Beeville in Bee County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Beeville Post Office
Soon after construction began, a tragic incident occurred with great legal implications. J.P. Hermes and Robert B. Brown, both contracted to remove excavated dirt from the foundation, were hostile towards each other, and Brown began carrying a gun to the worksite for protection. On May 7, 1917, before a crowd of witnesses, Hermes threatened Brown with a knife, and Brown pulled out his pistol and shot and killed Hermes then walked to the courthouse and turned himself in. Brown was found guilty of homicide, but the case was later appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. In an opinion delivered by Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, the court ruled that Brown had acted in self defense, thus establishing the right to use lethal force when facing a lethal attack.
The 1918 post office is a one-story brick and limestone building with a raised basement. The design features Classical Revival style architecture and symmetrical facades. The primary entrance includes a pedimented portico on four doric columns and a recessed doorway topped by a semicircular fanlight. The flat roof includes a cast stone stringcourse and brick parapet with regularly-spaced wooden balustrades. In 1961 a compatible wing was added to the north and west sides of the original floor plan.
Erected 2009 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 15808.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1918.
Location. 28° 24.167′ N, 97° 44.92′ W. Marker is in Beeville, Texas, in Bee County. Marker is at the intersection of North Saint Marys Street and West Bowie Street, on the right when traveling south on North Saint Marys Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 111 North Saint Marys Street, Beeville TX 78102, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Brick Building on Square (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Beeville Bee-Picayune (about 300 feet away); Praeger Building (about 300 feet away); Barnard E. Bee, Sr. (about 500 feet away); Beeville on the Poesta (about 500 feet away); Bee County Courthouse (about 500 feet away); Beeville Veterans Memorial (about 500 feet away); Douglas A4 Skyhawk (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beeville.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 23, 2019. It was originally submitted on April 18, 2019, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 296 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 22, 2019, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.