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

Original Site of St. Joseph College

Photographed by Brian Anderson, March 27, 2025

1. Original Site of St. Joseph College Marker

Inscription. French priests of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate came here in 1849, forming a congregation before focusing on education. In Apr. 1863, Father Augustine Gaudet acquired block 52 (bounded by Elizabeth, Levee, 6th and 7th Streets) "for the purpose of erecting a school, college and chapel." In Nov. 1865, Brownsville Academy opened with Father Pierre Parisot and two lay teachers conducting classes. A two-story brick building with classrooms and living quarters survived the 1867 hurricane. By 1868, the name changed to St. Joseph College. After closing intermittently through the 1800s, the school flourished and expanded at this site as St. Joseph Academy under Marist brothers from 1906 until its relocation a mile north in 1959. The wall behind this marker is the last remaining visible evidence of St. Joseph Academy.

Erected 2021 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 23304.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1865.

Location. 25° 54.255′ N, 97° 30.164′ W. Marker is in Brownsville, Texas, in Cameron

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County. It is on East Levee Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 634 East Levee Street, Brownsville TX 78520, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

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: Sacred Heart Church (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Sacred Heart Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Sacred Heart Catholic Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Brooks House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); S.W. Brooks Residence (about 300 feet away); Hanson House (about 300 feet away); Russell-Cocke House (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Russell/Cocke House (about 400

Photographed by Brian Anderson, March 27, 2025

2. Original Site of St. Joseph College Marker

feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brownsville.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 6, 2025, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. This page has been viewed 199 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 6, 2025, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio.