Santa Maria in Cameron County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Our Lady of Visitation Catholic Church

Photographed By James Hulse, January 24, 2021

1. Our Lady of Visitation Catholic Church Marker

Inscription.

A rare South Texas snowstorm marked the cornerstone laying ceremonies for this church building, Dec. 29, 1880. The Gothic Revival edifice was constructed of bricks made at nearby El Rancho de Santa Maria, owned by L.J. Hynes, who gave land for the church. Built from plans drawn by Father Peter I. Keralum, O.M.I., the structure was dedicated June 29, 1882. The wooden steeple was blown off during a 1933 hurricane. Residents of Bluetown, Santa Maria, and neighboring communities worshiped here.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1977

Erected 1977 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3887.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical date for this entry is June 29, 1882.

Location. 26° 4.479′ N, 97° 50.273′ W. Marker is in Santa Maria, Texas, in Cameron County. Marker is at the intersection of Military Highway (U.S. 281) and Iglesias Drive, on the right when traveling west on Military Highway. The marker and Church are located at the Santa Maria Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: La Feria TX 78559, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Our Lady of Visitation (a few steps from this marker); Longoria Cemetery (approx. 0.8 miles away); El Horcon Tract and Rio Rico

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(approx. 3.3 miles away); Near Routes of Alonso de Leon Expeditions (approx. 3½ miles away); The Spot Where "American Blood was Shed on American Soil" (approx. 3½ miles away); Relampago Ranch (approx. 5.1 miles away); Military Highway of the Lower Rio Grande Valley (approx. 5.1 miles away); Las Rucias (approx. 5.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Maria.

Our Lady of Visitation Catholic Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, January 24, 2021

2. Our Lady of Visitation Catholic Church and Marker

The view of the Our Lady of Visitation Catholic Church Marker from the road image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, January 24, 2021

3. The view of the Our Lady of Visitation Catholic Church Marker from the road

Our Lady of Visitation Catholic Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, January 24, 2021

4. Our Lady of Visitation Catholic Church

Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 27, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 561 times since then and 104 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 27, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.