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

Browne-Wagner House

Photographed by Dave W, March 14, 2026

1. Browne-Wagner House Marker

Inscription.
This structure, with its molded cornice, is a good example of the large brick residences erected in Brownsville in the late 19th Century. It was built in 1894 for Mary Josephine Glaevecke Browne, widow of Cameron County Sheriff Matthew L. ("Theo") Browne. The architect was Samuel W. Brooks (1829-1903), who designed many public and private buildings in this area. Martha Landrum (Mrs. Robert E.) Wagner, descendant of two pioneer families, bought the house in 1920.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark

Erected 1978 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 536.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1894.

Location. 25° 54.375′ N, 97° 30.367′ W. Marker is in Brownsville, Texas, in Cameron County. It is on East Saint Charles Street near East 3rd Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 245 E St Charles 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

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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 Browne/Wagner House (here, next to this marker); Browne-Wagner Home (a few steps from this marker); McNair Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rock-Gomez Residence (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rock/Gomez House (approx. 0.2 miles away); J.T. Canales (approx. 0.2 miles away); Augustine Celaya House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Celaya House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brownsville.

Also see . . . National Register Nomination Form.

In 1894 the residence at 245 East St. Charles Streets in Brownsville, Texas, was built for Josephine Glaevecke Browne. The architect, S.W. Brooks, designed this two-story brick structure in the best tradition of Gulf Coast dwellings, supply in the materials for its
Photographed by Dave W, March 14, 2026

2. Browne-Wagner House Marker
construction. Many of these materials (notably the cast iron fireplaces) were shipped to Brownsville from New Orleans.

(Submitted on March 20, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado.)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 20, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 17 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 20, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. A readable, close-up photo of the marker. • Can you help?