Brownsville in Cameron County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
La Madrileña
A native of Spain, Adrian Ortiz (1860-1957) emigrated to Brownsville before he was 18 and lived with relatives who trained him as a merchant. He built this structure in 1892 to house his mercantile operation, La Madrileña (native of Madrid), an important community business for over 60 years. The vernacular store building features corbeled brickwork, parapets with pinnacles, and paneled doors with transoms.
Erected 1988 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3000.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Hispanic Americans • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.
Location. 25° 54.287′ N, 97° 29.809′ W. Marker is in Brownsville, Texas, in Cameron County. Marker is at the intersection of East Madison Street and East 10th Street, on the left when traveling north on East Madison Street. Marker, Texas Historical Medallion and National Register of Historic Places plaque are mounted on the northeast corner of the building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1002 E Madison St, Brownsville TX 78520, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named La Madrileña (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named La Madrileña (a few steps from this marker); Cameron County (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Field/Pacheco Complex (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Field-Pacheco Complex (about 500 feet away); 1912 Cameron County Courthouse (about 500 feet away); Old Jail (about 600 feet away); Cameron County Courthouse of 1883-1914 (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brownsville.
Regarding La Madrileña. National Register of Historic Places (1988)
Also see . . .
1. La Madrilena: Historic Buildings Survey. This link presents several interesting interior and exterior photos of La Madrilena. (Submitted on May 31, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. La Madrilena - Brownsville, Texas. The Ortiz Grocery sold groceries, hardware and sundries along the East Madison fadcade; the Tenth Street facade was used for selling clothes. The Ortiz family lived in a three-bedroom house adjacent to La Madrilena, but the house was demolished in 1965. The building has remained vacant since Mr. Ortiz’s death in 1937. (Submitted on May 31, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 31, 2018. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 371 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 30, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.