Fort Brown, Texas

Fort Brown, Texas: A Historic Site with a Rich Legacy

Fort Brown, Texas, is a historic site that has witnessed many events that shaped the history of the United States and Mexico. Located on the northern bank of the Rio Grande, Fort Brown was established in 1846 as Fort Texas, the first US Army military outpost of the recently annexed state of Texas. It was renamed Fort Brown in honor of Major Jacob Brown, who died defending the fort during the Siege of Fort Texas, one of the first battles of the Mexican-American War.

Fort Brown played a significant role in the Civil War, as it was occupied by both Confederate and Union forces at different times. The fort was a strategic point for trade and communication between the two countries, and also a site of conflict and violence. The fort witnessed several battles, such as the Battle of Palmito Ranch, the last land engagement of the Civil War.

After the war, Fort Brown continued to serve as a military post until 1944, when it was deactivated and transferred to the City of Brownsville. The fort was home to various units and regiments, such as the Buffalo Soldiers, who were African American soldiers that fought in the Indian Wars and the Spanish-American War. The fort also hosted notable figures, such as Dr. William Crawford Gorgas, who worked on eradicating yellow fever in the region.

Today, Fort Brown is a National Historic Landmark that preserves some of the original buildings and structures from its military past. The fort is part of the Texas Southmost College campus, and also houses the Historic Brownsville Museum, which displays artifacts and exhibits related to the fort's history and culture. Fort Brown is a place where visitors can learn about the rich legacy of this historic site and its role in shaping the U.S.-Mexican border region.