Historical Marker

Brooks County's Catholic Heritage

Historical marker location:
304 S. Caldwell St., Falfurrias, Texas
( W. Blucher and S. Caldwell Streets, Falfurrias)
Marker installed: 1976
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Local geographic names show that the Catholic faith arrived here before 1800. This area was in the Diocese of Monterrey until the Diocese of Texas was formed in 1847. In the new Diocese it was in the Brownsville Parish until transferred to San Diego in 1866. Fathers Claude Jaillet (1843-1929) and Peter Bard (1846-1920) of San Diego traveled this area for about 40 years, ministering on the scattered ranches. In 1904-05 the Mission of San Ysidro (Saint Isidore) was built in Falfurrias. The Rt. Rev. Paul Joseph Nussbaum, first Bishop of Corpus Christi Diocese, erected the Parish of Saint Isidore in 1914. The Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul was built nearby in 1916 for English-speaking communicants. In 1925 the mission was merged with Saint Isidore to form Sacred Heart Church, which is now on Garza Street and renamed Our Lady of Guadalupe. In Brooks County there are also the Church of Saint Anne at Encino and other Catholic facilities and organizations. The school of the Ursuline Sisters prospered for 38 years before closing its doors in 1965. Some mainstays of the church have been Lino Trevino (1857-1935), Charles Premont (1867-1941), J.J. Allan (1871-1943), Mrs. J.T. Maupin (1875-1967), and Mrs. R.E. McBryde (1879-1966)

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.

churches Roman Catholic denomination
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Texas random facts
Brooks County, located in southern Texas, has a rich history that spans several centuries. The region that is now Brooks County was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Coahuiltecan and Karankawa peoples. In the 18th century, Spanish explorers and missionaries began to settle in the area, establishing missions and ranches. This marked the beginning of European influence and colonization in the region.

During the Texas Revolution in the 1830s, Brooks County became a significant battleground between Mexican troops and Texan rebels. The Battle of Espantosa, fought in the county in 1835, was a notable conflict that helped secure Texan independence from Mexico. After the revolution, the region experienced a surge in population as settlers arrived from the United States, seeking new opportunities in farming and ranching.

The establishment of the King Ranch, one of the largest and most influential ranches in the state, in the mid-19th century had a significant impact on Brooks County. The ranch brought economic stability, creating jobs and boosting the local economy. As the ranching industry grew, so did the county's population and reputation as a center for livestock production.

Brooks County also has a troubled past related to racial tensions and civil rights struggles. During the early 20th century, the county was a hotspot for racial violence against African Americans and Mexican Americans. The infamous "brooks county murders" in 1919, where several Black individuals were lynched by a mob, highlight the dark side of the county's history. Despite these challenges, Brooks County has evolved and grown over time, and today, it continues to thrive as an important agricultural and cultural hub in Texas.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Brooks County, Texas.

  • 1848: Brooks County is established by the Texas Legislature, named after James Abijah Brooks, a Texas Ranger and a Texas Revolution veteran.
  • 1857: The first permanent settlement is established in Brooks County near the present-day town of Falfurrias.
  • 1870: Falfurrias is founded and becomes the county seat of Brooks County.
  • 1904: The St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway reaches Falfurrias, boosting the town's economic growth.
  • 1919: The discovery of oil and gas in the county brings a new wave of prosperity.
  • 1920s-1930s: The population of Brooks County increases rapidly due to the oil and gas industry, agriculture, and ranching.
  • 1940s-1950s: Brooks County sees a decline in population due to the depletion of oil and gas resources.
  • 1990s: Falfurrias experiences economic growth with the establishment of several manufacturing and processing plants.
  • 2005: Hurricane Katrina brings heavy rainfall and flooding to Brooks County, causing significant damage.
  • Present: Brooks County continues to be an important agricultural and ranching region in Texas, known for its cattle ranches and citrus orchards.