Browne-Wagner House
245 E. St. Charles St., Brownsville, TXConstructed in 1894 for Mrs. Josephine Glaevecke Browne, the residence at 245 East St. Charles Street is the most intact example of the larger brick residences characteristic of Brownsville in the late nineteenth century. The house is particularly noteworthy for its finely molded brickwork--a quality peculiar to the Lower Rio Grande Valley-- and the very tall, handsome proportions of its facades. An example of vernacular handling of styles, the house features design elements from various sources. The architect, S. W. Brooks, employed classical detailing at door surrounds while expressing the overall proportions and other detailing in a more Victorian Italianate manner.
Brooks' client on the house, Mrs. Browne, purchased lots 10-11-12, Block 43, in Brownsville, from the New York and Brownsville improvement company in April 1894 and contracted Brooks to construct a "dwelling house" on the property within a twelve-month period. The $1,300.00 payment for the house was made in Mexican coins. Mrs. Browne received an imposing and conservative residence which belies its late date.
Brooks was prominent in Brownsville during the last two decades of the nineteenth century. Apparently well-connected in regional and local politics, he served several terms as city engineer and as superintendent of the Brownsville Post Office in the late 1880s and early 1890s. His talents were broad, working not only as an architect but as a contractor and engineer. Brooks first began his career in New Orleans as a builder and lumber dealer. In 1863, he moved to Matamoros, Mexico, and fifteen years later he permanently settled in Brownsville. As an architect, Brooks designed and built the Fort Brown Post Hospital and the first Hidalgo and Starr County courthouses. As a contractor, Brooks supervised the construction of the first Cameron County Courthouse. He designed or built numerous other public buildings and also served with the U.S. Engineer Corps.
Local significance of the building:
Brooks' client on the house, Mrs. Browne, purchased lots 10-11-12, Block 43, in Brownsville, from the New York and Brownsville improvement company in April 1894 and contracted Brooks to construct a "dwelling house" on the property within a twelve-month period. The $1,300.00 payment for the house was made in Mexican coins. Mrs. Browne received an imposing and conservative residence which belies its late date.
Brooks was prominent in Brownsville during the last two decades of the nineteenth century. Apparently well-connected in regional and local politics, he served several terms as city engineer and as superintendent of the Brownsville Post Office in the late 1880s and early 1890s. His talents were broad, working not only as an architect but as a contractor and engineer. Brooks first began his career in New Orleans as a builder and lumber dealer. In 1863, he moved to Matamoros, Mexico, and fifteen years later he permanently settled in Brownsville. As an architect, Brooks designed and built the Fort Brown Post Hospital and the first Hidalgo and Starr County courthouses. As a contractor, Brooks supervised the construction of the first Cameron County Courthouse. He designed or built numerous other public buildings and also served with the U.S. Engineer Corps.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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Texas is known for its barbecue, and one of the most famous barbecue restaurants in the state is Kreuz Market in Lockhart. The restaurant has been in operation since 1900 and is still family-owned.
About Cameron County
Cameron County Timeline
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.
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.
Cameron County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.