2000 | 12,727 | −0.9% | |
| 2010 | 11,487 | −9.7% | |
| 2020 | 10,143 | −11.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[14] | |||
2020 census
edit| Race | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White (NH) | 562 | 5.54% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 114 | 1.12% |
| Native American or Alaska Native (NH) | 8 | 0.08% |
| Asian (NH) | 17 | 0.17% |
| Pacific Islander (NH) | 5 | 0.05% |
| Some Other Race (NH) | 25 | 0.25% |
| Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH) | 39 | 0.38% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 9,373 | 92.41% |
| Total | 10,143 |
As of the 2023 United States census, there were 10,222 people, 4,137 households, and 2,731 families residing in the city.
2019
editAs of 2019, the Census Bureau estimates[17] the population to be 11,261 people and consisting of 3,728 households. Owner-occupied housing is 58.1%. The average household has 3.06 persons. The racial makeup of the city was 5.6% White, 0.2% Native American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 93.8% of the population. Non-Hispanic Whites were 5.8% of the population. Median value of housing was $52,900. Median gross rent was $688 per month.
In the city, the age distribution of the population was 9.2% under the age of 5, 31.0% under the age of 18, and 17.1% who were 65 or older. Females were 51.1% of the population. Foreign-born persons were 5.3% of the population.
Population density was 741.0 persons/sq mi. Land area is 15.50 sq mi. The FIPS code is 4862600
The median income for a household in the city was $29,218. Per capita income was $14,178. The poverty rate was 41.1%.
Point of interest
editThe Robstown post office contains a mural, Founding and Subsequent Development of Robstown, Texas, painted in 1941 by Alice Reynolds.[18] Federally commissioned murals were produced from 1934 to 1943 in the United States through the Section of Painting and Sculpture, later called the Section of Fine Arts, of the Treasury Department.[19]
Robstown also has the Robstown Area Historical Museum, first opened in 1999, contains many artifacts and walls dedicated to war veterans.[20]
Neighborhoods
editRobstown is divided into several distinct neighborhoods. The Ashburn, Kissling area is located just east of Bluebonnet, next to the Robstown Early College High School. The area locally known as Bluebonnet is located in the northwest area of town, right next to Robstown Early College High School. The area locally known as Casa Blanca is considered to be south of the city and south of the Kansas City Railroad. San Pedro is on the westside, next to San Pedro Elementary School.
Education
editRobstown is served by the Robstown Independent School District.[21]
Del Mar College is the designated community college for all of Nueces County.[22]
Robstown ISD schools (As of 2025) include: Robstown Early College High School, Seale Junior High School, Robert Driscoll Jr. STEM Academy, Lotspeich Leadership Academy, and San Pedro Fine Arts Academy. [23]
Industry
editRobstown is the site of a 1,200 acre lithium refinement plant owned and operated by Tesla. Ground was broken on the $375 million facility in 2023 and the plant began operation in December 2024.[24][25] The plant is expected to employ 160 people and produce battery grade lithium hydroxide.[24] Environmental concerns as to the expected water usage by the plant have been raised.[26]
Media
edit- Robstown Record (1926-1977)[27]
- Nueces County Record Star,[28] weekly, owned by GateHouse Media
Notable people
edit- Damian Chapa, starred in the famous Mexican American film Blood In, Blood Out
- Eddie Jackson, is the bassist for Seattle progressive metal band Queensrÿche
- Brooks Kieschnick, a former MLB player for the Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, and Milwaukee Brewers, was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame[29]
- Solomon P. Ortiz, former U.S. Representative for Texas's 27th congressional district[30]
- Gene Upshaw, a former NFL player for the Oakland Raiders and executive director of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame[31]
- Marvin Upshaw, was a player for the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, and St. Louis Cardinals[32]
References
edit- ^ https://www.kiiitv.com/article/news/local/mary-ann-saenz-claims-robstown-mayoral-seat/503-c4c57a3a-2ba0-4f17-b27c-a18cc427356a
- ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
- ^ a b c "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ^ "History". City of Robstown, Texas. Retrieved November 23, 2025.
- ^ "History". City of Robstown, Texas. Retrieved November 23, 2025.
- ^ Recognizing Robstown, Texas, as the birthplace of the poker game Texas Hold'em (House Concurrent Resolution 109). Texas House of Representatives. June 15, 2007.
- ^ "Hispanic Heritage Month: Why the city of Robstown call themselves 'Cotton Pickers'". KRIS 6 News Corpus Christi. October 14, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2025.
- ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
- ^ Climate Summary for Robstown, Texas
- ^ "NOWData - NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- ^ "Summary of Monthly Normals 1981–2010". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
- ^ "Census.gov". Census.gov. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
- ^ "About the Hispanic Population and its Origin". www.census.gov. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
- ^ "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Robstown city, Texas". Census.gov. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
- ^ "Robstown, Texas Post Office Mural". Texasescapes.com. June 24, 2009. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
- ^ Arnesen, Eric (2007). Encyclopedia of U.S. Labor and Working-Class History. Vol. 1. New York: Routledge. p. 1540. ISBN 9780415968263.
- ^ https://www.kristv.com/veteransinfocus/robstown-museum-showcases-the-legacies-of-its-hometown-heroes
- ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Nueces County, TX" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
- ^ Texas Education Code Sec. 130.177. DEL MAR COLLEGE-CORPUS CHRISTI JUNIOR COLLEGE DISTRICT SERVICE AREA.
- ^ https://www.robstownisd.org/
- ^ a b Rogers, Chase. "Abbott, Musk share stage for Tesla lithium refinery groundbreaking in South Texas". Corpus Christi Caller-Times. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
- ^ Lingle, Brandon (December 16, 2024). "Tesla begins operation at its South Texas lithium refinery, firing up its kiln for first time". San Antonio Express-News.
- ^ Carlson, Kara (January 7, 2025). "Musk's Massive Tesla Lithium Plant Hunts for Water in Drought-Hit Texas". Financial Post. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
- ^ "Robstown Record". NewspaperArchive. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
- ^ "Nueces County Record Star". Nueces County Record Star. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
- ^ "Brooks Kieschnick Stats | Baseball-Reference.com". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved February 3, 2018.
- ^ "ORTIZ, Solomon P., (1937–)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
- ^ "Gene Upshaw". daabaseFootball.com. Archived from the original on April 8, 2013. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
- ^ "Marv Upshaw". databaseFootball.com. Archived from the original on January 21, 2013. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
External links
edit
- Robstown, Texas from the Handbook of Texas Online