Beaumont in Jefferson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Texas' First Rice Mill
Beaumont Rice Mill, founded 1892 by J. E. Broussard, was developed after first commercial planting of rice in Texas in 1863. Earlier crops, due to dependence on rain, were dubbed “providence rice.”
Broussard, pioneer grower and irrigator, was also co-founder of Rice Millers' Association. His efforts caused factories to spring up in nearby counties.
Firm is still operated by his descendants. Present building was erected in 1907.
Erected 1968 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 10576.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.
Location. 30° 4.858′ N, 94° 6.809′ W. Marker is in Beaumont, Texas, in Jefferson County. Marker can be reached from Pacos Street, 0.1 miles east of 3rd Street. The marker is on a wall of the original mill inside the fenced mill grounds. I'm not sure if permission is required to visit the marker but the gates are locked and you can't get access on weekends. Because I wanted to increase confidence I would get access I called ahead. A pleasant, friendly gentleman named Lewis came to the gate to greet us and showed us to the marker. I have since learned that Lewis is Lewis Broussard who, I believe, is a descendent of J. E. Broussard the founder of the Mill. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1800 Pecos Street, Beaumont TX 77701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. McFaddin-Ward House (approx. half a mile away); Congregation Temple Emanuel (approx. half a mile away); Holmes Duke House (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Woman's Club of Beaumont (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Clubhouse The Woman's Club of Beaumont (approx. 0.7 miles away); Young Men's Christian Association Of Beaumont (approx. 0.7 miles away); First United Methodist Church (approx. 0.8 miles away); Saint Anthony's Cathedral (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beaumont.
Regarding Texas' First Rice Mill. The mill has grown over the years but this appears to be the original building. Though showing its age, it is still in use.
Also see . . .
1. A Biography of Mill Founder J. E. Broussard from the Handbook of Texas. The story of rice grower and founder of the Beaumont Rice Mill (Submitted on August 13, 2014, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas.)
2. Beaumont Rice Mills, Inc. (Submitted on August 14, 2014.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 13, 2014, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,708 times since then and 127 times this year. Last updated on July 11, 2022, by Joe Lotz of Denton, Texas. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 13, 2014, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.