Timeline of Brownsville, Texas facts for kids

Brownsville, Texas, is a city with a long and exciting history located in the southern part of Texas, right on the border with Mexico. From its early days as a settlement to becoming a busy modern city, Brownsville has seen many important events and changes. This timeline will take you through some of the most interesting moments in its past.

Early Years: 18th and 19th Centuries

• 1771: José Salvador de la Garza settles in the area, marking one of the first known settlements.
• 1846:
  • March: Fort Taylor is built by Zachary Taylor, an important military leader.
  • May 8: The Battle of Palo Alto takes place nearby, a key event in the Mexican-American War.
• 1848: Brownsville is officially founded by Charles Stillman.
• 1849:
  • Many travelers heading to California for the California Gold Rush pass through the new town.
  • The Stillman house, an important historic building, is constructed.
• 1850: The city's population is 2,734 people.
• 1859:
  • The First Cortina War begins, a conflict involving border disputes.
  • The Immaculate Conception Church is built.
• 1863: November 2–6: The Battle of Brownsville occurs, and Union forces win.
• 1865:
  • May 12–13: The Battle of Palmito Ranch is fought near Brownsville. This was one of the last battles of the Civil War, and Confederate forces win.
  • Saint Joseph Academy, an important school, is established.
• 1867: A major hurricane hits the area.
• 1870:
  • A railway connecting Point Isabel to Brownsville is built, improving transportation.
  • The population grows to 4,905 people.
• 1878: Sabas Cavazos Cemetery is established.
• 1883: The Cameron County Courthouse is built.
• 1890: The population reaches 6,134.
• 1892: The Daily Herald newspaper begins publication.
• 1900: The population is 6,305.

Brownsville in the 20th Century

• 1903: The St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway begins operating, connecting Brownsville to more places.
• 1906: August: The Brownsville Affair takes place, a time of racial tension and conflict.
• 1910:
  • The Brownsville & Matamoros International Bridge opens, connecting Brownsville with Matamoros, Mexico.
  • The population grows significantly to 10,517 people.
• 1914: A new Cameron County Courthouse is built.
• 1926: The Junior College of the Lower Rio Grande Valley is established, providing higher education.
• 1930: The population reaches 22,021.
• 1936: The Port of Brownsville opens, making the city an important center for shipping and trade.
• 1938: The Matamoros-Brownsville Charro Days Festival begins. This popular festival celebrates the shared culture of both cities.
• 1945: The U.S. Army Fort Brown is no longer used as a military base.
• 1950:
  • Texas Southmost College is active and growing.
  • The population is 35,086.
• 1960:
  • The Stillman House Museum opens, preserving local history.
  • The population reaches 48,040.
• 1965: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brownsville is established.
• 1970: The population is 52,522.
• 1971: The Gladys Porter Zoo is established, becoming a popular attraction.
• 1978: The Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site is established to protect the historic battleground. (It became the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park in 2009.)
• 1979: The Brownsville Urban System (public transportation) is established.
• 1980: The population grows to 84,997.
• 1990: The population is 98,962.
• 1991:
  • The University of Texas at Brownsville becomes active, offering more educational opportunities.
  • Pat Ahumada becomes mayor of Brownsville.
• 1999: Blanca Vela becomes mayor.
• 2000: The population reaches 139,722.

Brownsville in the 21st Century

• 2007: Pat Ahumada becomes mayor again.
• 2010: The population grows to 175,023.
• 2013: Filemon Vela, Jr. becomes the U.S. representative for Texas's 34th congressional district.
• 2018: Trey Mendez is elected mayor of Brownsville.