Rio Grande City in Starr County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Rev. Gustav Gollbach, O.M.I.

(September 24, 1878-December 26, 1955)

Photographed by Brian Anderson, March 23, 2025

1. The Rev. Gustav Gollbach, O.M.I. Marker

Inscription. A native of Germany, Gustav Gollbach was ordained a priest in the Oblates of Mary Immaculate Order on April 21, 1906. He immigrated to Texas soon after his ordination, and served churches in Del Rio, Castroville, Mercedes, San Benito, and Ballinger before coming to Rio Grande City in 1924. Serving as pastor of Immaculate Conception Church until 1937, he built a replica of the Grotto Shrine at Lourdes, France, using petrified wood and native stone from the Roma area. Dedicated in 1928, it has become an important historic site in the Rio Grande Valley.

Erected 1992 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 5411.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is April 21, 1906.

Location. 26° 22.881′ N, 98° 49.171′ W. Marker is in Rio Grande City, Texas, in Starr County. It is at the intersection of Britton Avenue and East 4th Street, on the right when traveling north on Britton Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 305 Britton Avenue, Rio Grande City TX 78582, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Padre Gustav Gollbach, O.M.I. (here, next to this marker); José de Escandón (within shouting distance of this marker); Gregorio Barrera

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Immaculate Conception School (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Starr County (about 600 feet away); Rio Grande City, C.S.A (about 700 feet away); Site of Old Rancho Davis (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Cortina Battle (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rio Grande City.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Replica of the Grotto Shrine at Lourdes image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brian Anderson, March 23, 2025

2. Replica of the Grotto Shrine at Lourdes

Credits. This page was last revised on April 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2025, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. This page has been viewed 148 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 5, 2025, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio.

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