Indigenous Groups Fight to Save Rediscovered Settlement Site on an Industrial Waterfront in Texas
3 minute readPublished: Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 10:00 am
Indigenous Groups Fight to Preserve Ancient Settlement Site in Texas
A campaign is underway in South Texas to protect an ancient settlement site, known as Donnel Point, from potential industrial development. The site, located on Corpus Christi Bay, is believed to be a significant historical location for Native American groups, including the Karankawa and Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribes of Texas.
The rediscovery of Donnel Point, initially documented by Texas archaeologists in the 1930s, has sparked concern due to its proximity to industrial complexes and the potential for an oil terminal construction. The site, encompassing several hundred acres of undeveloped land, is one of the last undisturbed areas along the shoreline.
Native American descendants, like Love Sanchez, view Donnel Point as a vital link to their past, a past often erased by the narrative of Texas history. The site's importance is underscored by the fact that many similar sites have been destroyed due to industrial expansion.
The campaign for preservation involves legal action. Nonprofit lawyers representing the tribes have requested the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers revoke an unused permit that would authorize construction at the site. The discovery of the site was made by a local geologist and a professor of history.
The site's potential significance is further highlighted by the fact that the area once supported thriving Indigenous populations. The tribes are not federally recognized, which limits their legal rights to the site.
BNN's Perspective: The situation at Donnel Point highlights the ongoing tension between industrial development and the preservation of cultural heritage. While economic progress is important, it should not come at the cost of erasing the history and legacy of Indigenous communities. A balanced approach that considers both economic and cultural interests is essential.
Keywords: Indigenous, Karankawa, Carrizo/Comecrudo, Donnel Point, settlement site, Texas, Corpus Christi Bay, preservation, archaeology, oil terminal, industrial development, Native American, history, cultural heritage, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.