|
 
|
 
Left: The orginal house and train depot. Right:
The area in 1907
(Pictures from Koch Collection, South Texas Archives,
Texas A&M Kingsville) |
In 1907, Theodore Koch purchased 20,000
acres in South Texas from Henrietta King for $10 an acre. Koch
offered $7, but King refused to lower her price. Koch boarded
a train to leave in hopes of pressuring King to give in. King
refused to negotiate, and so Koch got off the train and paid
the $200,000. Koch had big dreams to develop this land into
a premier resort destination. The towns of Riviera, Vattman,
and Riviera Beach were soon created. Riviera Beach would boast
a grand hotel, fishing pier, and pavilion. Koch built a railroad
and advertised lots across the United States. Sadly, his dreams
were not fulfilled. The drought of 1916, the hurricane of 1917,
and the onset of World War I halted the growth of the area.
Now in 2009, we still see what drew Koch to this area. The natural
beauty of the landscape, the peaceful environment, and the best
fishing off the Texas coast are what makes this area so special.
Our house has a special connection to Koch and
his dream. The house was originally one of the train depots
that Koch developed in the early 1900's. It later became a fishing
cottage and underwent several additions over the years. In 2008,
we purchased the property and proudly offer Casa de Baffin to
those who enjoy the great outdoors at its finest! |
|
|
Baffin
Bay • Lodging
• Rental Home with
Pier • House Boat
• Fishing •
Charter Services •
Birding