Fort Brown, Cameron County, TX. (original) (raw)

Fort Brown

Many of the original buildings still exist, since the Fort was only deactivated in 1945. These buildings can be seen on what is now the campus of University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost Jr. College.

The Campus includes a nice view of a resaca - which is the local name for ox-bow lakes caused by the meandering Rio Grande.

A View of Fort Brown looking towards the Island
Click on image to enlarge
Postcard courtesy Dan Whatley Collection

1936 Centennial Marker (gray granite) - Southmost College Auditorium, corner of Elizabeth and International, Brownsville.

Fort Brown

Oldest permanent fort in Texas; Called Fort Taylor in March, 1846; Later renamed in honor of Major Jacob Brown killed here in May, 1846; Permanent post established, 1849; Evacuated by Federal troops in 1861, by Confederates, 1863; Reoccupied by United States troops from 1865 to 1906; Again reoccupied by United States troops in 1913.

Historical Marker: Fort Brown - Southmost College Golf Course, east end of Elizabeth, Brownsville

Fort Brown, Texas

Fort Taylor, renamed Fort Brown, May 17, 1846, in honor of Major Jacob Brown, 7th Infantry, who died here May 9, 1846, in its defense; Garrisoned by the 7th Infantry with Companies "I" 2nd Art. and "E" 3rd Artillery. Original dimensions: Earthwork of 800 yards perimeter, 6 bastion walls 9 1/2 ft. high, parapet 15 ft. wide, ditch 8 1/2 feet deep, 15 to 20 feet wide. Lieut. Thomas Barlow Chapter, D.A.R. 1938
(Marble slab mounted on concrete foundation. Erected by Fort Brown, U.S. Government.) (Said to have been in use somewhat, supplemented by barracks where Zachary Taylor Library is.)

A View in Fort Brown looking towards the Artillery Barracks
Click on image to enlarge
Postcard courtesy Dan Whatley Collection

Historical Marker: Fort Brown - Campus of TX Southmost College, Brownsville.

Fort Brown Cavalry Barracks

This building, associated with the rebuilding of Fort Brown after the Civil War, housed cavalry units until World War I, when it served as a quartermaster warehouse and commissary. Closed after World War II, the building was leased by private industry until purchased by Texas Southmost College. The one-story brick structure features an elongated T-plan, with a central entry through an arched opening, and reconstructed shed-roof porches.
1987

Historical Marker: Fort Brown - Grounds of TX Southwest College, Gorgias Street, Brownsville.

Fort Brown Commissary/Guardhouse

Constructed in 1905 to serve as a food storage facility, this building was abandoned one year later when Fort Brown was closed. Upon reactivation of the post during Mexican border disturbances, the building served as a guardhouse and jail. Among those quartered here were political refugees following the Battle of Matamoros on June 4, 1913. The structure features a loading dock and a shed roof with gabled dormer over the entrance.
1992

Historical Marker: Fort Brown, Gorgas Road, Brownsville.

Fort Brown, Buildings 85 and 86

Morgue and linen storage. 1867 Fort Brown Buildings 85 and 86. Brick fringe, cornice. Autopsies in yellow fever study were made here by Dr. Wm. C. Gorgas, Capt. Hennessey, Lt. Crowder, Dr. Melon, defying orders of superior officer. Dr. Gorgas became immune.
1965

Historical Marker: 98 Taylor Road, Brownsville.

Fort Brown Reservation

Named by Gen. Zachary Taylor during Mexican War, for Maj. Jacob Brown, who died in 1846 defending the post. Permanent 385-acre reservation laid out 1848 by Col. Wm. Davenport, around original earthworks. Young officers in the Taylor occupancy included D.C. Buell, U.S. Grant, Geo. G. Meade, Geo. H. Thomas, later Civil War general in the U.S. Army; and Braxton Bragg, T.H. Holmes, James Longstreet, J.C. Pemberton and E. Kirby Smith, future confederate generals. In the late 1850's Robert E. Lee served here. In March 1861, Texas confederates under Col. John S. Ford occupied the post; later C.S.A. Commanders were Cols. P.N. Luckett and Aug. Buchel, Gens. H.P. Bee and J.B. Magruder. In November 1863 the post was burned. Federals under Gen. N.P. Banks had a camp of tents at Fort Brown until July 1864. After that, Gen. J.S. Slaughter and Col. Ford reoccupied the post with confederates until the war ended. Soon after the confederate surrender at Appomatox, U.S. Gen. Phillip Sheridan brought in troops for a show of force against the French in Mexico City. In 1867-69, new permanent Fort was built by Capt. Wm. A. Wainwright. City and college acquired reservation in 1948. Northern boundary International Boulevard.
1964