Region: Gulf Coast
The southernmost city in the state, Brownsville offers the history, culture,
traditions, language and people of two countries. Named by the Texas Historical
Society as "the second most important city, historically, in Texas," it was
founded in 1846 after Gen. Zachary Taylor established Fort Brown to claim the
Rio Grande as the official U.S./Mexico border. It was this border dispute that
touched off the Mexican-American War, 1846–48. Fort Brown remained an important
part of Brownsville's development until it was closed in the 1940s. Today,
several existing buildings of Fort Brown are now part of the University of Texas
at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College.
Brownsville's stately palm trees, bougainvilleas, warm Gulf breezes and
charming resacas create an inviting atmosphere for visitors to enjoy activities
that include tennis, fishing, nature viewing, swimming and going to the beach.
Boca Chica Beach offers the natural beauty of a pristine, undeveloped 7.5-mile
stretch of beach, where the Rio Grande flows into the Gulf of Mexico.
Matamoros, Mexico, is just across the Rio Grande from Brownsville. Access is
available via the Gateway Bridge (toll) at the terminus of East 14th Street, the
B&M Railroad Bridge (toll), or the Veterans International Bridge at Los
Tomates (toll) at the beginning of U.S. 77/83. Metered parking is available in
downtown Brownsville for those who wish to walk across.
This city also is a bird watcher's paradise with more than 500 counted bird
species in the refuges and wild places in and around the area. The convergence
of two major flyways afford the birder an abundance of species during spring and
fall migrations.
Open by appointment only, Los Ebanos Preserve offers opportunities to view
birds and butterflies in an 82-acre private nature park. At junction of Texas
100 and U.S. 77/83 between Brownsville and San Benito. 956/399-9097,
956/241-2494. www.losebanospreserve.com.
Charro Days, held the last week of February, is a spectacular fiesta. Other
festivals include the Commemorative Air Fiesta in March and the Latin Jazz
Festival in October.