State Antiquities Landmark

Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Structure

421 East Queen Isabella Blvd., Port Isabel Texas
Significance:
Historic brick structure ( Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Structure (41CF10). )

Jurisdiction:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

State Antiquities Landmarks (SALs) are designated by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and receive legal protection under the Antiquities Code of Texas (the Code). The Code defines all cultural resources on non-federal public lands in the State of Texas as eligible to be designated as SALs. Historic buildings and other aboveground historic resources must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places before they can be designated as SALs, but archeological sites do not have the same prerequisite.

SAL designation does not mean that sites or buildings cannot be altered or destroyed. The land-owning agency must consult with the THC about such proposed actions through the permit process, and the THC will determine whether the work will be allowed.

Buildings designated as SALs are listed in the Texas Historic Sites Atlas. However, information about designated archeological sites is not available to the general public to protect the sites from vandalism and destruction.

banks, bankers, banking topics buildings Beaux Arts (architectural style) commercial buildings design and construction
The Battle of San Jacinto fought on April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and led to the capture of Santa Anna and the end of the conflict.
Texas random facts
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.

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.