Del Rio in Val Verde County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Dr. John R. Brinkley

Photographed By Brian Anderson, September 5, 2021

1. Dr. John R. Brinkley Marker

Inscription.

North Carolina native John R. Brinkley (1885-1942) opened a medical clinic and radio station in Kansas and promoted controversial medical practices, including one that used goat gland implants to increase sexual "pep" in men. He became rich but was criticized by the American Medical Association and the Federal Radio Commission. In 1933, he moved his family to Del Rio, opening a hospital and setting up the powerful radio station XER in Villa Acuña, Mexico. He was a colorful, charitable individual, known for his lavish lifestyle. He buoyed the local economy during the Great Depression and brought much attention to Del Rio. Despite fame and wealth, authorities shut down the Brinkley enterprise in 1938.

Erected 2004 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 14572.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1933.

Location. 29° 20.43′ N, 100° 54.127′ W. Marker is in Del Rio, Texas, in Val Verde County. Marker is on Qualia Drive west of Rincon Drive, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 512 Qualia Drive, Del Rio TX 78840, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Brinkley Mansion (here, next to this marker); Val Verde Winery

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(approx. half a mile away); Mason-Foster House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Taylor-Rivers House (approx. ¾ mile away); Roy Bean, C. S. A. (approx. 0.8 miles away); Old Perry Building (approx. 0.8 miles away); Seminole-Negro Scouts (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Cassinelli Gin House (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Del Rio.

Also see . . . Brinkley, John Romulus (1885–1942) - The Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on November 3, 2021, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.)

Dr. John R. Brinkley Marker & Mansion image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Anderson, September 5, 2021

2. Dr. John R. Brinkley Marker & Mansion

Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2021, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 474 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 3, 2021, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.