Last updated: August 23, 2024
Place
Fort Brown
NPS photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Brownsville, TX
MANAGED BY:
International Boundary and Water Commission
Amenities
1 listed
Parking - Auto
The earthen fortification that became known as Fort Brown was constructed by U.S. troops in the spring of 1846. The site served as their main base on the Rio Grande. When war erupted between the U.S. and Mexico, the fort became a primary target for Mexican forces.
This earthwork withstood a six-day siege by the Mexican Army, sustaining only two casualties. One of them was Major Jacob Brown. On May 17, 1846, General Zachary Taylor honored Brown by issuing an order officially naming the site Fort Brown. The town that eventually grew up in turn took its name from the fort—Brownsville. The nearby campus of Texas Southmost College is home to several post-Mexican War Fort Brown buildings.
For information about visiting this site, contact the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) at 1-800-262-8857 or by email.
This earthwork withstood a six-day siege by the Mexican Army, sustaining only two casualties. One of them was Major Jacob Brown. On May 17, 1846, General Zachary Taylor honored Brown by issuing an order officially naming the site Fort Brown. The town that eventually grew up in turn took its name from the fort—Brownsville. The nearby campus of Texas Southmost College is home to several post-Mexican War Fort Brown buildings.
For information about visiting this site, contact the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) at 1-800-262-8857 or by email.