BROWNSVILLE

Altitude 57

General

The city began in 1846 when General Zachary Taylor established Fort Brown to confirm Rio Grande as a national boundary after the Republic of Texas became US State. Regrettably, hat very incident touched off the U.S. Mexican War, 1846 - 48. Several existing buildings of Fort Brown are now part of Texas Southmost Jr. College. Another institution of higher learning on the campus is the University of Texas-Pan American.

Brownsviille is the Rio Grande Valley's largest city whose industries include electronics, food processing and petrochemicals. Vacationers are attracted by subtropical climate, proximity to Mexico, excellent golf courses, and access to South Padre Island.

A major annual event is Charro Days, a spectacular four-day costume fiesta, usually in late February that features parades, music, dancing, and foods of this colorful two-nation region.

BROWNSVILLE ISLAND STATE PARK

BROWNSVILLE ART LEAGUE MUSEUM

BROWNSVILLE INFORMATION CENTER

CONFEDERATE AIR FORCE RIO GRANDE VALLEY WING

FORT BROWN/TEXAS SOUTHMOST JR. COLLEGE

GLADYS PORTER ZOO

HISTORIC BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM

MATAMOROS, MEXICO

PALMITO HILL BATTLEFIELD

PALO ALTO BATTLEFIELD NATIONAL PARK

PORT OF BROWNSVILLE

SABAL PALM GROVE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

STILLMAN HOUSE MUSEUM

Attractions

• BROWNSVILLE ISLAND STATE PARK - Although state-owned, the park is actually an undeveloped beach on the Gulf of Mexico - beautiful beach, but no facilities. And it is not an island, but a small spit of land (Boca Chica) just south of South Padre Island. Permitted activities include camping, surfing, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and nature study. Half-mile long stone jetty at the northern end provides Gulf fishing. About 22 miles east of Brownsville via Texas 4.
• BROWNSVILLE ART LEAGUE MUSEUM - In historic Neale House built in 1834, moved to its present location in 1950. Gazebo once was the Fort Brown bandstand. Art exhibits. Open Mon. - Fri. from 9;30 a.m. to 3 p.m. In Ft. Brown area at 230 Neale Drive.
• BROWNSVILLE INFORMATION CENTER - Beside U.S. 77/83 (F.M. 802) in north Brownsville. Detailed visitor information, maps and tourist literature about local attractions and Matamoros, Mexico, just across the Rio Grande Historic trolley sightseeing tours start here, call for schedule. Open Mon. to Sat. from 8:30 a.m. to 5 .m.; Sun. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed holidays, 210-546-3721.
• COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE  RIO GRANDE VALLEY WING - World War II aircraft and memorabilia displayed. Popular Air Fiesta held in the first half of March. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport. 210-541-8585.
• FORT BROWN/TEXAS SOUTHMOST JR. COLLEGE - Established 1846, fort housed troops during the Mexican War, defended the border, changed hands during the Civil War. Noted for work of William C. Gorgas, later U.S. Army Surgeon General, whose studies led to eventual control of yellow fever. Original hospital now is an administration building of Texas Southmost Jr. College, a municipal coed facility. Other remaining buildings are ;post headquarters, medical lab, guardhouse, and morgue. At terminus of Taylor Ave.
• GLADYS PORTER ZOO - Elaborate zoological park without bars or cages. Rare exotic animals displayed in natural settings on a multitude of small islands; close-up views through one-way glass in a series of "caves" adjacent to animal dens. Zoo is divided into four "worlds"; Africa, Asia, Australia/Indonesia, and South America. Open daily, Ringold and Sixth Streets. An admission is charged.
• HISTORIC BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM - Photo exhibits, data, exhibits of local history. Housed in a restored Southern Pacific depot. Open Mon. to Sat. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sun. from 2 to 5 p.m. Located at 641 E. Madison. Admission.
• MATAMOROS, MEXICO - Just across the Rio Grande from Brownsville, caters to hosts of U.S. visitors with night clubs, restaurants, cocktail rooms, and gift shops. Bargains in pottery and a wealth of handicrafts in Mexican market area. Access via Gateway Bridge (toll) at terminus of East 14th Street of via B& M Railroad Bridge (toll). Entrance and Exit regulations.
• PALMITO HILL BATTLEFIELD - Last land engagement of the Civil War fought near Brownsville at Palmetto Ranch. Confederate's commanded by Col. John S. Ford, not having heard of Lee's surrender at Appomattox a month earlier, routed and captured Federal force in running encounter on May 12 -131865. After the battle, Confederates learned from their prisoners of South's capitulation. Victors then became formal captives of their former prisoners. An historical marker is located 12 miles west on Texas 4.
• PALO ALTO BATTLEFIELD NATIONAL PARK - North of Brownsville near the intersection of F.M. 1847/F.M. 511 is site where artillery duel opened the Mexican War on May 8, 1846. Cannon under the command of Gen. Zachary Taylor proved superior to that of Mexican General Mariano Arista. Dedicated national park on May 8, 1993, the 147th anniversary of the battle. Given unique mandate by Congress when it was created - exhibits must cover war from both countries' perspectives from the causes of the war to effects today.
• PORT OF BROWNSVILLE - On ship channel connecting to Gulf of Mexico, port hosts ships from exotic foreign lands and large fleet of shrimp boats. Huge offshore drilling rigs fabricated here. About 5 miles east of Texas 48.
• SABAL PALM GROVE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY -One of the best preserved Sabal Palm forest in the U.S. 172 acre wildlife sanctuary owned by the national Audubon Society; self-guided tours permitted. Nature trail and visitor center. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. From International Blvd. 5.7 miles southeast on F.M. 1419(Southmost Road); follow sign. Admission is charged. 21st 21 0-541-8034.
• STILLMAN HOUSE MUSEUM - Residence built about 1850; home of Charles Stillman, founder of Brownsville. Contains his possessions, mementos of early Brownsville, furnishings, heirlooms, books, coins, an pictures. Open from Mon. to Fri. from 10 a.m. to noon, 2 to 5 p.m.; Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. Located a 1305 East Washington. Admission is charged.