Last updated: June 28, 2021
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.
While visiting this site you can see historical markers and even what is left of one of the fort’s bastions. The nearby campus of UTRGV is home to several post-Mexican War buildings.
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.
While visiting this site you can see historical markers and even what is left of one of the fort’s bastions. The nearby campus of UTRGV is home to several post-Mexican War buildings.