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

The Gem

- 1848 -

Photographed by Dave W, March 14, 2026

1. The Gem Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Built in 1848, the building is one of the first brick commercial structures built in Brownsville. John Garey, the contract builder for the Port Isabel Lighthouse, purchased a share in the property from the Brownsville Township Company, Garey used the ground floor as a storehouse and the upper floor as his residence. The building was restored in 1981.

Construido en 1848, el edificio es una de las primeras estructuras comerciales hechas de ladrillo en Brownsville. John Garey, el contratista del faro de Puerto Isabel, compró una acción en la propiedad la cual pertenecía a la Brownsville Township Company. Garey utilizaba el primer piso como almacén y el segundo piso como su residencia. El edificio fue restaurado en 1981.

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

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.

Location. 25° 53.995′ N, 97° 29.86′ W. Marker is in Brownsville

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, Texas, in Cameron County. It is on East 13th Street east of E Levee Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 E 13th 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: A different marker also named The Gem (here, next to this marker); The Gem/La Joya (here, next to this marker); Webb Drug Store (a few steps from this marker); San Roman Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); San Román Building (about 300 feet away); Bollack Department Store (about 400 feet away); Federal Court Site (about 400 feet away); Celaya Building (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brownsville.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Photographed by Dave W, March 14, 2026

2. The Gem Marker

Marker is second from the left from this perspective.

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 13 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.