Solis Cemetery
Historical marker location:JUAN JOSE SOLIS, GRANTEE OF PORCIÓN 107 IN STARR COUNTY AND FOUNDER OF EL SOLISEÑO, MEXICO, WAS PATRIARCH OF THE SOLIS FAMILY IN THIS AREA. HIS GRANDSON FRANCISCO (1801-1876), AND HIS WIFE ANASTACIA RIVAS DE SOLIS (b. 1808), WERE EARLY RESIDENTS OF POINT ISABEL AND BROWNSVILLE, LATER SETTLING IN LA FERIA. THEIR SON LAZARO (1840-1904) AND HIS BROTHER-IN-LAW YSABEL CANTU (b. 1849) BOUGHT ABOUT 5,000 ACRES OF THE LA FERIA GRANT IN JULY 1898, ESTABLISHING THE SOLIS RANCH. WITHIN ITS BOUNDARIES THE MEN AND THEIR FAMILIES RAISED CATTLE, HORSES AND GOATS AND GREW SEVERAL CROPS. WHEN LAZARO DIED SUDDENLY WHILE VISITING FAMILY IN POINT ISABEL, HIS BODY WAS BROUGHT BACK TO THE RANCH FOR BURIAL, A COMMON PRACTICE IN THAT ERA. HIS IS THE FIRST BURIAL IN SOLIS CEMETERY, ALSO KNOWN AS SAN FRANCISCO CEMETERY. IN 1905, LAZARO’S WIDOW FRANCISCA (1853-1911) PARTITIONED LAZARO’S LAND AMONG HERSELF AND HER SEVEN CHILDREN. LAZARO AND FRANCISCA’S HAND-LETTERED CONCRETE SPANISH-LANGUAGE GRAVE MARKER IS SIGNED “JUAN, MATEO AND GUMERCINDO DEL MÍSMO APPELÍDO” ([SONS] JUAN, MATEO AND GUMERCINDO OF THE SAME LAST NAME).
IN 1929, SOLIS CEMETERY WAS SURVEYED AND PLATTED AND A PUBLIC ROAD WAS DEVELOPED TO PROVIDE ACCESS. THE CEMETERY IS AN ACTIVE FAMILY BURIAL GROUND OF MORE THAN THREE ACRES. SPARSELY SHADED BY MESQUITES AND OTHER NATIVE TREES, THE CEMETERY HAS MORE THAN 300 GRAVES, MOST OF WHICH HAVE MARKERS OF WOOD, STONE, BRONZE OR CONCRETE. SOLIS CEMETERY IS THE FINAL RESTING PLACE OF KNOWN AND UNKNOWN PEOPLE OF HISPANIC, ANGLO AND AFRICAN-AMERICAN DESCENT, AND AS MANY AS FIVE GENERATIONS OF THE SOLIS FAMILY. VETERANS OF WORLD WAR II AND THE KOREAN WAR ARE BURIED HERE. THIS BURIAL GROUND IS TESTIMONY TO GENERATIONS OF LOCAL RANCHING AND FAMILY TRADITIONS.
HISTORIC TEXAS CEMETERY – 2002
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.
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.