Across the Rio Grande from sister city Matamoros, Mexico began as a settlement in 1836.
In 1846, during the Mexican War- a boundary dispute between the US and Mexico, Gen. Zachary Taylor and the US Army built Fort Brown. In 1848, Charles Stillman began the town of Brownsville– a diverse place reflecting Mexican, English, French, Irish and German cultures.
The town was pivotal in the exchange of goods and shipping: during the Union blockade of the South, Brownsville was used to ship Confederate cotton in exchange for much needed European munitions,and goods.
In 1882, Army Lt. William C. Gorgas, future Surgeon Gen. of the US began his work on prevention of yellow fever at Fort Brown. Pan Am airways and the airport here became focal point, and not only did Amelia Earhart, Lindberg and Howard Hughes fly in for fuel or to use the hangers, the first airmail route commenced at Brownsville.
Brownsville has often been recognized as having one of the best pro-business climates in the United States, and the city has been ranked among the least expensive places to live in the U.S.
There’s so much to see and do in Brownsville. From tours of the Historic Downtown District, Gladys Porter Zoo, and Cascade Park to name a few. Brownsville offers something for the whole family.
Learn more: Brownsville