Brownsville in Cameron County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Old County Courthouse Rio Grande Lodge No. 81
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 18, 2018
1. Old County Courthouse Rio Grande Lodge No. 81 Marker
Designed by architects J.N. Preston & Son and built in 1882-1883, this courthouse included juror sleeping rooms on the third floor. Since 1914 this building has been owned by the Masonic Rio Grande Lodge No. 81, which had been meeting since 1848 under a provisional charter, receiving its formal charter in 1851. The cupola, which once capped this structure was destroyed in the 1933 hurricane.
Fue diseñado por los arquitectos “J.N. Preston & Son” y construido en 1882-83.
Erected by Brownsville Heritage Trail & Rio Grande Lodge No. 81.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.
Location. 25° 54.189′ N, 97° 29.769′ W. Marker is in Brownsville, Texas, in Cameron County. Marker is on East Jefferson Street north of East 12th Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located on the
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cameron County Courthouse of 1883-1914 (a few steps from this marker); 1882 Cameron County Courthouse (a few steps from this marker); Immaculate Conception Cathedral (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Immaculate Conception Cathedral (within shouting distance of this marker); La Catedral del la Inmaculada Concepcion (within shouting distance of this marker); Father Pierre Yves Keralum (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Immaculate Conception Cathedral (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Jail (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brownsville.
More about this marker. Marker is in the Brownsville Heritage Trail series.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 18, 2018
2. Old County Courthouse Rio Grande Lodge No. 81 Marker (wide view; Masonic Lodge in background)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 18, 2018
3. Rio Grande Lodge No. 81 (southwest corner view)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 18, 2018
4. Rio Grande Lodge No 81 Dedication Cornerstone (located just right of entrance)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 18, 2018
5. Old County Courthouse Wrought Iron Fence
Credits. This page was last revised on August 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 29, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 351 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 29, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
