Cameron County Jail, Old
1201 E. Van Buren, Brownsville, TXThe Old Cameron County Jail, built in 1912-13 at 1201 East Van Buren Street in Brownsville, is the second facility constructed specifically to house prisoners for this county which was established in 1848. It succeeds the building constructed in 1882 that was used until this building was completed. A new Cameron County Jail was built in 1978.
The jail was built in four stages-- 1912-13, 1923, 1926, and 1930-- spanning a period during which Cameron County's population almost tripled from 27,158 (1910 Federal Census) to 77,540 (1930 Federal Census). The original 1912 building was designed by Atlee B. Ayres, and the 1930 expansion by Ayres and his son Robert M. Ayres, with associated Brownsville architects and engineers, Procter and Dudley. It is one of five jail buildings attributed to Ayres and Ayres. The building exemplifies a "modern" approach to jail design in which free-standing facilities were equipped with cell work built and installed by outside firms specializing in correctional facilities.
The Cameron County jail is eligible under Criterion A (local level) in the area of Politics and Government as the building that housed county prisoners for 65 years during a period of tremendous community growth. It is eligible under Criterion C in the area of Architecture as an evolutionary example of the work of Atlee B. and Robert M. Ayres spanning over twenty years, as well as an extant example of a correctional facility reflecting early 20th-century jail design. The building retains a high level of integrity with a period of significance from 1912 to 1945.
Local significance of the building:
The jail was built in four stages-- 1912-13, 1923, 1926, and 1930-- spanning a period during which Cameron County's population almost tripled from 27,158 (1910 Federal Census) to 77,540 (1930 Federal Census). The original 1912 building was designed by Atlee B. Ayres, and the 1930 expansion by Ayres and his son Robert M. Ayres, with associated Brownsville architects and engineers, Procter and Dudley. It is one of five jail buildings attributed to Ayres and Ayres. The building exemplifies a "modern" approach to jail design in which free-standing facilities were equipped with cell work built and installed by outside firms specializing in correctional facilities.
The Cameron County jail is eligible under Criterion A (local level) in the area of Politics and Government as the building that housed county prisoners for 65 years during a period of tremendous community growth. It is eligible under Criterion C in the area of Architecture as an evolutionary example of the work of Atlee B. and Robert M. Ayres spanning over twenty years, as well as an extant example of a correctional facility reflecting early 20th-century jail design. The building retains a high level of integrity with a period of significance from 1912 to 1945.
Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
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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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.