Brownsville history

The city of Brownsville, located at the southernmost tip of Texas, boasts a rich and complex history inextricably linked to its frontier position on the Rio Grande river.

Foundation and first mentions. The history of Brownsville begins with the Mexican-American War. In 1846, the US Army under the command of General Zachary Taylor established a fort directly opposite the Mexican city of Matamoros. This fort, originally named Fort Texas, became the epicentre of the war's first battles. After Major Jacob Brown was killed during the siege of the fort, the fortification was renamed in his honour — Fort Brown. The city itself was officially founded in 1848 by entrepreneur Charles Stillman, who recognised the commercial potential in the location near the military post and the border.

Key development factors. The growth and development of the city were driven by several important factors. Its geographical position on the banks of the Rio Grande made Brownsville a natural gateway for trade between the USA and Mexico. The city quickly became a thriving port for river steamboats, and its economic significance grew particularly during the American Civil War, when Brownsville served as a vital channel for exporting cotton from the Confederacy to Europe. Furthermore, obtaining the status of the administrative centre of Cameron County strengthened its political and economic influence in the region.

Early cultural and economic features. Since its inception, Brownsville has been a melting pot of cultures. Close proximity and constant interaction with Mexico formed a unique bicultural and bilingual environment, which remains a hallmark of the city today. The economy of early Brownsville was focused on international trade, agriculture, and river transport services. This combination made it a dynamic and strategically important hub on the US-Mexico border.

Key Dates in the History of Brownsville

• 1846 — The US Army builds Fort Texas (later Fort Brown), leading to the first battles of the Mexican-American War.
• 1848 — Entrepreneur Charles Stillman officially founds the city of Brownsville after the war ends.
• 1850 — Brownsville is incorporated as a city and becomes the administrative centre of Cameron County.
• 1859 — The First Cortina War begins — a series of border conflicts led by local ranchero Juan Cortina.
• 1865 — The Battle of Palmito Ranch takes place near the city, one of the final battles of the American Civil War.
• 1903 — The launch of the St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway significantly improves transport connections and contributes to the city's prosperity.
• 1910 — The Brownsville-Matamoros International Bridge opens, strengthening trade and cultural ties with Mexico.
• 1926 — The Junior College of the Rio Grande Valley is established, laying the foundation for higher education in the region.
• 1936 — The opening of the deepwater Port of Brownsville transforms the city into a major centre for maritime trade.
• 1938 — The Charro Days festival is held for the first time, becoming an annual celebration of the shared culture of Brownsville and the Mexican city of Matamoros.
• 1971 — The Gladys Porter Zoo opens, quickly becoming one of the city's main attractions.
• 1991 — The University of Texas at Brownsville is founded, expanding educational opportunities for residents.

Major Milestones in Brownsville's Development

The history of Brownsville is a story of transformations driven by its unique geographical location and strategic importance. Listed below are the key stages that have shaped the modern appearance of the city.

• Arrival of the Railway (1904): The arrival of the St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway was a true breakthrough. This event brought the city out of transport isolation, connecting it with the rest of the USA. The result was an agricultural boom: farmers in the Rio Grande Valley gained the ability to supply citrus fruits and vegetables to national markets, which defined the region's economy for many years.
• Opening of the Deepwater Port (1936): The construction of the Port of Brownsville radically changed the economic landscape. The city turned into an important centre for maritime trade, allowing logistics to shift from river transport to ocean shipping. This attracted shipbuilding and industrial enterprises, diversifying an economy previously dependent on agriculture.
• Development of Higher Education (from 1926): The founding of the first college, which eventually grew into part of the University of Texas system, laid the foundation for training skilled personnel. The presence of higher education institutions raised the standard of living, created conditions for the development of knowledge-intensive industries, and helped retain talented youth in the region.
• Strengthening Status as a Trade Gateway (from the 1990s): The signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) reinforced Brownsville's role as a key logistics and manufacturing hub on the border with Mexico. This led to growth in cross-border trade volumes and the development of related infrastructure.
• Preservation of Cultural Heritage (late 20th century): Significant efforts were undertaken in the city to restore the historic centre. The restoration of Victorian-era buildings not only preserved the unique architectural appearance but also increased Brownsville's tourism appeal, highlighting its rich bicultural history.
• Dawn of the Aerospace Era (from 2014): The decision by SpaceX to build its Starbase spaceport near the city provided a powerful impulse for the modern economy. This project attracted multi-million dollar investments, created thousands of jobs, and began transforming Brownsville into a centre for global aerospace technologies, changing its image and economic prospects.

The architectural appearance of Brownsville was formed under the influence of its border status, economic booms, and cultural blending. Several key stages of urban development can be traced in the city, reflected in its iconic buildings and districts.

Early Border and Victorian Architecture (Mid-19th – Early 20th Century)

The first permanent structures in Brownsville combined functionality with the styles available at the time. Early commercial buildings were often constructed from brick in the so-called "Border Brick style," characteristic of the Rio Grande Valley. As the city's wealth grew, especially after the Civil War and with the arrival of the railway, Victorian trends popular in the USA began to dominate the architecture.

• Gothic Revival: The brightest example of this style is the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, built between 1856 and 1859. It was designed by the French priest and architect Pierre Yves Keralum, creating one of the most significant Gothic Revival buildings in Texas.
• Second Empire: The old courthouse building (Original Cameron County Courthouse), built in 1882, was originally executed in the Second Empire style, although its roof and tower were later lost.
• Greek Revival: The Stillman House (Stillman House Museum), built around 1851, is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the city and represents an example of the Greek Revival style.

Classicism and Revival Styles (Early 20th Century)

The beginning of the 20th century, marked by economic growth, brought a fashion for monumental public buildings in classical styles to the city. This period coincided with the City Beautiful movement, which strove to create harmonious and majestic urban spaces.

• Classical Revival: The new Cameron County Courthouse building, completed in 1914, is an outstanding example of this style. Designed by renowned architect Atlee B. Ayres, it features Corinthian columns, a large dome, and a luxurious interior with a rotunda and stained-glass ceiling.
• Spanish Colonial Revival: This style, popular in the US Southwest, was also reflected in Brownsville's architecture, for example, in the Barreda House, built in 1928-1929.

Modernism and Contemporary Development (Mid-20th Century – Present Day)

Like many American cities, Brownsville experienced the influence of modernist trends in the mid-20th century, although they did not leave as noticeable a mark as the earlier styles. The historic city centre has largely retained its appearance thanks to heritage preservation efforts. In recent decades, the city's development has focused more on modern functional architecture and infrastructure expansion, including industrial facilities at the port and the emergence of high-tech complexes, such as the SpaceX spaceport in the city's vicinity.

Notable People in the History of Brownsville

Throughout its rich history, Brownsville has been the birthplace or a significant life stage for many prominent figures who have left their mark on politics, culture, science, and public life.

Charles Stillman (1810–1875)

Role: Entrepreneur, founder of the city.

Significance: Considered the founding father of Brownsville. In 1848, after the end of the Mexican-American War, he established an urban settlement near Fort Brown, recognising the immense commercial potential in its border location. His business acumen and investments in river transport and trade laid the economic foundation for the city's future prosperity.

Major Jacob Brown (1789–1846)

Role: Officer of the US Army.

Significance: A hero of the Mexican-American War, in whose honour the city is named. Commanding the garrison of Fort Texas, he was mortally wounded during the siege by Mexican troops in May 1846. In recognition of his courage, the fort was renamed Fort Brown, and the city that emerged nearby was named Brownsville.

Juan Cortina (1824–1894)

Role: Ranchero, political and military figure.

Significance: A controversial but iconic figure in border history. Known as the "Robin Hood of the Rio Grande," Cortina led a series of armed uprisings (the Cortina Wars) in 1859-1861, defending the rights of Mexicans against encroachments by Anglo-American settlers. His actions, including the temporary capture of Brownsville, attracted nationwide attention and defined the tense relations in the region for a long time.

Américo Paredes (1915–1999)

Role: Writer, folklorist, professor.

Significance: A native of Brownsville, Paredes became one of the leading researchers of Mexican-American culture and folklore. His scholarly works dedicated to corridos ballads and border culture laid the groundwork for the academic study of Chicano history. He founded the Center for Mexican American Studies at the University of Texas at Austin, making an invaluable contribution to the preservation and understanding of South Texas cultural heritage.

Gladys Porter (1910–1980)

Role: Philanthropist, civic leader.

Significance: One of the most influential benefactors in the city's history. Using funds from the foundation of her father, a founder of the J.C. Penney network, she fully financed the creation of the world-renowned Gladys Porter Zoo, which opened in 1971 and became one of the main attractions and symbols of Brownsville. Her contribution to the city's development, wildlife conservation, and charity left a lasting legacy.

Kris Kristofferson (1936–2024)

Role: Singer, songwriter, actor.

Significance: A country music legend and Hollywood actor born in Brownsville. Although his family moved frequently due to his father's military service, his birthplace links him to the city. Kristofferson is the author of hits such as "Me and Bobby McGee" and "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down," a Grammy and Golden Globe winner, and a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

William C. Gorgas (1854–1920)

Role: Physician, Surgeon General of the US Army.

Significance: An outstanding epidemiologist whose career was closely tied to Fort Brown. Serving here in 1882-1884, he survived a yellow fever epidemic and contracted the disease himself, gaining immunity. This experience formed the basis of his future work combating yellow fever and malaria in Cuba and Panama, which made the construction of the Panama Canal possible and brought him worldwide fame.