Immaculate Conception Church
a.k.a. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
1218 E. Jefferson St., Brownsville, TXThe Gothic Revival structure of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is an outstanding example of mid-nineteenth-century architecture, few of which remain in the Rio Grande Valley. It was designed by Father Pierre Y. Keralum, who studied architecture in France before entering the seminary. Texas boasts many Gothic Revival churches. Few, however, are as highly evolved as Immaculate Conception. The Brownsville church is also early use of the style; it was not used widely in Texas until the 1880s. Built between 1856 and 1859, the cathedral dates back to only ten years after the incorporation of Brownsville and stands as a milestone in the development of the Catholic Church in Texas. It was the first permanent settlement of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in the United States.
In 1849, at the request of Bishop J.M.Odin of Galveston, whose diocese included the entire state of Texas, four priests of the Oblate of Mary Immaculate came to Brownsville from Canada. For several months they lived in an unused barn and said Mass in an abandoned store building. In March of 1850, a lot was purchased and plans for a chapel were made. This small chapel was completed in June of that year.
By 1856 they had outgrown the original building; plans and specifications were made for a larger, permanent chapel. Construction began on July 6, 1856. On June 12, 1859, the church was completed. Bishop Odin blessed it and dedicated it to the Immaculate Conception.
In 1861 the rectory of the church was erected. Besides serving as a residence for the local priests, it also served as a refuge for priests fleeing the turmoil of several Mexican revolutions. The second floor of the rectory was the site of the first Oblate seminary in the United States.
In 1874 the church was named a Cathedral when Bishop Dominic Manucy became the first Vicar Apostolic in Brownsville. The title was revoked eight months later when the Bishop moved his residence to Corpus Christi. In 1912 Corpus Christi became a diocese, and Brownsville did not regain its rank until 1965 when the Diocese of Brownsville was established.
The Cathedral was affiliated with St. Peter's Basilica in Rome in 1924. It continues to serve as an active focus for the community.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
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.
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.