Jackson Family Maritime Companies
Fulton, Aransas County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In the early 20th century, Rockport earned its place as a major center for the fishing industry along the Texas coast. In 1906, Roy Jackson opened Jackson Fish Company on the waterfront. His brother Stephen joined him to market local fish and oysters. By 1935 the company continued to expand and even became involved in creating docks and channels as motorized vessels came into use. Stephen’s sons, Norvell and Jim, eventually took over the business when he retired in the 1950s. Through the decades after Jim’s death in 1970, Jackson Marine Services, Inc., as it eventually came to be known, would make use of trawlers across the other coasts of the country. High fuel costs and increased foreign competition drove the Jacksons to sell their waterfront property in 1990 and then their boats in 1991. A successful and prominent business in the town, the Jacksons left a legacy of being involved and beneficial to the community. The company provided employment for over 100 families at its peak. Local fishers could receive repair or supply services through the company and were also provided a market for their catches. When hurricanes devastated the town, the Jacksons provided large amounts of ice to the public despite usually relying on selling ice for some of its business. The Jackson family for generations served major roles in industry organizations, local politics and community affairs. For 85 years, the Jackson family companies helped to promote the fishing industry which has been so vital to the local economy.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1906 Roy Jackson opened the Jackson Fish Company on the Rockport waterfront, and with his brother Stephen built a fishing and oyster business that expanded into docks and channels as motorized boats came into use. Renamed Jackson Marine Services, the family enterprise reached across American coasts and, at its peak, employed more than 100 families while supplying repairs, ice, and a market to local fishers. Rising fuel costs and foreign competition led the Jacksons to sell their property and boats in 1990-91, closing an 85-year chapter.
Why it matters
The Jackson companies embody the fishing industry that built the Texas Gulf coast economy, and the family businesses that anchored small maritime towns for generations.
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Related people
- · Roy Jackson
- · Stephen Jackson
- · Norvell Jackson
- · Jim Jackson
Themes & tags
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