South Padre Island

In 1519, Spanish explorer Alonso Alvarez de Pineda, believed to be the first white man to set foot on the island, called it La Isla Blanca. When Padre Balli claimed the island in 1800, it was known as Isla de Corpus Christi or Isla Santiago. Throughout its history, it has had other names, such as Isla de San Carlos de los Malaguitas and Isla del Brazo de Santiago. So why, finally, Padre Island?

In 1804, Padre Jose Nicolas Balli founded a settlement named Rancho Santa Cruz on the island, about twenty-six miles north of its southernmost tip. He and his nephew, Juan Jose Balli, the mayordomo or foreman, established a ranching operation and were able to raise large herds of cattle, horses and mules on the island.

The padre also built a Mission there to Christianize the native Karankawa Indians and to serve the colonists. The island was occupied until about 1844 when a hurricane forced the inhabitants to flee to the mainland. Juan Jose returned to Rancho Santa Cruz and remained there until his death in 1853.

As the result of shifting sand and many hurricanes, the ranch disappeared under the sand. It was discovered in 1931, and since then has been called The Lost City of Padre Island.

Who was this padre -- this rancher, colonist, explorer and missionary?

Jose Nicolas Balli was born circa 1768 in Reynosa, Nuevo Santander, Mexico. He was the son of Spaniards Don Jose Maria Balli and Dona Rosa Maria de Hinojosa, two pioneers and powerful landowners in the Rio Grande region. Balli’s extended family was influential in both the military and the local government, and his two brothers were officers of the Spanish Crown.

Jose Nicolas probably spent his childhood in Reynosa. Not much is known of Don Nicolas’ life prior to 1792, although according to family records he studied at the University of Salamanca [Spain]. He was ordained a lay priest in 1790 or 1791.

Through personal purchases and inheritances from both his parents, Padre Balli was able to acquire large tracts of land in the Rio Grande Valley. He also owned land in the border towns of Matamoros and Reynosa, Mexico. He acquired most of his property prior to becoming a secular priest. Also, it was customary for padres, missionaries or priests to be adjudicated land by the Spanish Crown and by the Republic of Mexico.

Through his mother’s influences and financial backing he acquired the position as collector of finances for the church building funds for the five Villas del Norte: Laredo, Revilla, Reynosa, Mier and Camargo in 1792.

In the years following his ordination, Padre Balli served as a missionary throughout the Rio Grande region, performing hundreds of baptisms, marriages and funerals for local people. As a priest, he was granted additional land properties by the Spanish Crown.

Padre Balli’s claim to the Isla Santiago was a Royal Grant given to Nicolas Balli Perez (his grandfather) by Spain’s King Carlos III in 1765. He inherited the land through the family lineage upon the death of his mother, Dona Rosa.

In 1800 he applied to the government of Mexico for the island called Corpus Christi Island or Isla Santiago. The title was not clear so he had to re-apply in 1829. The title was granted December 25, 1829 and is known as both a Mexican and a delayed Spanish grant.

Padre Balli died that same year, April 15, 1829, in Matamoros, Mexico, and the property was inherited by his nephew Juan Jose Balli and his brothers and sisters. All were named as beneficiaries in his will.

Padre Balli received a grant and title to the island in 1829 from Mexico. In 1852, his heirs received a title to the island from Texas. The island was known as Padre Balli’s Island, but usage cut the name to simply Padre Island.

The name of Padre Jose Nicolas Balli, and his pioneering work in the early development of the island, are an integral part of the island’s history. On December 2, 1979, in recognition of Padre Balli’s outstanding achievements and accomplishments, a historical marker honoring him was dedicated and placed at the entrance to Padre Balli Park on Padre Island.

The final words on the marker are: "Padre Balli’s ministry influenced the lives of early settlers in South Texas."