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

Old City Library

- 1928 -

Photographed by Dave W, March 14, 2026

1. Old City Library Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Built in 1928 by the City, this Spanish Mediterranean Revival building was the library for 26 years. The first Brownsville library was housed in Captain William Keely’s Levee Street office and later housed in donated Elks Lodge space at the Stegman Building. In 1916, it moved to the Brownsville Herald office on Elizabeth Street. In 1924, it opened to the public and was located upstairs at City Hall in Market Square.

Construido en 1928 por la Ciudad, el edificio de estilo renacimiento mediterráneo español fue la biblioteca por 26 años. La primera biblioteca de Brownsville estaba en la oficina del Cap. William Kelly. Luego se mudó al espacio donado por Elks Lodge en el edificio Stegman y en 1916 a las oficinas del Brownsville Herald en la calle Elizabeth. En 1924, la biblioteca, entonces en el segundo piso del Market Square, se abrió al público.

Erected by City of Brownsville, Brownsville Heritage Complex, Preserve America and Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.

Location. 25° 54.2′ N,

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97° 29.884′ W. Marker is in Brownsville, Texas, in Cameron County. It is in the Mitte Cultural District. It is on East Adams Street south of E 10th Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1000 E Adams St, 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: Central Fire Station (a few steps from this marker); Whitman's Store (within shouting distance of this marker); San Fernando Buildings (within shouting distance of this marker); Miguel Fernandez Hide Yard (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Miguel Fernandez Hide Yard (about 300 feet away); Fernandez Hide Yard

Photographed by Dave W, March 14, 2026

2. Old City Library Marker

(about 300 feet away); San Fernando Building (about 300 feet away); El Tapiz (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brownsville.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 15, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 15, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.