Brownsville is the southernmost city in Texas with a population of about 185,000. Many projects have taken place in recent years to revitalize downtown, including restoring the El Jardin Hotel (pictured here). One location with less good fortunate sits just behind Texas Southmost College and across the street from The University of Texas Brownsville. Fort Brown Memorial Golf Course was built in the 1950’s on the recently decommissioned Fort Brown.
According to a historical marker: “This earthen fort was built by Gen. Zachary Taylor’s troops in 1846 and was originally called both “Fort Taylor” and “Fort Texas.” The fort featured bastion walls 9 1/2 feet high forming an irregular six-point star. Most sections of the earthworks were destroyed early in this century by levee construction. And original breastwork section is visible in the distance, no lower in height due to erosion. The Mexican siege and bombardment of this fort was a precipitating event in the Mexican-American war. Gen. Taylor officially named the site Fort Brown in memory of the gallant commander who nobly feel in its defense.”
Rather than lining the Rio Grande, a border fence was constructed around the course, putting it on the outside. A few years later, dwindling business led to its closure in 2015. Five years without maintenance makes it impossible to go much further than the clubhouse.
