Southern Pacific Railroad Passenger Depot
601 E. Madison St., Brownsville, TXThe Southern Pacific Depot in Brownsville is a fine example of a Spanish Colonial Revival structure and symbolizes the importance of the railroad to the economic development of Brownsville and the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Brownsville is the largest city in the thriving semi-tropical region at the southern tip of Texas. The Depot's isolated position and its design make it one of Brownsville's most outstanding landmarks. The architectural style is reminiscent of the 18th Century Spanish settlement of South Texas.
Although railroads had been planned for this region of the South, during the Civil War shipments of cotton through Texas to Mexico and the Gulf via Brownsville had to rely on other means of transportation. In 1871 the first railroad, the Rio Grande Railway, came into Brownsville. Later, St. Louis, Brownsville, and Mexico Railroad was extended. It was followed by the San Benito and Rio Grande Valley Railway in 1912 and the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway in 1927. These railroads served the agricultural markets, that were thriving due to extensive irrigation, as well as an international trade stimulated by the development of Port Brownsville.
Missouri Pacific was already established in Brownsville when Southern Pacific acquired the charter for the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway in 1925. This event, appropriately celebrated, became significant to the development of the Valley. Attended by V.I.P.s from the Railway, the celebration was a part of the first annual South Texas Chamber of Commerce Convention and the day was declared Southern Pacific Day. Southern Pacific also brought in the special track-laying machine which made possible the rapid expansion of its railway system into this area. The first train arrived in Brownsville, on November 10, 1927.
Southern Pacific and the Missouri Pacific Railroads are joined by the Mexican National Railway in Matamoras, just across the Rio Grande River.
The structure was used as a depot until 1952 when it was leased to the Gulf Pacific Cotton Agency for warehouse and office space. The City of Brownsville is negotiating to purchase the depot and adapt it for reuse.
Local significance of the building:
Although railroads had been planned for this region of the South, during the Civil War shipments of cotton through Texas to Mexico and the Gulf via Brownsville had to rely on other means of transportation. In 1871 the first railroad, the Rio Grande Railway, came into Brownsville. Later, St. Louis, Brownsville, and Mexico Railroad was extended. It was followed by the San Benito and Rio Grande Valley Railway in 1912 and the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway in 1927. These railroads served the agricultural markets, that were thriving due to extensive irrigation, as well as an international trade stimulated by the development of Port Brownsville.
Missouri Pacific was already established in Brownsville when Southern Pacific acquired the charter for the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway in 1925. This event, appropriately celebrated, became significant to the development of the Valley. Attended by V.I.P.s from the Railway, the celebration was a part of the first annual South Texas Chamber of Commerce Convention and the day was declared Southern Pacific Day. Southern Pacific also brought in the special track-laying machine which made possible the rapid expansion of its railway system into this area. The first train arrived in Brownsville, on November 10, 1927.
Southern Pacific and the Missouri Pacific Railroads are joined by the Mexican National Railway in Matamoras, just across the Rio Grande River.
The structure was used as a depot until 1952 when it was leased to the Gulf Pacific Cotton Agency for warehouse and office space. The City of Brownsville is negotiating to purchase the depot and adapt it for reuse.
Transportation; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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 was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
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.