Clio Logo
Virtual Tour of Corpus Christi's Heritage Park
Item 4 of 9
Built in 1851, The Merriman-Bobys House is the oldest structure in Heritage Park and the second oldest structure in Corpus Christi. It was moved from its original location to Heritage Park in 1982 and is an example of Greek Revival architecture. It currently houses the Corpus Christi Visitor Information Center.

Merriman-Bobys House, which houses the Corpus Christi Visitor Information Center

Merriman-Bobys House, which houses the Corpus Christi Visitor Information Center

Merriman-Bobys House, which houses the Corpus Christi Visitor Information Center

Merriman-Bobys House, which houses the Corpus Christi Visitor Information Center

The original property the Merriman-Bobys House stood upon was part of the Mexican land grant awarded to Enrique Villareal in 1831. The house was constructed in 1851 for lawyer Walter Merriman. In 1870, Merriman sold the house to rancher John Rabb. During the Civil War, Dr. Eli T Merriman used the house as a hospital, and again during the Yellow Fever epidemic. Since then, the home has changed hands several times, used as a residence, a meeting place for a local poets' society, a "party house," and a rental property. It was named a Texas Historical Landmark in 1963. In 1981, the house was donated to the City of Corpus Christi, and the The Corpus Christi Arts Council began restoration, which included moving the house to its current location near Heritage Park. It is now home to the Corpus Christi Visitor Information Center; though formal tours are not offered, guest are welcome to explore the building during business hours.

Heritage Park: The Merriman-Bobys House, Visit Corpus Christi. Accessed October 7th 2020. https://www.visitcorpuschristitx.org/trip-ideas/must-see/heritage-park-the-merriman-bobys-house/.

Corpus Christi Visitor Information Center (Downtown), Visit Corpus Christi. Accessed October 7th 2020. https://www.visitcorpuschristitx.org/see-and-do/2134/corpus-christi-visitor-information-center-downtown.

Merriman House, Texas Historic Landmarks. Accessed October 7th 2020. http://www.stxmaps.com/go/texas-historic-landmark-merriman-house-merriman-bobys-house.html.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

https://www.visitcorpuschristitx.org/trip-ideas/must-see/heritage-park-the-merriman-bobys-house/

https://www.visitcorpuschristitx.org/trip-ideas/must-see/heritage-park-the-merriman-bobys-house/