Old Brulay Plantation
a.k.a. Plantation House No. 1
E of Brownsville off TX 4, Brownsville, TXThe Brulay plantation was purchased in 1870 by a French emigrant, George N. Brulay of Paris. In 1872 he built the first sugar mill (commercial) in the area to produce piloncillo on his 300-acre plantation. The plantation was severely damaged in 1880 by a severe hurricane. Shortly after purchasing the plantation, Brulay began irrigating his fields revolutionizing agricultural practices in the lower Rio Grande valley. He expanded his activities by purchasing equipment for refining sugar in New Orleans and building a brick sugar mill and refinery after the frame structure burned. He continued to make improvements to the plantation creating "... the finest in the Southland."
His agricultural operation was so successful he was able to build a large 3-story townhouse (razed between 1923 and 1968). The enterprise flourished until his death.
The site contains the considerable archeological potential for providing insight into the material culture of the late 19th century, of a French emigrant and insight into the technology Brulay developed to revolutionize agricultural practices with the introduction of irrigation. He was apparently the first to introduce commercial production of sugar to the valley, the first to use irrigation, and developed a high level of industrial technology for the milling and refining of the sugar he produced. The structures are well preserved considering that they have been abandoned for some time. They provide a unique unit consisting of all the major structures of the plantation.
Local significance of the building:
His agricultural operation was so successful he was able to build a large 3-story townhouse (razed between 1923 and 1968). The enterprise flourished until his death.
The site contains the considerable archeological potential for providing insight into the material culture of the late 19th century, of a French emigrant and insight into the technology Brulay developed to revolutionize agricultural practices with the introduction of irrigation. He was apparently the first to introduce commercial production of sugar to the valley, the first to use irrigation, and developed a high level of industrial technology for the milling and refining of the sugar he produced. The structures are well preserved considering that they have been abandoned for some time. They provide a unique unit consisting of all the major structures of the plantation.
Industry; Agriculture; Historic - Non-aboriginal; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
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.
The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, is one of the largest universities in the United States and has produced many notable alumni, including several U.S. presidents.
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 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.