Historical Marker

Convent of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament

Marker installed: 1972
Marker size: 27" x 42"

This block was once surrounded by a ten-foot wall enclosing a beautiful structure housing America's first colony of Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, a cloistered teaching order. The convent had a history of vicissitudes and heroism. Arriving in the frontier village of Brownsville in 1853 from their mother house in Lyons, France, the nuns moved into an unfurnished former warehouse to begin their school while their first convent was being built. For their bilingual (Spanish-English) pupils, they were compelled to translate from French and print textbooks on a small hand press. Indian raids, yellow fever epidemics, storms, and the Civil War (1861-65) did not deter the Sisters, who taught without interruption until 1867, when the original convent was destroyed by a hurricane. On petition of patrons, the Sisters agreed to reopen their school. On this site was built, at cost of $20,000 in Specie, a New Orleans French-style convent of distinctive architecture. The Sisters occupied it on Dec. 25, 1868. For many generations it served as a boarding and day school for girls, until in 1967 the Sisters moved to Villa Maria, a modern educational center

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

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Cameron County, located in southern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Apache and the Karankawa. However, the arrival of Spanish explorers in the late 16th century marked the beginning of a significant shift in the region's history.

In the early 18th century, the Spanish established a presence in the area through the construction of missions and the establishment of ranches. This period saw the growth of agriculture and the introduction of Catholicism to the local population. However, these Spanish settlements faced numerous challenges, including conflicts with Native Americans and French incursions from Louisiana.

In the early 19th century, the area became part of Mexico after gaining independence from Spain. This period was marked by political instability, as Mexico went through numerous changes in leadership. In 1845, the region became part of the newly annexed state of Texas and experienced a surge in population as American settlers arrived. The county was officially named Cameron in 1848 after Ewen Cameron, an early settler and landowner.

The 20th century brought significant economic growth to Cameron County through the development of agriculture, oil, and tourism. The county became an important agricultural center, with cotton, vegetables, and citrus fruits being major crops. The discovery of oil in the nearby Gulf of Mexico also brought economic prosperity, leading to the establishment of a major oil industry in the region. Additionally, the county's beautiful beaches and warm climate attracted tourists, leading to the growth of the tourism industry.

Today, Cameron County continues to be an important agricultural and industrial region in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and remains a popular tourist destination, with its stunning beaches, historical sites, and natural beauty attracting visitors from around the world. The county's rich history is celebrated through various museums, festivals, and cultural events, showcasing the colorful past that has shaped Cameron County into what it is today.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Cameron County, Texas.

  • 1848: Cameron County is established as one of the original counties of Texas.
  • 1850: The first federal census is conducted in Cameron County, recording a population of 285 residents.
  • 1866: The first wooden courthouse is built in Brownsville, the county seat of Cameron County.
  • 1875: The Rio Grande Railroad reaches Brownsville, boosting economic growth in the county.
  • 1893: The current Cameron County Courthouse is completed in Brownsville.
  • 1909: The first automobile bridge across the Rio Grande River is built, connecting Brownsville with Matamoros, Mexico.
  • 1925: The Port of Brownsville is established, becoming a major hub for trade and commerce.
  • 1933: The construction of the Brownsville Ship Channel begins, further enhancing the county's maritime capabilities.
  • 1967: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (formerly known as Pan American University) is established.
  • 2017: Cameron County experiences significant damage from Hurricane Harvey, leading to large-scale recovery efforts.