our story
Our journey began in 2006 when we opened the Yachting Center as a sailing school and charter boat operation. By 2009, our success led us to a larger location. In 2010, we introduced Japonica, a 50' touring boat for one-hour tours of Corpus Christi Bay and opened Tavern on the Bay, our outdoor restaurant, which has since expanded into a full-service indoor/outdoor dining experience.
Cathy’s Boutique & Gifts evolved from a ship's store to a coastal boutique, offering a diverse range of products. In 2011, we became Harrison’s Landing to better reflect our services.
In 2012, we added the "very popular Tiki Bar" and other floating decks, providing a unique outdoor experience. Despite setbacks from Hurricane Hannah in 2017, we rebuilt and expanded our offerings.
In 2017, we acquired the "Texas Tease," a 74' double-deck vessel with a full bar and DJ Music offering bay cruises with evening options.
In 2023, we proudly introduced The Mariner, a speakeasy-style bar that has quickly become a cherished addition to our establishment. This hidden gem offers enticing selections of craft cocktails, beer, wine and tapas in an intimate vintage atmosphere. Join us at The Mariner for a unique and unforgettable experience, and complete your visit to Harrison’s Landing with a touch of elegance and sophistication.
BEHIND THE NAME
“Virginia’s Most Historic Plantation”
Berkeley Plantation on the James River usually appeared on Civil War maps as Harrison’s Landing. Settled in 1619 – a year before the Mayflower left England – Berkeley was acquired by Benjamin Harrison II in 1691.
In 1774, his great grandson Benjamin Harrison V, “the Signer,” was elected to the 1st Continental Congress. While in Philadelphia he “roomed” with Col. George Washington and Peyton Randolph, his brother-in-law and President of the 1st Continental Congress.
By 1776 and the 2nd Continental Congress, Gen. George Washington had assumed control of the Continental Army, Peyton Randolph had died and had been replaced by John Hancock, and Benjamin Harrison V joined 55 other patriots in signing the Declaration of Independence.
In 1781 the traitor Benedict Arnold pillaged Berkeley as a way to hurt a signer of the Declaration and close friend of George Washington, the man he had betrayed. Arnold recognized the sensitive points of Virginia aristocrats. He removed all the ancestral portraits of the Harrisons from the walls and placed them on a bonfire in front of the mansion. That not only hurt the Signer’s family – for the Virginia planters spent heavily on artists to preserve their likenesses into earthly immortality – but also future historians seeking portraits of the Harrisons.
In 1840, the Signer’s son Gen. William Henry Harrison (6th generation), was elected the 9th President of the United States.
In 1862, During the Civil War, 140,000 Union troops occupied Harrison’s Landing. President Abraham Lincoln twice visited there to confer with General George B. McClellan about his lack of prosecution of the War. It was during this 1862 occupation at Harrison’s Landing that the haunting bugle call “Taps” was composed and first played.
In 1888, William Henry’s grandson, another Benjamin Harrison (8th generation), was elected the 23rd president of the United States.
Cathy, Hank and Hannah Harrison are the owners of Harrison’s Landing in Corpus Christi. Bill, Hank and Hannah are 13th generation direct descendants of the Harrisons of Berkeley Plantation. W. O. “Bill” Harrison, their father, was a 12th generation descendant. He was proud of his heritage, and he loved Corpus Christi and all that he knew it could become.