Brownsville in Cameron County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Federal Court Site
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 18, 2018
1. Federal Court Site Marker
Built 1850 by Wm. C. Douglas, who arrived with Gen. Zachary Taylor during Mexican War.
In 1852 by order of U. S. Congress, first Federal Court in Brownsville was held in back room here by Judge John Watrous.
Recorded Texas Historical Landmark – 1965
Erected 1965 by State Historical Survey Committee.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #12 Zachary Taylor series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.
Location. 25° 54.066′ N, 97° 29.883′ W. Marker is in Brownsville, Texas, in Cameron County. Marker is at the intersection of East Elizabeth Street and East 12th Street (Business U.S. 77), on the left when traveling south on East Elizabeth Street. The marker and Texas Historical Medallion are mounted at eye-level, directly on the subject building, at the southeast corner of the intersection, facing East Elizabeth Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1201 East Elizabeth Street, 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. Celaya Building (a few steps from this marker); Bollack Department Store (within shouting distance of this marker); San Román Building
this page online
Regarding Federal Court Site. Recorded Texas Historical Landmark (1965). This former court house site is currently occupied by a retail jewelry store.
Also see . . .
1. History of the Southern District of Texas. United States District & Bankruptcy Courts of Southern District of Texas website entry:
On March 4, 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt signed "a bill to divide the State of Texas into four judicial districts," creating the Southern District of Texas. The first federal judge in Texas was John C. Watrous, who was appointed on May 26, 1846, to hold court in Galveston, with jurisdiction over the whole state. Judge Watrous had been Attorney General of the Republic of Texas. On February 21, 1857, the state was divided into two
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 18, 2018
2. Federal Court Site Marker (wide view; marker visible near corner of building)
2. The History of the Southern District of Texas - The Brownsville Division. Texas Archive of the Moving Image website entry:
This excellent professional video, produced by the Brownsville Historical Association and the Cameron County Bar Association, presents the history of the Southern District. At about 1 minute into the video, Judge John Watrous' first federal court session held on this corner in Brownsville is discussed. Another interesting topic: at the time Watrous was appointed in 1846, there were no roads or safe trails between Galveston and Brownsville, so Watrous had to travel by ship to conduct court in these two cities. (Submitted on June 28, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 283 times since then and 21 times this year. Last updated on July 11, 2022, by Joe Lotz of Denton, Texas. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 28, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
