Fort Brown, Texas: A new frontier
Kane S and Keeton R. Fort Brown, Texas: A new frontier. National Park Service
Although small and relatively unknown, Fort Brown in Brownsville, Texas was nonetheless important in the changing tides of history of two neighboring nations, the United States and Mexico. The original Fort Brown, shaped from dirt on the banks of the Rio Grande River, was hotly contested in the earliest battle of the Mexican-American War, which began in 1846. Some of North America’s most renown military leaders participated in Fort Brown’s history, including two future United States presidents and two men destined to be president of Mexico. The famous African-American troops, the Buffalo Soldiers, were stationed at Fort Brown and the first military airplane ever fired on in battle took off from the post. Historians and archeologists continue to learn about Fort Brown. Much of the newest knowledge stems from research ordered by the U.S. General Services Administration before recent construction on the spot where the fort once stood. The National Park Service conducted archeological excavations and historical research at the site to ensure information about Fort Brown would not be lost. Highlights of what was learned are included here.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Kane, Sharyn; Keeton, Richard
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- HIST
- Keywords
- Cultural Resources, ehistory, Fort Brown, Mexican-American War