Rabb Plantation
Historical marker location:RABB PLANTATION
TODAY, COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS THE RABB PLANTATION, THIS WAS ORIGINALLY KNOWN AS RANCHO SAN TOMAS AND, THEN, SAN TOMAS PLANTATION. IT ENCOMPASSED 20,353 ACRES STRETCHING NORTH FROM THE BANKS OF THE RIO GRANDE TO THE ARROYO COLORADO. IN 1885, MIFFLIN KENEDY CONVEYED SAN TOMAS TO HIS STEPDAUGHTER, MARIA VICENTA STARCK. IN 1892, AFTER THE MARRIAGE OF FRANK RABB TO HER DAUGHTER, LILLIAN, MARIA VICENTA STARCK TRANSFERRED 1/2 UNDIVIDED INTEREST IN SAN TOMAS TO FRANK RABB. THAT SAME YEAR, THE RABB AND STARCK FAMILIES BUILT A QUEEN ANNE STYLE HOUSE THAT SERVED AS THE WORKING HEADQUARTERS OF THE PLANTATION. IT REPRESENTED THE LIVING STYLE AND UPWARD MOBILITY OF THE ENTREPRENEURS AND POLITICAL ELITE OF SOUTH TEXAS AT THE END OF THE 19TH CENTURY. ITS VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURE SIGNIFIED A SHIFT FROM THE SPRAWLING SOUTHWEST RANCHOS AND “BORDER BRICK” TRADITION, AND IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE OF ITS TYPE IN CAMERON COUNTY. THE RABB PLANTATION ENCOMPASSED NUMEROUS OUTBUILDINGS, INCLUDING A BRICK OUTHOUSE, FOREMAN’S HOUSE, STABLE AND WORKERS’ BUILDINGS. MANY OF THESE BUILDINGS HAVE DISAPPEARED.
AT SAN TOMAS, RABB FOLLOWED THE LEAD OF THE NEIGHBORING BRULEY PLANTATION AND EXPERIMENTED WITH IRRIGATION SYSTEMS, AGRICULTURAL CROPS AND NEW LIVESTOCK BREEDS, TRYING TO ADAPT THEM TO THE SOUTH TEXAS CLIMATE. THESE BEGINNINGS HELPED PROPEL THE AGRICULTURAL BOOM THAT EMERGED IN THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY. FRANK RABB DIED IN 1932 AND THE LAND AROUND THE HOUSE PASSED TO HIS ESTATE, AND THEN TO HIS SECOND WIFE, MARGARET MCCORMICK RABB. IN THE 1970s, THE ACREAGE AROUND THE HOUSE WAS CONVEYED TO THE NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY AND ESTABLISHED AS A SANCTUARY FOR WILDLIFE. IN 2010, THE HOUSE WAS CONVEYED TO THE GORGAS SCIENCE FOUNDATION.
RECORDED TEXAS HISTORIC LANDMARK – 2012
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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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.