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

Celaya House

- 1904 -

Photographed by Dave W, March 14, 2026

1. Celaya House Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Built in 1904, the Neogothic style house was designed by A. Rendon for Augustine and Laura Celaya for $3,000. It features polygonal bays and thick walls specifically designed to withstand the local tropical climate. Its brickwork exemplifies Brownsville's local masonry tradition. Augustine Celaya was the President of the Rio Grande Railroad and son of Simon Celaya, the Railroad's founder.

Construida en 1904, la casa de estilo neogótico fue diseñada por A. Rendon para Augustine y Laura Celaya por $3,000. Las naves laterales en forma poligonal y el grosor de las paredes fueron diseñadas específicamente para sobrellevar el clima tropical de la región. La albañilería es típica del estilo de Brownsville. Augustine Celaya fue el presidente de la Rio Grande Railroad e hijo de Simón Celaya, el fundador de la compañía férrea.

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: Architecture • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.

Location. 25° 54.225′ N,

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97° 30.318′ W. Marker is in Brownsville, Texas, in Cameron County. It is at the intersection of East Saint Francis Street and E 5th St, on the left when traveling north on East Saint Francis Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 500 E St Francis 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: Augustine Celaya House (here, next to this marker); J.T. Canales (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Alonso Complex (about 400 feet away); Alonso Building (about 400 feet away); Russell/Cocke House (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Russell-Cocke House (about 500 feet away); S.W. Brooks Residence

Photographed by Dave W, March 14, 2026

2. Celaya House Marker

(about 600 feet away); Brooks House (about 600 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 20 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.