Editing Mathis, Texas (section)

==Lake Corpus Christi (Lake Mathis)==

[[Lake Corpus Christi]] is a {{convert|21,000|acre|km2|adj=on}} reservoir on the Nueces River, lying {{convert|4|mi|km|abbr=on}} northwest of Mathis. The lake is a recreational spot in South Texas offering swimming, skiing, boating, and fishing. Large areas of submerged brush in the upper reaches of this {{convert|27|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} lake provide prime fish habitat. All fishing is good, but it is noted for its excellent catfish—channels, flatheads, and blues; the record is a flathead weighing {{cvt|60|lb|abbr=on}}. Also, the lake is noted for its white, black, and striped bass, sunfish, and crappie. The record largemouth bass weighed {{cvt|13.5|lb|abbr=on}}.

The area is a winter home for hundreds of winter Texans from all parts of the state and country, as well as Canada.

Around its more than {{convert|200|mi|km|abbr=on}} of shoreline, numerous camps and parks provide campsites, boat ramps, fishing piers, and recreational vehicle and mobile home areas. A main attraction is Lake Corpus Christi State Park, whose {{convert|350|acre|km2|abbr=on}} surround a cove, protected from the prevailing southeasterly winds by high limestone cliffs, and provide a scenic view of the main body of the lake. Favorable climate offers opportunities for year-round activities.

History abounds in the area, with former battlegrounds now lush with farmland, brush, and grass for grazing cattle. The [[Nueces River]] at one time divided Texas from Mexico. It was a much-disputed boundary, and  only after the Mexican War was the issue was settled, making the Rio Grande the official boundary. One of the more famous battles between the two countries was fought at Old San Patricio, founded by the Irish and located {{convert|10|mi|km|abbr=on}} south of Mathis. The area, once inhabited by Karankawa and Lipan Apache Indians, became the site of several unsuccessful settlement attempts in the 18th and 19th centuries.