Brownsville, Texas#Metropolitan Statistical Area

{{see also|Timeline of Brownsville, Texas}}

File:Emory-Brownsville.jpg

In 1781, Spanish government officials granted José Salvador de la Garza 59 leagues of land (408 sq mi). He used the land to construct a ranch several miles northwest of the area. During the early 1800s, Brownsville was known to residents as los tejidos (English: "pasturelands").{{cite web |title=Brownsville from 1846... (1996) |url=https://www.texasarchive.org/library/index.php/Brownsville_from_1846... |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151230110738/http://www.texasarchive.org/library/index.php/Brownsville_from_1846... |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 30, 2015 |website=Texas Archive |publisher=Brownsville Historical Association |access-date=January 2, 2019 |date=1996}} The area was inhabited by a few settlers around 1836 when Texas declared its independence from Mexico. On February 4, 1846, President James K. Polk instructed American General Zachary Taylor and his troops, including 2nd LT. Ulysses S. Grant, to begin moving south towards Brownsville. Once Taylor arrived, he built Fort Texas. It was later renamed Fort Brown in honor of Major Jacob Brown,{{Cite web|url=https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fbr87|title=Brown, Jacob|last=Cutrer|first=Thomas W.|date=June 12, 2010|website=tshaonline.org|access-date=July 4, 2019|archive-date=July 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702212818/https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fbr87|url-status=live}} one of two soldiers who died during the siege of Fort Texas.{{cite news |title=Fort Texas / Fort Brown |url=https://www.nps.gov/paal/learn/historyculture/siegeofforttexas.htm |access-date=January 4, 2019 |work=United States Department of the Interior |publisher=National Park Service |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103074927/https://www.nps.gov/paal/learn/historyculture/siegeofforttexas.htm |url-status=live}}

Charles Stillman arrived in Matamoros in 1828 from Connecticut to help his father in the mercantile business. Brownsville became part of Texas after the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. During that year, Stillman formed a partnership with Samuel Belden{{cite news |last1=Long |first1=Gary |title=Belden Trail off and running |url=https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/belden-trail-off-and-running/article_cb243d58-929a-11e2-8d23-001a4bcf6878.html |access-date=January 1, 2019 |work=The Brownsville Herald |date=March 21, 2013}}{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} and Simon Mussina to form the Brownsville Town Company.{{cite news |title=The Texas Land Frauds.; Branch of the Watrous Impeachment Case. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1860/08/18/archives/the-texas-land-frauds-branch-of-the-watrous-impeachment-case.html |access-date=January 1, 2019 |work=The New York Times |date=August 18, 1860 |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103012011/https://www.nytimes.com/1860/08/18/archives/the-texas-land-frauds-branch-of-the-watrous-impeachment-case.html |url-status=live}} They reportedly sold lots valued at $1,500. The city of Brownsville was originally established in late 1848 by Stillman, and was made the county seat of Cameron County on January 13, 1849. The state originally incorporated the city on January 24, 1850. This was repealed on April 1, 1852, because of a land-ownership dispute between Stillman and its former owners (including Juan Cortina, a Mexican rancher). The state reincorporated the city on February 7, 1853; this remains in effect. The issue of ownership was not decided until 1879, when the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of Stillman.

{{Main|Mexican–American War}}

File:Nebel Mexican War 01 Battle of Palo Alto.jpg was fought on May 8, 1846]]

On April 25, 1846, Captain Seth B. Thornton received reports of Mexican troops crossing the Rio Grande. Thornton and 63 U.S. dragoons moved to Rancho de Carricitos and discovered several houses in the area. Mexican General Anastasio Torrejón crossed the Rio Grande the previous day. He commanded 1,600 cavalry and infantry troops to surround Thornton's troops in fractions. Due to heavy force from Torrejón's troops, Thornton's troops surrendered. Eleven American casualties were reported; 45 troops and Thornton were held as prisoners. Reports of the incident were sent to President James K. Polk, who announced, "American blood has been spilled upon the American territory." On May 13, the United States Congress declared war against Mexico.{{cite web |title=Rancho de Carricitos |url=https://www.nps.gov/paal/learn/historyculture/ranchodecarricitos.htm |department=National Park Service |publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior |access-date=January 2, 2019 |archive-date=December 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224024402/https://www.nps.gov/paal/learn/historyculture/ranchodecarricitos.htm |url-status=live}}

American General Zachary Taylor retreated from Fort Texas on May 1, 1846; Mexican General Mariano Arista began preparing artillery and troops from across the Rio Grande.{{cite web|url=https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/qbf07|title=For Brown|first=Elizabeth D.|last=Pettit|date=June 12, 2010|publisher=tshaonline.org|access-date=August 1, 2016|archive-date=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918083512/https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/qbf07|url-status=live}} On May 3, Arista and the Mexican Army began the siege of Fort Texas, during the first active campaign in the Mexican–American War. This was counteracted by the United States 7th Infantry Regiment. Despite heavy strikes, Mexican General Pedro de Ampudia outlined a traditional siege to move forward. Taylor was notified of the incident and began moving towards Fort Texas. Mexican troops intercepted them near Palo Alto, about {{convert|5|mi|km|abbr=on}} north of present-day Brownsville,{{cite web |title=Battles of the War: The Battle of Palo Alto |url=https://www.pbs.org/kera/usmexicanwar/war/palo_alto.html |website=Public Broadcasting Service |access-date=January 2, 2019 |archive-date=January 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190118212526/http://www.pbs.org/kera/usmexicanwar/war/palo_alto.html |url-status=live}} resulting in the first battle of the war.{{cite web |title=Palo Alto Battlefield |url=https://www.nps.gov/paal/learn/historyculture/paloalto.htm |website=National Park Service |publisher=United States Department of the Interior |access-date=January 4, 2019 |archive-date=June 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614232202/https://www.nps.gov/paal/learn/historyculture/paloalto.htm |url-status=live}}

The following day, Mexican troops had retreated. Taylor's troops charged up to them, resulting in the Battle of Resaca de la Palma, which took place within the present limits. When Taylor arrived at the besieged Fort Texas, he found that two soldiers, including the fort's commander, Major Jacob Brown, had died. Brown, who suffered an injury when a cannonball hit his leg, died three days after his injury on May 9. In his honor, General Taylor renamed the facility as Fort Brown. An old cannon at the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College marks the spot where Major Brown received his fatal wound.{{cite web |title=Brownsville: Fort Brown |url=http://texastropicaltrail.com/plan-your-adventure/historic-sites-and-cities/sites/fort-brown |website=Texas Tropical Trail |access-date=January 4, 2019 |archive-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105044609/http://texastropicaltrail.com/plan-your-adventure/historic-sites-and-cities/sites/fort-brown |url-status=live}}

On July 13, 1859, Juan Cortina saw Brownsville city Marshal Robert Sheers arrest and beat an elderly man who had been a ranch hand at his mother's ranch. Cortina approached the marshal, questioning his motives, before shooting him twice after he refused to release the man. The first shot reportedly missed Sheers, but the second struck his shoulder, causing him to fall to the ground. Cortina and the elderly man rode off on a horse.{{cite news | last1=Leanos | first1=Reynaldo Jr. |title=Remembering the Birthday of Juan Cortina, The 'Robin Hood of the Rio Grande' |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/remembering-birthday-juan-cortina-robin-hood-rio-grande-n759851 |access-date=January 2, 2019 |work=NBC News |date=May 16, 2017 |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103142040/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/remembering-birthday-juan-cortina-robin-hood-rio-grande-n759851 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Documents on the Brownsville Uprising of Juan Cortina |url=https://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/resources/archives/four/cortinas.htm |website=Public Broadcast Service |access-date=January 2, 2019 |archive-date=December 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226001720/http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/resources/archives/four/cortinas.htm |url-status=live}} The following year, Cortina returned with troops, executing four Anglo men and simultaneously releasing several Mexican prisoners. He then issued a proclamation explaining his reasons for the attack.{{cite web |title=Juan Cortina (1824-1892) |url=http://noblebandits.asu.edu/Bio/Cortina.html |website=Noble Bandits |access-date=January 2, 2019 |archive-date=April 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413080636/http://noblebandits.asu.edu/Bio/Cortina.html |url-status=live}}

{{Main|American Civil War}}

File:Palmito Ranch Battlefield Texas.jpg

During the American Civil War, Brownsville served as a smuggling point for Confederate goods into Mexico. Most significantly, cotton was smuggled to European ships through the Mexican port of Bagdad to avoid Union blockades.{{cite news |last1=Burnett |first1=John |last2=Peñaloza |first2=Marisa |title=Corruption On The Border: Dismantling Misconduct In The Rio Grande Valley |url=https://www.npr.org/2015/07/06/413463836/corruption-on-the-border-dismantling-misconduct-in-the-rio-grande-valley |access-date=January 2, 2019 |publisher=National Public Radio |date=July 6, 2015 |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103005008/https://www.npr.org/2015/07/06/413463836/corruption-on-the-border-dismantling-misconduct-in-the-rio-grande-valley |url-status=live}} The city was located at the end of the "Cotton Road", southwest of the Cotton Belt.{{Cite web |url=http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/us/A0813754.html |title=Cotton Belt |website=Infoplease |access-date=January 25, 2019 |archive-date=September 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925002908/http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/us/A0813754.html |url-status=live}} In November 1863, Union troops landed at Port Isabel and marched towards Brownsville to take control of Fort Brown.{{cite web |title=Battle of Palmito |url=https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Lower_Rio_Grande_Valley/about/battle_of_palmito.html |website=United States Fish and Wildlife Service |access-date=January 2, 2019 |archive-date=January 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102193500/https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Lower_Rio_Grande_Valley/about/battle_of_palmito.html |url-status=live}} In the ensuing Battle of Brownsville, Confederate forces abandoned the fort, blowing it up with {{convert|8000|lb|kg|abbr=on}} of explosives. In 1864, Confederate forces commanded by Colonel John Salmon Ford reoccupied the town, and he became mayor of Brownsville.{{cite web |title=National Historic Landmark Nomination |url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/dbaa0e66-57d3-4d5d-8759-9d058542d8b5 |website=National Park Service |access-date=January 4, 2019 |archive-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105094159/https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/dbaa0e66-57d3-4d5d-8759-9d058542d8b5 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=A Guide to the John Salmon "Rip" Ford Papers, circa 1836-1896 |url=https://legacy.lib.utexas.edu/taro/utcah/01239/cah-01239.html |website=legacy.lib.utexas.edu |access-date=January 4, 2019 |archive-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001041804/https://legacy.lib.utexas.edu/taro/utcah/01239/cah-01239.html |url-status=live}}

Robert E. Lee and his Confederate army surrendered to Union commander Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865, signing a hand-written document at the Appomattox Court House, officially ending the American Civil War.Davis, p. 387; Calkins, p. 175, states Lee and Marshall left the McLean House "some time after 3:00 in the afternoon".; Eicher, The Longest Night, p. 819, states "the surrender interview lasted until about 3:45 p.m." Theodore Barrett was ordered to move 500 62nd Regiment troops of colors towards Brazos Island. On May 11, Barrett's troops moved inland towards Brownsville and spotted Confederate soldiers.{{cite news |last1=Zoellner |first1=Tom |title=End of an Error |url=https://www.texasobserver.org/final-civil-war-battle-in-south-texas/ |access-date=January 9, 2019 |work=The Texas Observer |date=April 27, 2015 |archive-date=January 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109155504/https://www.texasobserver.org/final-civil-war-battle-in-south-texas/ |url-status=live}} John Salmon Ford received news of this and prepared to attack. On May 15, 1865, 34 days after the signing of the surrender, the Battle of Palmito Ranch took place. Confederates killed or wounded around 30 opponents and captured more than 100 other troops. This is accepted by some historians as the last battle of the American Civil War.{{cite web |last1=Greenspan |first1=Jesse |title=9 Things You May Not Know About Texas |url=https://www.history.com/news/9-things-you-may-not-know-about-texas |publisher=History |access-date=January 9, 2019 |date=May 1, 2013 |archive-date=January 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109155507/https://www.history.com/news/9-things-you-may-not-know-about-texas |url-status=live}} President Grant sent Union General Frederick Steele to Brownsville to patrol the United States–Mexico border after the Civil War to aid the Juaristas with military supplies.{{cite web|last=Scribner|first=John|title=The Texas Navy|url=http://www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org/articles/texasnavy/texasnavy.htm|publisher=Texas Military Forces Museum|access-date=November 4, 2011|archive-date=September 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929025827/http://www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org/articles/texasnavy/texasnavy.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite book|last=Thompson|first=Jerry D.|title=Cortina: defending the Mexican name in Texas|year=2007|publisher=Texas A&M University Press|page=332|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aFsCTOTGHaoC&q=Pedro+Hinojosa+matamoros&pg=PA182|isbn=9781585445929|access-date=October 16, 2020|archive-date=October 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001041804/https://books.google.com/books?id=aFsCTOTGHaoC&q=Pedro+Hinojosa+matamoros&pg=PA182|url-status=live}}{{cite journal|last=Delaney|first=Robert W.|title=Matamoros, Port for Texas during the Civil War|date=April 1955|journal=The Southwestern Historical Quarterly |jstor=30241907|volume=58|issue=4|pages=473–487}}

Texas, like other Southern states, passed a new constitution and Jim Crow laws that established racial segregation and disenfranchised African Americans at the turn of the 20th century, generally by raising barriers to voter registration. While Hispanic residents were considered white under the terms of the United States annexation of Texas, legislatures found ways to suppress their participation in politics.{{cite web |last1=Hlavac |first1=Steven |title=Scholar probes lynching of Mexicans in early 20th-century Texas |url=https://www.colorado.edu/asmagazine/2017/11/29/scholar-probes-lynching-mexicans-early-20th-century-texas |website=University of Colorado |access-date=January 4, 2019 |date=November 29, 2017 |archive-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105043305/https://www.colorado.edu/asmagazine/2017/11/29/scholar-probes-lynching-mexicans-early-20th-century-texas |url-status=live}}

On August 13 and 14, 1906, Brownsville was the site of the Brownsville affair. Racial tensions were increasing between white townsfolk and black infantrymen who were stationed at Fort Brown. On the night of August 13, one white bartender was killed, and a white police officer was wounded by rifle shots in the street.{{cite web|last = Christian|first = Garna L.|date = June 12, 2010|title = Brownsville Raid of 1906|publisher = Texas State Historical Association|work = The Handbook of Texas Online|url = https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/pkb06|access-date = July 22, 2012|archive-date = August 29, 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120829212131/http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/pkb06|url-status = live}} Townsfolk, including the mayor, accused the infantrymen of the murders. Without affording them a chance to defend themselves in a hearing, President Theodore Roosevelt dishonorably discharged the entire 167-member regiment due to their alleged "conspiracy of silence". Investigations in the 1970s revealed that the soldiers were not responsible for the attacks, and the Nixon Administration reversed all dishonorable discharges. Fort Brown was decommissioned after the end of World War II in 1945. In 1948, the city and college acquired the land.{{cite web |title=The Cavalry Building, which served as barracks at Fort Brown in Brownsville, Texas, until World War I |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/2014630473/ |website=www.loc.gov |publisher=Library of Congress |access-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105043417/https://www.loc.gov/item/2014630473/ |url-status=live}}

In the spring of 1991, a cluster of anencephaly cases in the area made national headlines,{{Cite journal |last=Xiao |first=Emily |date=July 2023 |title=Lessons from Brownsville's anencephaly cluster |url=https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01318-1 |journal=The Lancet |volume=402 |issue=10395 |pages=17–19 |doi=10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01318-1 |pmid=37393913 |s2cid=259290246 |issn=0140-6736}} prompting a public health investigation. A high anencephaly rate, of 19.7 per 10,000 live births, was found. Additionally, it was discovered that other neural tube defects, including spina bifida and encephalocele, had been an ongoing, undetected issue in pregnant Mexican-American women for years in the area.{{Cite journal |last=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |date=January 14, 2000 |title=Neural tube defect surveillance and folic acid intervention--Texas-Mexico border, 1993-1998 |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10993565 |journal=MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report |volume=49 |issue=1 |pages=1–4 |issn=0149-2195 |pmid=10993565}} Subsequently, multiple risk factors were found, such as folate deficiency, and that increasing dietary folate intake had a protective effect.{{Cite journal |last1=Suarez |first1=Lucina |last2=Felkner |first2=Marilyn |last3=Brender |first3=Jean D. |last4=Canfield |first4=Mark |last5=Zhu |first5=Huiping |last6=Hendricks |first6=Katherine A. |date=November 2012 |title=Neural tube defects on the Texas-Mexico border: What we've learned in the 20 years since the Brownsville cluster |journal=Birth Defects Research Part A: Clinical and Molecular Teratology |volume=94 |issue=11 |pages=882–892 |doi=10.1002/bdra.23070|pmid=22945287 |doi-access=free}}

Brownsville has received significant media attention surrounding immigration policies and border-wall funding costs. In 2006, President George W. Bush signed into law the Secure Fence Act of 2006. The act administered the construction of a tall border "fence" extending from the Pacific Ocean (at San Diego and Tijuana's border crossing), through the entry of the Port of Brownsville.{{cite web |title=Secure Fence Act of 2006 |url=https://www.congress.gov/109/plaws/publ367/PLAW-109publ367.pdf |website=United States Congress |access-date=January 2, 2019 |archive-date=December 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213113708/https://www.congress.gov/109/plaws/publ367/PLAW-109publ367.pdf |url-status=live}} In 2008, the United States Department of Homeland Security issued a proposal to add {{convert|70|mi|abbr=on}} of border fence, an action which would potentially reallocate portions of the University of Texas at Brownsville campus.{{cite news |last1=Roebuck |first1=Jeremy |title=Maps show Valley with 70 miles of the border fence |url=https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/maps-show-valley-with-miles-of-the-border-fence/article_288aa56e-0d57-5749-b1b8-b28f0e403a3e.html |access-date=January 2, 2019 |work=The Brownsville Herald |date=September 25, 2007}}{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}{{cite news |last1=Kahn |first1=Carrie |title=Border Fence A Great Divide For Texas Landowners |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88802928 |access-date=January 2, 2019 |publisher=National Public Radio |date=March 24, 2008 |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103004848/https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88802928 |url-status=live}} The proposal would have transferred {{convert|180|acre|ha|abbr=on}} of university land, including several historical monuments and the university's golf course, to Mexico.{{cite news |last1=Brezosky |first1=Lynn |title=Deal means border fence won't split UT-Brownsville campus |url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Deal-means-border-fence-won-t-split-1756974.php |access-date=January 2, 2019 |work=Chron |date=July 31, 2008 |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103004736/https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Deal-means-border-fence-won-t-split-1756974.php |url-status=live}} The proposal was altered after Andrew Hanen, a federal district judge, rejected the department's idea.

In 2016, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump proposed building a border wall along the United States-Mexico border. Trump's proposed wall, if completed, would consist of {{convert|2,000|mi|abbr=on}} "of hardened concrete, and ... rebar, and steel" across the southern border, including Brownsville.Scott Bronstein, Curt Devine & Drew Griffin, [http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/16/politics/trump-border-wall/ Trump wants a wall. Border experts want a fence] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517015104/https://www.cnn.com/2017/02/16/politics/trump-border-wall/ |date=May 17, 2019}}, CNN (February 16, 2017). On January 25, 2017, days after assuming office, Trump issued Executive Order 13767, directing construction for the border wall. Brownsville was also the center of controversy surrounding the new administration's continuation of an Obama-era policy of housing immigrant children separate from adults (except for mothers) who entered the country unlawfully. The issue surrounded Casa Padre, the largest juvenile immigration detention center in America, which is located within Brownsville's city limits.{{cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Michael E. |last2=Brown |first2=Emma |last3=Davis |first3=Aaron C. |title=Inside Casa Padre, the converted Walmart where the U.S. is holding nearly 1,500 immigrant children |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/inside-casa-padre-the-converted-walmart-where-the-us-is-holding-nearly-1500-immigrant-children/2018/06/14/0cd65ce4-6eba-11e8-bd50-b80389a4e569_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=June 17, 2018 |date=June 14, 2018 |archive-date=February 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206172445/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/inside-casa-padre-the-converted-walmart-where-the-us-is-holding-nearly-1500-immigrant-children/2018/06/14/0cd65ce4-6eba-11e8-bd50-b80389a4e569_story.html |url-status=live}}

Downtown Brownsville has received several revitalization projects from the city government to increase tourism and safety.{{cite news |last1=Sealey |first1=Stephen |title=City of Brownsville revitalizing downtown area |url=https://valleycentral.com/news/local/city-of-brownsville-revitalizing-downtown-area |access-date=January 6, 2019 |work=Valley Central |date=October 17, 2018 |archive-date=January 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106153343/https://valleycentral.com/news/local/city-of-brownsville-revitalizing-downtown-area |url-status=live}} The Texas Historical Commission named Brownsville as part of its Main Street Program in 2016.{{cite news |last1=Garcia |first1=Derick |title=City's Downtown Revitalization Sees First Milestone |url=https://www.kveo.com/news/local-news/citys-downtown-revitalization-sees-first-milestone/536690797 |access-date=January 6, 2019 |publisher=KVEO-TV |date=August 18, 2016 |archive-date=January 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106204456/https://www.kveo.com/news/local-news/citys-downtown-revitalization-sees-first-milestone/536690797 |url-status=live}} Several historic buildings were restored, including the Stegman Building, a historic building named after Baldwin G. Stegman, one of the city's first streetcar line developers.{{cite news |last1=Contreras |first1=Kaila |title=Renovations helped refresh downtown Brownsville |url=https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/renovations-helped-refresh-downtown-brownsville/article_033116b6-edd2-11e7-9b24-4f7bb55a465a.html |access-date=January 6, 2019 |work=The Brownsville Herald |date=December 30, 2017 |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231052105/http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/renovations-helped-refresh-downtown-brownsville/article_033116b6-edd2-11e7-9b24-4f7bb55a465a.html |url-status=live}} The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) selected Brownsville as one of six cities for their "Greening America's Communities" program.{{cite web |title=Greening America's Communities |url=https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-04/documents/17_12_11_epa_final_report_brownsville.pdf |website=Environmental Protection Agency |access-date=January 6, 2019 |archive-date=January 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106204258/https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-04/documents/17_12_11_epa_final_report_brownsville.pdf |url-status=live}} The agency worked on a revitalization project for Market Square, a building constructed in 1850.{{cite news |last1=Clark |first1=Steve |title=Restoration of Market Square bell tower complete |url=https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/business/restoration-of-market-square-bell-tower-complete/article_1dd69284-7eb0-11e7-89f4-0bbfe555b03a.html |access-date=January 6, 2019 |work=The Brownsville Herald |date=August 5, 2017}}{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} The city also received a $3.4 million grant from the Façade Improvement Program for this project.{{cite news |last1=Sealey |first1=Stephen |title=Brownsville plans to revitalize its downtown district with $3.4 million budget |url=https://valleycentral.com/news/local/brownsville-plans-to-revitalize-its-downtown-district-with-34-million-budget |access-date=January 6, 2019 |work=Valley Central |date=May 9, 2017 |archive-date=January 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106153402/https://valleycentral.com/news/local/brownsville-plans-to-revitalize-its-downtown-district-with-34-million-budget |url-status=live}}

File:2009 ISS Brownsville, Texas.jpg, with the photo centered on east Brownsville]]

Brownsville is one of the southernmost cities in the contiguous United States;{{cite news |last1=Botsford End |first1=Rae |title=Space Florida Prepares as SpaceX Plans Partial Move to Texas |url=https://www.spaceflightinsider.com/organizations/space-exploration-technologies/space-florida-prepares-spacex-plans-partial-move-to-texas/ |access-date=January 2, 2019 |work=Space Flight Insider |date=July 18, 2014 |archive-date=July 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721040258/https://www.spaceflightinsider.com/organizations/space-exploration-technologies/space-florida-prepares-spacex-plans-partial-move-to-texas/ |url-status=live}} only a handful of municipalities in Florida's Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties (plus Everglades City, Collier County) are located farther south than Brownsville. The city has a total area of {{convert|84.867|sqmi|km2|0|abbr=on}}, of which {{convert|81.528|sqmi|km2|0|abbr=on}} are land and {{convert|3.339|sqmi|km2|0|abbr=on}} are water, according to the United States Census Bureau of 2017.{{cite web |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2017_Gazetteer/2017_gaz_counties_48.txt |title=State-Based Places Gazetteer Files – Texas |website=2017 U.S. Gazetteer Files |publisher=United States Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce |access-date=May 25, 2018 |archive-date=May 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523161122/https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2017_Gazetteer/2017_gaz_counties_48.txt |url-status=live}}

Brownsville is situated at the intersection of several different climates zones, such as the subtropics, the Chihuahuan Desert, the Gulf Coastal Plain, and the southern reach of the American Great Plains, thus attracting high numbers of migratory birds, and creating a unique biome for many species of plants and animals. Its idiosyncratic network of resacas (English: oxbow lakes), distributaries of the Rio Grande, provide habitat for numerous nesting and breeding birds, typically during the spring and fall migrations.{{Cite web|url=http://smn.cna.gob.mx/tools/RESOURCES/Normales5110/NORMAL25116.TXT|title=Normales Climatológicas 1951–2010|publisher=Servicio Meteorológico Nacional|access-date=December 11, 2018|archive-date=March 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307123957/http://smn.cna.gob.mx/tools/RESOURCES/Normales5110/NORMAL25116.TXT|url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/RA-II/UE/41184.TXT |title=Ras Al Khaimah Climate Normals |work=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20170525062259/ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/RA-II/UE/41184.TXT |archive-date=May 25, 2017 |url-status=dead}} Brownsville's vegetation is classified as grassland.{{cite book |last1=Brush |first1=Timothy |title=Nesting Birds of a Tropical Frontier: The Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas |date=2005 |publisher=Texas A&M University Press |isbn=978-1585444908 |page=19 |edition=First |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x0UceuNvfPMC |access-date=January 2, 2019 |archive-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001041805/https://books.google.com/books?id=x0UceuNvfPMC |url-status=live}}

{{Main|Brownsville–Harlingen metropolitan area}}

Brownsville is in one metropolitan statistical area as defined by the United States Census Bureau. The Brownsville–Harlingen–Raymondville combined statistical area consists of Cameron County and Willacy County. It includes the Brownsville metropolitan area and the micropolitan area of Raymondville. The city of Raymondville is the county seat of Willacy County. The Brownsville-Harlingen-Raymondville combined statistical area is home to 445,309 people (2017 estimated), making it the 106th-largest combined statistical area in the United States.{{cite web |url=https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/PEP/2017/GCTPEPANNR.US41PR |title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2017 - United States -- Combined Statistical Area; and for Puerto Rico |publisher=United States Census Bureau, Population Division |date=March 2018 |access-date=March 31, 2018}}{{Dead link|date=July 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} Based on the Uniform Crime Report conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 2013, the Brownsville metropolitan area ranked last on its list of the "Most Dangerous Cities" in Texas, with "240 incidents of violent crime per 100,000 people" and a murder rate of 1.4. Robbery crimes make up 25% of overall crime in the city, with a rate of 58.1 per 100,000 residents.{{cite news |last1=Solomon |first1=Dan |title=The FBI's List of the Most Dangerous Cities in Texas |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/the-daily-post/the-fbis-list-of-the-most-dangerous-cities-in-texas/ |access-date=January 21, 2019 |work=Texas Monthly |date=January 22, 2015 |archive-date=January 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121064602/https://www.texasmonthly.com/the-daily-post/the-fbis-list-of-the-most-dangerous-cities-in-texas/ |url-status=live}}

In 2011, Brownsville became one of the first cities in the United States to require stores to charge a fee for single-use plastic shopping bags. The ordinance was enacted to reduce pollution and litter around the city.Baskette, Aisha (February 1, 2016). "[http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/article_ea998838-c7cf-11e5-b532-eff60b9449fa.html City's bag ban carries onward]{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}". The Brownsville Herald. Retrieved August 30, 2017. The city repealed the ordinance in 2018 after it was ruled illegal by the Supreme Court of Texas.{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Jesus |title=Brownsville repeals plastic bag ordinance |url=https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/brownsville-repeals-plastic-bag-ordinance/article_c3b5e6cb-7e43-5149-9b41-2a4baf7a285e.html |access-date=January 14, 2019 |work=The Brownsville Herald |date=July 30, 2018 |archive-date=July 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731060827/https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/brownsville-repeals-plastic-bag-ordinance/article_c3b5e6cb-7e43-5149-9b41-2a4baf7a285e.html |url-status=live}} Forbes identified Brownsville as one of 12 metropolitan areas in the United States with the cleanest air."[https://www.nbcnews.com/id/37740278 America's Cleanest Cities] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001041807/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna37740278 |date=October 1, 2021}}". MSNBC. Retrieved February 25, 2011. In 2018, the Brownsville–Harlingen area was among the "Cleanest U.S. Cities for Ozone Air Pollution" in the American Lung Association's "State of the Air" in 2018."[https://www.lung.org/our-initiatives/healthy-air/sota/city-rankings/cleanest-cities.html Cleanest Cities] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202232905/https://www.lung.org/our-initiatives/healthy-air/sota/city-rankings/cleanest-cities.html |date=December 2, 2018}}". American Lung Association. Retrieved December 31, 2018.

File:Sabal mexicana 1.jpg (Texas sabal palm) is a native plant species in Brownsville.]]

Broadleaf evergreen plants, including palms, dominate Brownsville neighborhoods to a greater degree than other locations in Texas, including nearby cities such as Harlingen and McAllen. Brownsville is home to the Sabal mexicana, the only species of palmetto palm native to Texas with a significant trunk (Sabal minor, also native to Texas, is nearly trunkless).{{cite news |last1=McLeod |first1=Gerald |title=Day Trips: Sabal Palm Sanctuary, Brownsville |url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/columns/2018-11-30/day-trips-sabal-palm-sanctuary-brownsville/ |access-date=January 1, 2019 |work=The Austin Chronicle |date=November 30, 2018 |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103004907/https://www.austinchronicle.com/columns/2018-11-30/day-trips-sabal-palm-sanctuary-brownsville/ |url-status=live}} Though it used to cover a large portion of the land next to the Rio Grande, the city contains one of the last native stands of S. mexicana.{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Melissa |title=3 Days In The Field |url=https://tpwmagazine.com/archive/2015/jun/threedays_brownsville/ |access-date=January 1, 2019 |work=Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine |date=June 2015 |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103005019/https://tpwmagazine.com/archive/2015/jun/threedays_brownsville/ |url-status=live}} Citharexylum berlandieri (Tamaulipan fiddlewood),{{cite news |title=South Texas Treasures |url=http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/eedition/a/5e/a5e1d32b-b189-5508-9fbb-b4d706ca6231/508248fac1951.pdf.pdf |access-date=January 1, 2019 |work=The Brownsville Herald |date=October 20, 2012}}{{Dead link|date=November 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} Rivina humilis (pigeonberry), and Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas sage) are also native flora.

Soils are mostly of clay to silty clay loam texture, moderately alkaline (pH 8.2) to strongly alkaline (pH 8.5) and with a significant degree of salinity in many places;{{cite web|url=http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx|title=Web Soil Survey|publisher=Websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov|access-date=September 21, 2013|archive-date=March 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302004416/http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx|url-status=live}} other types of soils present around the city include Cameron clay and sporadic amounts of Laredo silt loam. Due to Brownsville's proximity to the coast, Lomalta clay is common around the swamp areas of the vicinity.{{cite web |title=Soil map, Texas, Brownsville sheet |url=https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth19741/m1/1/ |website=University of North Texas |date=August 22, 1908 |access-date=January 2, 2019 |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103004834/https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth19741/m1/1/ |url-status=live}} Several parts of the city have a high risk of localized flooding because of flat topography, ubiquitous low-permeability clay soils, and inadequate infrastructure funding.{{cite news |last1=Baskette |first1=Aisha |title=City drainage report assess flood risks |url=https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/city-drainage-report-assess-flood-risks/article_24214b92-c576-11e5-8d8d-2711f7f4fa69.html |access-date=January 5, 2019 |work=The Brownsville Herald |date=January 27, 2016}}{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}

According to the United States Geological Survey, Brownsville's soils are primarily alluvium and windblown deposits.{{cite web |title=Title: Geologic atlas of Texas, McAllen-Brownsville sheet |url=https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Prodesc/proddesc_16427.htm |website=National Geologic Map Database |publisher=United States Geological Survey |access-date=March 12, 2019 |archive-date=August 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810221333/https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Prodesc/proddesc_16427.htm |url-status=live}} The majority of the city's soil is made of floodplain deposits from the Rio Grande; it consists of clay, sand, silt, gravel, and organic matter. Windblown deposits are made up of "active dunes and dune complexes" that contain mostly clay and silt near the coastal region and combination of clay, sand, and silt inland.

Brownsville has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa). Winters are warm, and summers are hot and humid.Peel, M. C., Finlayson, B. L., and McMahon, T. A.: [//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/77/Americas_K%C3%B6ppen_Map_original_colors.png Updated world map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification], Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 11, 1633–1644, 2007. Due to its location on the Gulf Coast about 2.49° north of the Tropic of Cancer, the climate closely borders a tropical savanna climate. Due to its proximity to the deserts of Chihuahua and Gulf Coastal Plains, Brownsville's geographic location lies near the boundary of a hot semi-arid climate. Snow is a very rare event in Brownsville. Its wet season is concentrated during the late summer and early fall, peaking in September, when the threat from tropical cyclones is greatest. In most years, November through April is the dry season. As such, Brownsville receives modest annual rainfall, averaging about {{convert|26.78|in|abbr=on}} annually based on records between 1991 and 2020.

The monthly daily average temperature ranges from {{convert|62.9|°F|1}} in January to {{convert|87|°F|1}} in August. Heat waves during the summer have caused 141 days of high temperatures over {{convert|90|°F|1}} and fewer than five days of temperatures above {{convert|100|°F|1}}. The city is located along the boundary of USDA hardiness zones 9b and 10a."[https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/ USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106190232/https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/ |date=November 6, 2018}}". Agricultural Research Service. United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved December 31, 2018. The hottest temperature on record in Brownsville occurred on March 27, 1984, and August 28, 2023, when the city reached {{convert|106|°F|0}}. On the other extreme, freezing temperatures occur once or twice a year typically. On December 25, 2004, Brownsville recorded its first instance of measurable snow in 109 years with {{convert|1.5|in|cm|abbr=on}}, and the first recorded White Christmas.{{Cite web |url=https://www.weather.gov/bro/2004event_christmasreport |title=White Christmas Dream Becomes Reality for the Lower RGV, 2004! |website=National Weather Service |access-date=January 25, 2019 |archive-date=January 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126062919/https://www.weather.gov/bro/2004event_christmasreport |url-status=live}} Brownsville's lowest temperature on record occurred on February 13, 1899, when the city reached {{convert|12|F|C|0}}."[http://www.intellicast.com/Local/History.aspx?month=2&location=USTX0166 Brownsville Historic Weather Averages in Texas] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114044507/http://www.intellicast.com/Local/History.aspx?month=2&location=USTX0166 |date=January 14, 2019}}". Intellicast. Retrieved January 13, 2019. Based on 30-year averages obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Climatic Data Center weather records, 24/7 Wall St. ranked Brownsville the fifth-hottest city in America in 2016.Stebbins, Samuel (June 25, 2016). "[https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2016/06/25/hottest-cities-america/86210426/ The hottest cities in America] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103013305/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2016/06/25/hottest-cities-america/86210426/ |date=January 3, 2019}}". USA Today. Retrieved December 31, 2018.

{{Weather box |collapsed = Y

|location = Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport, Texas (1991−2020 normals,{{efn|Mean monthly maxima and minima (i.e. the expected highest and lowest temperature readings at any point during the year or given month) calculated based on data at said location from 1991 to 2020.}} extremes 1878−present)

|single line = Y

|Jan high F = 72.6

|Feb high F = 76.2

|Mar high F = 80.6

|Apr high F = 85.7

|May high F = 90.3

|Jun high F = 94.0

|Jul high F = 95.0

|Aug high F = 96.3

|Sep high F = 92.2

|Oct high F = 87.3

|Nov high F = 80.3

|Dec high F = 74.2

|year high F= 85.4

|Jan mean F = 62.9

|Feb mean F = 66.5

|Mar mean F = 71.3

|Apr mean F = 76.7

|May mean F = 82.0

|Jun mean F = 85.6

|Jul mean F = 86.4

|Aug mean F = 87.0

|Sep mean F = 83.4

|Oct mean F = 77.9

|Nov mean F = 70.5

|Dec mean F = 64.4

|year mean F =

|Jan low F = 53.1

|Feb low F = 56.9

|Mar low F = 62.0

|Apr low F = 67.7

|May low F = 73.7

|Jun low F = 77.2

|Jul low F = 77.8

|Aug low F = 77.8

|Sep low F = 74.7

|Oct low F = 68.6

|Nov low F = 60.8

|Dec low F = 54.7

|year low F= 67.1

| Jan avg record high F = 83.9

| Feb avg record high F = 87.1

| Mar avg record high F = 91.4

| Apr avg record high F = 94.8

| May avg record high F = 95.3

| Jun avg record high F = 97.2

| Jul avg record high F = 98.0

| Aug avg record high F = 99.1

| Sep avg record high F = 97.2

| Oct avg record high F = 93.1

| Nov avg record high F = 88.7

| Dec avg record high F = 85.3

| year avg record high F = 100.7

| Jan avg record low F = 36.4

| Feb avg record low F = 40.1

| Mar avg record low F = 43.8

| Apr avg record low F = 50.9

| May avg record low F = 60.9

| Jun avg record low F = 70.4

| Jul avg record low F = 72.8

| Aug avg record low F = 72.7

| Sep avg record low F = 64.7

| Oct avg record low F = 51.9

| Nov avg record low F = 42.5

| Dec avg record low F = 36.5

| year avg record low F = 33.7

|Jan record high F = 95

|Feb record high F = 94

|Mar record high F = 106

|Apr record high F = 104

|May record high F = 104

|Jun record high F = 104

|Jul record high F = 104

|Aug record high F = 106

|Sep record high F = 105

|Oct record high F = 99

|Nov record high F = 98

|Dec record high F = 94

|Jan record low F = 18

|Feb record low F = 12

|Mar record low F = 28

|Apr record low F = 37

|May record low F = 41

|Jun record low F = 56

|Jul record low F = 58

|Aug record low F = 63

|Sep record low F = 51

|Oct record low F = 35

|Nov record low F = 27

|Dec record low F = 16

|precipitation colour = green

|Jan precipitation inch = 1.08

|Feb precipitation inch = 1.03

|Mar precipitation inch = 1.45

|Apr precipitation inch = 1.47

|May precipitation inch = 2.22

|Jun precipitation inch = 2.86

|Jul precipitation inch = 1.98

|Aug precipitation inch = 2.16

|Sep precipitation inch = 5.73

|Oct precipitation inch = 3.83

|Nov precipitation inch = 1.76

|Dec precipitation inch = 1.21

|year precipitation inch= 26.78

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in

|Jan precipitation days = 7.0

|Feb precipitation days = 5.3

|Mar precipitation days = 5.3

|Apr precipitation days = 4.5

|May precipitation days = 4.8

|Jun precipitation days = 5.8

|Jul precipitation days = 4.8

|Aug precipitation days = 6.1

|Sep precipitation days = 11.1

|Oct precipitation days = 7.6

|Nov precipitation days = 7.0

|Dec precipitation days = 7.5

|Jan humidity = 79.3

|Feb humidity = 77.4

|Mar humidity = 74.6

|Apr humidity = 75.1

|May humidity = 76.5

|Jun humidity = 75.0

|Jul humidity = 73.2

|Aug humidity = 73.8

|Sep humidity = 76.3

|Oct humidity = 75.3

|Nov humidity = 76.1

|Dec humidity = 78.2

|Jan sun = 130.6

|Feb sun = 151.3

|Mar sun = 206.8

|Apr sun = 232.7

|May sun = 266.4

|Jun sun = 306.5

|Jul sun = 334.4

|Aug sun = 306.4

|Sep sun = 252.0

|Oct sun = 228.3

|Nov sun = 166.2

|Dec sun = 130.7

|year sun=

|Jan percentsun = 39

|Feb percentsun = 48

|Mar percentsun = 56

|Apr percentsun = 61

|May percentsun = 64

|Jun percentsun = 74

|Jul percentsun = 79

|Aug percentsun = 76

|Sep percentsun = 68

|Oct percentsun = 64

|Nov percentsun = 51

|Dec percentsun = 40

|year percentsun= 61

|source 1= NOAA (relative humidity and sun 1961−1990){{cite web|url=https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=bro|title=NOWData – NOAA Online Weather Data|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|access-date=May 21, 2017|archive-date=July 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702163500/http://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=bro|url-status=live}}{{cite web

| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USW00024230&format=pdf

| title = Summary of Monthly Normals 1991–2020

| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

| accessdate = January 6, 2024

}}{{cite web|url=ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/TABLES/REG_IV/US/GROUP3/72250.TXT|title=WMO climate normals for Brownsville/INTL, TX 1961−1990|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|access-date=September 17, 2020}}

}}

{{US Census population

|1850= 2734

|1860= 2734

|1870= 4905

|1880= 4938

|1890= 6134

|1900= 6305

|1910= 10517

|1920= 11791

|1930= 22021

|1940= 22083

|1950= 35086

|1960= 48040

|1970= 52522

|1980= 84997

|1990= 98962

|2000= 139722

|2010= 175023

|2020= 186738

|align-fn=center

|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade.html|title=Decennial Census by Decade|website=United States Census Bureau|access-date=}}
1850–1900{{Cite web|title= 1900 Census of Population - Population of Texas By Counties And Minor Civil Divisions |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1900/bulletins/demographic/49-population-tx.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}} 1910{{Cite web|title= 1910 Census of Population - Supplement for Texas |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1910/abstract/supplement-tx-p1.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}
1920{{Cite web|title= 1920 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1920/bulletins/demographics/population-tx-number-of-inhabitants.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}} 1930{{Cite web|title= 1930 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1930/population-volume-1/03815512v1ch10.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}} 1940{{Cite web|title= 1940 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1940/population-volume-1/33973538v1ch09.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}

1950{{Cite web|title= 1950 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1950/population-volume-1/vol-01-46.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}} 1960{{Cite web|title= 1960 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1960/population-volume-1/33255142v1p45ch02.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}} 1970{{Cite web|title= 1970 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas |url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/00496492v1p45s1ch02.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}
1980{{Cite web|title= 1980 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1980/volume-1/texas/1980a_txab-01.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}} 1990{{Cite web|title=1990 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - Texas |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1990/cph-2/cph-2-45.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}} 2000{{Cite web|title=2000 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - Texas |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/2003/dec/phc-3-45.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}
2010{{Cite web|title=2010 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - Texas |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/2010/cph-2/cph-2-45.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}

}}

Brownsville is the 18th-most populous city in Texas. It ranks as one of the top U.S. cities in terms of the percentage of Hispanic residents.{{cite web |title=Mapping the Latino Population, By State, County and City |url=http://www.culturemarketingcouncil.org/Portals/0/Research/The%20Hispanic%20Consumer/Demographics/Pew%20Hispanic%20Center%20Mapping%20the%20Latino%20Population,%20By%20State,%20County%20and%20City%20August%2029,%202013.pdf |website=Pew Research Center |access-date=January 2, 2019 |date=August 29, 2013 |archive-date=January 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102143110/http://www.culturemarketingcouncil.org/Portals/0/Research/The%20Hispanic%20Consumer/Demographics/Pew%20Hispanic%20Center%20Mapping%20the%20Latino%20Population,%20By%20State,%20County%20and%20City%20August%2029,%202013.pdf |url-status=live}} According to the Pew Research Center, its metropolitan area holds the 26th-largest Hispanic population with roughly 373,000 (88.7%) sharing this distinction. Of that percentage, 96.7% are Mexican and 0.8% are Puerto Rican.{{cite web |title=Top 60 metropolitan areas, by Hispanic population |url=http://www.pewhispanic.org/interactives/hispanic-population-in-select-u-s-metropolitan-areas/ |website=Pew Research Center |access-date=January 2, 2019 |archive-date=January 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110030240/http://www.pewhispanic.org/interactives/hispanic-population-in-select-u-s-metropolitan-areas/ |url-status=live}}

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 186,738 people, 53,506 households, and 42,240 families residing in the city.

The ancestry of Brownsville was 0.9% German, 0.6% English, 0.5 Irish, 0.4% French, 0.4% Italian, and 0.2% Dutch.{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/table?g=160XX00US4810768&tid=ACSDP5Y2021.DP02 |access-date=June 5, 2023 |website=data.census.gov}}

The median age was 29.9 years old. A total of 12.0% of the population was 65 or older, with 7.1% between the ages of 65 and 74, 3.3% between the ages of 75 and 84, and 1.6% 85 or older. A total of 25.9% of the population were foreign born, with 35.7% of those being US citizens, and 64.3% of those were not US citizens.{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/profile/Brownsville_city;_Texas?g=160XX00US4810768 |access-date=June 5, 2023 |website=data.census.gov}}

The median household income was $47,435, with families having $50,127, married couples having $59,604, and non-families had $18,322. A total of 22.0% of the population were in poverty, with 36.4% of people under 18, 21.2% of people between the ages of 18 and 64, and 28.2% of people 65 or older were in poverty.

As of the census of 2010,{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US4810768|title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (G001): Brownsville city, Texas|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder|access-date=July 8, 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213042254/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US4810768|archive-date=February 13, 2020|url-status=dead}} 175,023 people, 49,871 households, and 41,047 families were residing in the city. The population density was 1,207.1 people/sq mi (466.0/km²). The 53,936 housing units averaged 372.0/sq mi (143.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 88% White, 0.4% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 9.1% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 93.2% of the population.{{cite web |title=U.S. Census website |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-date=December 27, 1996 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961227012639/https://www.census.gov/ |url-status=live}}

Of the 38,174 households, 50.1% had children under 18 living with them, 59.3% were married couples living together, 20.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 15.7% were not families. About 13.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.7% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 3.62, and the average family size was 3.99.

In the city, the age distribution was 34.6% under 18, 11.2% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 17.2% from 45 to 64, and 9.5% who were 65 or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.5 males.

Despite a fast-growing economy, Brownsville has one of the highest poverty rates in the nation. The median income for a household in the city was $24,468, and the median income for a family was $26,186. Males had a median income of $21,739 versus $17,116 for females. The per capita income for the city is $9,762. It is frequently cited as having the highest percentage of residents in the nation below the federal poverty level. About 31.6% of families and 35.7% of the population were below the federal poverty line, including 48.4% of those under 18 and 31.5% of those 65 or over.{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|title=Selected Economic Characteristics: 2010–2014 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates|publisher=United States Census|access-date=June 13, 2016|archive-date=December 27, 1996|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961227012639/https://www.census.gov/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=In America's Poorest City, a Housing Breakthrough – CityLab|newspaper=Bloomberg.com |date=October 2014 |url=http://www.citylab.com/housing/2014/10/in-americas-poorest-city-a-housing-breakthrough/380912|access-date=May 30, 2015|archive-date=May 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516015755/http://www.citylab.com/housing/2014/10/in-americas-poorest-city-a-housing-breakthrough/380912/|url-status=live}}

Based on data collected from the United States Census Bureau's American Community Survey, the Brownsville metropolitan area ranked as the second-poorest urban area in the country, behind the McAllen metropolitan area.{{cite news |last1=Cohen |first1=Jason |title=Rio Grande Valley Tops List of "America's Poorest Cities" |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/rio-grande-valley-tops-list-of-americas-poorest-cities/ |access-date=January 3, 2019 |work=Texas Monthly |date=January 21, 2013 |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103004745/https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/rio-grande-valley-tops-list-of-americas-poorest-cities/ |url-status=live}} In 2017, the city's unemployment rate was 6.2% with 18.1% adults holding a bachelor's degree.{{cite news |last1=Stebbins |first1=Samuel |title=America's Poorest Cities |url=https://247wallst.com/special-report/2018/09/14/americas-poorest-cities-4/10/ |access-date=January 3, 2019 |publisher=24/7 Wall St. |date=September 14, 2018 |archive-date=January 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102193356/https://247wallst.com/special-report/2018/09/14/americas-poorest-cities-4/10/ |url-status=live}} It reported a 5.8% jobless rate the following year.{{cite news |last1=Kelley |first1=Rick |title=Texas sets record low jobless rate, but Valley higher |url=https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/texas-sets-record-low-jobless-rate-but-valley-higher/article_d734c1f4-d530-5461-be0a-d07262783815.html |access-date=January 3, 2019 |work=The Brownsville Herald |date=March 9, 2018 |archive-date=March 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310002117/http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/texas-sets-record-low-jobless-rate-but-valley-higher/article_d734c1f4-d530-5461-be0a-d07262783815.html |url-status=live}} Despite high unemployment rates, the urban area is also one of the fastest growing in the United States.{{cite web|url=http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/article_275baf74-4e39-59ad-9f80-038f8b1246d3.html|title=Brownsville-McAllen fastest growing cities in Texas|first=Gilberto|last=Salinas|work=The Brownsville Herald|date=July 2, 2005|access-date=June 12, 2016|archive-date=July 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718111002/https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/article_275baf74-4e39-59ad-9f80-038f8b1246d3.html|url-status=live}}

File:Brownsville-Harlingen, TX, TX, USA - panoramio (6).jpg

Brownsville's economic activity is derived from the service and manufacturing industries. Government and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley are both large contributors to the local economy. Other prominent industries in Brownsville include education and aerospace and space transportation. During the first decade of the 1900s, the city's population increased after a boom in the agriculture industry. Brownsville's subtropical climate has made it a commercial hub for the citrus industry.{{cite news |last1=Brezosky |first1=Lynn |title=Citrus greening keeps spreading in Texas |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/Citrus-greening-keeps-spreading-in-Texas-6747244.php |access-date=January 2, 2019 |work=The Houston Chronicle |date=January 8, 2016 |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417094356/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/Citrus-greening-keeps-spreading-in-Texas-6747244.php |url-status=live}}

The Port of Brownsville produces significant revenue for the city of Brownsville. The port, located {{convert|2|mi|km|abbr=on}} from the city, provides a link between the road networks of nearby Mexico and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway of Texas.{{cite web|url=http://www.portofbrownsville.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=27|title=About Us|publisher=Port of Brownsville|access-date=January 24, 2010|archive-date=March 2, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302000807/http://www.portofbrownsville.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=27|url-status=live}} The port has become an important economic hub for South Texas, where shipments arrive from other parts of the United States, Mexico, and other foreign countries.{{cite journal|last=Plume|first=Janet|title=New Route from Asia?|journal=Journal of Commerce|date=November 2004|volume=5|issue=44|page=42|url=http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=2a617b19-504c-42cf-a63b-242a51dcf2b0%40sessionmgr15&vid=6&hid=21|access-date=November 5, 2011}} The port also participates in ship recycling; it has five of the country's eight ship-recycling companies.{{cite news |last1=Goodwyn |first1=Wade |title=When The Ship Comes In To Brownsville, Rip It Up |url=https://www.npr.org/2012/07/25/156732936/when-the-ship-comes-in-to-brownsville-rip-it-up |access-date=January 2, 2019 |publisher=National Public Radio |date=July 25, 2012 |archive-date=January 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107202005/https://www.npr.org/2012/07/25/156732936/when-the-ship-comes-in-to-brownsville-rip-it-up |url-status=live}} It received a $1.8 million grant from the United States Department of Commerce to support business and infrastructure development. The grant is expected to create 700 jobs and generate $3 million in private investments.{{cite web |title=U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3 Million in Texas to Support Business and Infrastructure Development |url=https://www.eda.gov/news/press-releases/2018/09/20/tx.htm |publisher=United States Department of Commerce |access-date=January 21, 2019 |date=September 20, 2018 |archive-date=January 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111032251/https://www.eda.gov/news/press-releases/2018/09/20/tx.htm |url-status=dead}}

Brownsville's economy is based mainly on its international trade with Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Due to Matamoros' maquiladora (English: textile factory) boom, Brownsville experienced growth in the air cargo industry during the late 1980s.{{cite news |last1=Taylor |first1=Gary |title=Maquiladoras Fueling An Air Cargo Boom In Brownsville, Texas |url=https://www.joc.com/air-cargo/maquiladoras-fueling-air-cargo-boom-brownsville-texas_19881020.html |access-date=January 2, 2019 |publisher=Journal of Organic Chemistry |date=October 20, 1988 |archive-date=January 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102143231/https://www.joc.com/air-cargo/maquiladoras-fueling-air-cargo-boom-brownsville-texas_19881020.html |url-status=live}} It is home to one of the fastest-growing manufacturing sectors in the United States.{{cite web|title=About Brownsville|url=http://www1.cob.us/about_brownsville.asp|publisher=City of Brownsville: Brownsville Public Library|access-date=November 5, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425225757/http://www1.cob.us/about_brownsville.asp|archive-date=April 25, 2012}} Brownsville has been recognized as having one of the best pro-business climates in the United States,{{cite web|title=Governor's ED Team Receives Leadership Award|url=http://brownsvilleedc.businesscatalyst.com/PRESS%20Release%20-%20Leadership%20Award%202011.pdf|publisher=Brownsville's Economic Development Council|access-date=November 5, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425141331/http://brownsvilleedc.businesscatalyst.com/PRESS%20Release%20-%20Leadership%20Award%202011.pdf|archive-date=April 25, 2012}} and the city has been ranked among the least-expensive places to live in the country.{{cite news|last=Wong|first=Vanesa|title=Texas town is the cheapest place to live in US|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/43540398|access-date=November 5, 2011|agency=MSN News|date=June 27, 2011|archive-date=October 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001041808/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna43540398|url-status=dead}} President Barack Obama signed a bill in 2016 allowing for the deepening of the Brownsville Ship Channel from {{convert|42|ft|m|0|abbr=on}} to {{convert|52|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}.{{cite news |title=Obama signs bill to allow Brownsville ship channel project |url=https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/obama-signs-bill-to-allow-brownsville-ship-channel-project/article_656a08e2-c6cd-11e6-9b90-b7e961bb3708.html |access-date=January 2, 2019 |work=The Brownsville Herald |date=December 20, 2016}}{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}

The Sams Memorial Stadium is located in Brownsville. It has a capacity of 10,000 and opened in 1957. The stadium is used mostly for American football and soccer.

FC Brownsville is a soccer team that formed in 2015 and joined the National Premier Soccer League in 2018.{{citation|url=https://fcbrownsville.com/|title = FC Brownsville Website|website = fcbrownsville.com}} The club currently uses the Brownsville Sports Park for home matches. In 2023, FC Brownsville won the NPSL Lone Star Conference, defeating the Lubbock Matadors 1-0 in the conferences' championship.{{citation|url = https://www.npsl.com/playoffs-2023/#1687786167247-609dc0d1-d266|title = National Premier Soccer League Playoff Results}}

File:20170102 satellite tracking antenna 02JAN2017.png antenna (pictured) installed at SpaceX Starbase]]

Entrepreneur and innovator Elon Musk announced the construction of the SpaceX South Texas launch site (now Starbase), a spaceport for private spaceflight east of Brownsville, on the Gulf Coast, in 2014.{{cite news|last1=Foust|first1=Jeff|title=SpaceX Breaks Ground on Texas Spaceport|url=http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/41957spacex-breaks-ground-on-texas-spaceport|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140922222618/http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/41957spacex-breaks-ground-on-texas-spaceport|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 22, 2014|access-date=September 22, 2014|work=SpaceNews|date=September 22, 2014}}{{cite web|title=Brownsville area candidate for spaceport|url=http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/article_34b934d8-77ef-11e2-ac21-0019bb30f31a.html|access-date=August 29, 2017|website=brownsvilleherald.com}}{{Dead link|date=March 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} The launch facility is estimated to produce {{USD|85 million}} for the city of Brownsville and generate approximately {{USD|51 million}} in annual salaries from the roughly 500 jobs to be created (by 2024).{{cite news|last1=Jervis|first1=Rick|title=Texas border town to become next Cape Canaveral|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/10/05/spacex-brownsville-spaceport/16584729|access-date=November 17, 2014|work=USA Today|date=October 6, 2014|archive-date=October 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015084548/http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/10/05/spacex-brownsville-spaceport/16584729/|url-status=live}} The facility, itself, was projected to employ 75–100 full-time workers in its first years of operation, with up to 150 full-time employees/contractors by 2019.

{{cite report|last=Nield|first=George C.|title=Draft Environmental Impact Statement: SpaceX Texas Launch Site|volume=1|date=April 2014|url=http://1.usa.gov/YtxBzo|publisher=Federal Aviation Administration, Office of Commercial Space Transportation|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207085028/http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/environmental/nepa_docs/review/documents_progress/spacex_texas_launch_site_environmental_impact_statement/media/SpaceX_Texas_Launch_Site_Draft_EIS_V1.pdf|archive-date=December 7, 2013}} Musk further helped to fund a revitalization of downtown Brownsville, with new restaurants and bars.{{Cite news |last=Lowry |first=Willy |date=June 29, 2022 |title=On the cusp of history: a small Texas city adapts to life with Elon Musk and SpaceX |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/2022/06/29/on-the-cusp-of-history-a-small-texas-city-adapts-to-life-with-elon-musk-and-spacex/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |work=The National}}

{{as of|2014|10}}, the University of Texas at Brownsville and the Brownsville Economic Development Council (BEDC), in collaboration with SpaceX, are building radio-frequency (RF) technology facilities for STARGATE (Spacecraft Tracking and Astronomical Research into Gigahertz Astrophysical Transient Emission). The facility is intended to provide students and faculty access to radio frequency technologies used in spaceflight operations, and will include satellite and spacecraft tracking.{{cite news|last1=Clark|first1=Steve|title='STARGATE' facility may be coming to Brownsville The Monitor (Texas)|url=http://www.themonitor.com/news/local/article_38ec45de-3845-11e2-9f2c-001a4bcf6878.html|access-date=October 7, 2014|work=(Texas)|date=November 26, 2012|archive-date=October 7, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141007175613/http://www.themonitor.com/news/local/article_38ec45de-3845-11e2-9f2c-001a4bcf6878.html|url-status=live}}

SpaceX's presence caused the median price for a home in the area to spike, increasing to $239,000 in April 2022, almost $100,000 higher than three years prior.{{r|lowry20220629}} BEDC purchased five lots in Starbase, totaling {{convert|2.3|acre|abbr=on}} near the SpaceX launch site, and renamed it as the "Stargate" subdivision. The beach location will include a {{convert|12000|ft2|m2|abbr=on}} tracking center.{{cite news|last1=Perez-Treviño|first1=Emma|title=SpaceX makes more moves|url=http://www.valleymorningstar.com/premium/article_c1ae2e84-452f-11e4-b0a5-001a4bcf6878.html|access-date=September 27, 2014|work=Valley Morning Star|date=September 25, 2014|archive-date=September 27, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140927152259/http://www.valleymorningstar.com/premium/article_c1ae2e84-452f-11e4-b0a5-001a4bcf6878.html|url-status=live}} Stargate received several startup grants including {{USD|1.2 million}} from the United States Economic Development Administration.{{cite news|title=STARGATE to receive $1.2 million EDA grant|url=http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/article_c622c65a-4dd1-11e4-8768-0017a43b2370.html|access-date=October 7, 2014|work=Brownsville Herald|date=October 6, 2014|archive-date=October 7, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141007123610/http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/article_c622c65a-4dd1-11e4-8768-0017a43b2370.html|url-status=live}}

According to the BEDC,[http://www.bedc.com/community-profile/major-employers Brownsville Economic Development Council] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525235342/http://www.bedc.com/community-profile/major-employers |date=May 25, 2014}} the top employers in the city as of May 2015 were:

File:El Sal Del Rey.jpg

Brownsville has 37 parks connected by a {{convert|1,200|acre|sqmi|abbr=on|adj=on}} system of parkland and {{convert|32|mi|km|abbr=on}} of bike lanes. The city also has three gymnasiums, two public pools, and 55 athletic fields.{{cite web |title=Parks & Recreation |url=https://www.cob.us/308/Parks-Recreation |website=www.cob.us |access-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105201033/https://www.cob.us/308/Parks-Recreation |url-status=live}}

Brownsville's proximity to the coast has allowed the city to register several locations under the list of protected areas of the United States. Resaca de la Palma State Park is one of six nature preserves (and three state parks) that are part of the World Birding Center.{{cite web |title=Natures Adventures in Texas |url=http://www.theworldbirdingcenter.com/ |website=World Birding Center |access-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-date=January 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115200857/http://www.theworldbirdingcenter.com/ |url-status=live}} It is also the largest nature preserve of the park system, with approximately {{convert|1,200|acre|ha|abbr=on}} of native semitropical brushland.{{Cite web|url=http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/resaca-de-la-palma|title=Resaca de la Palma State Park — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department|website=tpwd.texas.gov|access-date=July 9, 2017|archive-date=July 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715160808/http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/resaca-de-la-palma|url-status=live}} The area was part of the Battle of Resaca de la Palma. The National Park Service lists the site of the Battle of Palo Alto as a National Historic Park. The agency purchased {{convert|300|acre|ha|abbr=on}} of the site's land, with two-thirds belonging to private landowners.{{cite news |last1=Janiskee |first1=Bob |title=Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park Uniquely Commemorates a Mexican War Battle |url=https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2009/11/palo-alto-battlefield-national-historical-park-uniquely-commemorates-mexican-war-battle4968 |access-date=January 5, 2019 |work=National Parks Traveller |date=November 24, 2009 |archive-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105200904/https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2009/11/palo-alto-battlefield-national-historical-park-uniquely-commemorates-mexican-war-battle4968 |url-status=live}} It is native to the Prosopis glandulosa (honey mesquite) bush, Opuntia engelmannii (prickly pear), and Yucca treculeana (yucca).{{cite web |title=Inventory and Monitoring at Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park |url=https://www.nps.gov/im/guln/paal.htm |website=National Park Service |access-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105235629/https://www.nps.gov/im/guln/paal.htm |url-status=live}}

The city encompasses two national wildlife refuges. Located in northeast Cameron County, Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge protects several endangered species, including the Texas ocelot (Leopardus pardalis albescens), a rare wild cat, and the Aplomado falcon (Falco femoralis).{{cite web |title=Habitat - Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge |url=https://www.fws.gov/refuge/laguna_atascosa/wildlife_and_habitat/habitat.html |website=United States Fish and Wildlife Service |access-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105202649/https://www.fws.gov/refuge/laguna_atascosa/wildlife_and_habitat/habitat.html |url-status=live}} The refuge measures {{convert|65096|acre|km2|adj=on}}.{{cite web |url=http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/water/conservation/txgems/laguatas/index.phtml |title=Texas GEMS - Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (LANWR) |work=Texas Gulf Ecological Management Sites |publisher=Texas Parks and Wildlife Department |date=May 7, 2003 |access-date=December 29, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100125233729/http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/water/conservation/txgems/laguatas/index.phtml |archive-date=January 25, 2010 |url-status=dead}} The Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge is located in northwest Cameron County and measures {{convert|90788|acre|ha|adj=on|abbr=on}}.{{cite web |url= http://www.fws.gov/refuges/realty/archives/pdf/2010_Annual_Report_of_Lands.pdf |title= Annual Report of Lands Under Control of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |date= September 30, 2010 |work= www.fws.gov |publisher= U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |access-date= December 14, 2011 |archive-date= October 30, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111030100901/http://www.fws.gov/refuges/realty/archives/pdf/2010_Annual_Report_of_Lands.pdf |url-status= live}} The refuge contains trails that are connected to the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.{{cite web |title=Wildlife and Habitat |url=https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Lower_Rio_Grande_Valley/wildlife_habitat.html |website=United States Fish and Wildlife Service |access-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105201206/https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Lower_Rio_Grande_Valley/wildlife_habitat.html |url-status=live}} The Boca Chica State Park and Brazos Island State Park are state parks that were transferred by separate lease agreements to the Lower Rio Grande Valley refuge center in 2007.{{cite news |last1=Rozeff |first1=Norman |title=Brazos Island, its unique legacy |url=https://www.valleymorningstar.com/2017/07/09/brazos-island-its-unique-legacy-4/ |access-date=July 4, 2020 |work=Valley Morning Star |date=July 9, 2017 |archive-date=July 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706132847/https://www.valleymorningstar.com/2017/07/09/brazos-island-its-unique-legacy-4/ |url-status=live}} They measure {{convert|10680|acre|km2|adj=on}} and {{convert|217|acre|km2|adj=on}}, respectively.{{cite web |title=Boca Chica Beach |url=https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Lower_Rio_Grande_Valley/visit/boca_chica_beach.html |website=United States Fish and Wildlife Service |access-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105201223/https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Lower_Rio_Grande_Valley/visit/boca_chica_beach.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Brazos Island State Scenic Park |url=https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/gkb10 |website=Texas State Historical Association |access-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105201106/https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/gkb10 |url-status=live}} Laguna Madre is located on the eastern side of the county. It is a long, shallow, hypersaline lagoon, and is one of the most protected lagoon ecosystems in the United States.{{cite web|url=http://www.stxmaps.com/go/laguna-madre.html|title=Laguna Madre|year=2010|work=The South Texas Map|publisher=Texmaps and Carson Map Company, Inc|access-date=June 5, 2010|archive-date=July 25, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725053235/http://www.stxmaps.com/go/laguna-madre.html|url-status=live}}

Brownsville has a council–manager government. The mayor and a six-member city commission are selected in nonpartisan elections.{{cite web|title=The Brownsville City Commission|url=http://comission.cob.us|website=City of Brownsville|access-date=January 1, 2015|archive-date=January 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109084818/http://comission.cob.us/|url-status=live}} Four members are elected from geographic districts; the remaining two members are elected at-large. Since Brownsville is the county seat of Cameron County, many county offices are in Brownsville. The city's public library system has two branches.{{cite web|url=https://www.cob.us/1002/Contact-Us|title=Contact Us|publisher=Brownsville Public Library|access-date=July 2, 2019|archive-date=July 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702211621/https://www.cob.us/1002/Contact-Us|url-status=live}} The primary law enforcement agency for the city is the Brownsville Police Department. The Brownsville Fire Department has nine stations around the city; its central office is located on the eastern side of the city.{{cite web|url=http://citymanager.cob.us|title=City Manager's Office|publisher=City of Brownsville|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-date=May 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525112128/http://citymanager.cob.us/|url-status=live}}

File:TX-Brownsville 1931 Ref.jpg; it currently serves as Brownsville's City Hall]]

Most of Brownsville is represented by two county commissioners of the five-member Commissioners' Court (one member, the County Judge, represents all of Cameron County).{{cite web|url=http://www.co.cameron.tx.us/GIS/Maps/COMMISSIONER%20PCT%20MAP.pdf|title=Cameron County Commissioner Precincts Map 2019|date=January 15, 2019|publisher=Cameron County|access-date=July 2, 2019}}{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} County offices are partisan; the Democratic and Republican Parties hold primaries in March of the year that their office term expires.

The City of Brownsville falls under two Texas House of Representatives districts. Each representative has a two-year term and is elected in the same manner as other partisan elected officials. The elected representatives include, District 37: Alex Dominguez (D) (since 2019),{{cite web|url=https://house.texas.gov/members/|title=Texas House of Representatives|publisher=Texas House of Representatives|access-date=January 26, 2019|archive-date=June 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619204950/http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/|url-status=live}} and District 38: Erin Gámez (D) (since 2021).{{cite web |title=Texas House member: Rep. Gámez, Erin District 38 |url=https://house.texas.gov/members/member-page/?district=38 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625045858/http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/member-page/?district=38 |archive-date=June 25, 2016 |access-date=December 6, 2023 |publisher=Texas House of Representatives}} Brownsville is represented by Texas Senatorial District 27, the incumbent senator is Morgan LaMantia (D) (since 2023).{{cite web |title=Senator Morgan LaMantia: District 27 |url=https://senate.texas.gov/member.php?d=27 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531052427/http://www.lucio.senate.state.tx.us/ |archive-date=May 31, 2016 |access-date=December 6, 2023 |publisher=The Texas State Senate}} This city is represented by Texas's 34th congressional district. The incumbent Representative is Vicente Gonzalez (D) (since 2023).

The city holds several federal office buildings. The United States Postal Service operates post offices in Brownsville.{{cite web|url=https://tools.usps.com/go/POLocatorDetailsAction!input.action?locationTypeQ=all&address=78521&radius=20&locationType=po&locationID=1356105&locationName=BROWNSVILLE&address2=&address1=1535+E+LOS+EBANOS+BLVD&city=BROWNSVILLE&state=TX&zip5=78520&zip4=9998&tollFree=800-ASK-USPS%26reg%3B%26nbsp%3B%28800-275-8777%29&fax=956-546-4390&latitude=25.9315277&longitude=-97.498868&sWithin=20&&&&&&&&&|title=Brownsville 1535 E Los Ebanos Blvd Brownsville, TX 78520-9998|publisher=United States Postal Service|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-date=October 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001041816/https://tools.usps.com/find-location.htm|url-status=live}} Downtown Brownsville is served by the Old Federal Courthouse; it is now used as a City Hall.{{cite web|url=https://tools.usps.com/go/POLocatorDetailsAction!input.action?locationTypeQ=all&address=78521&radius=20&locationType=po&locationID=1435755&locationName=DOWNTOWN+BROWNSVILLE&address2=&address1=1001+E+ELIZABETH+ST+FL+1&city=BROWNSVILLE&state=TX&zip5=78520&zip4=9995&tollFree=800-ASK-USPS%26reg%3B%26nbsp%3B%28800-275-8777%29&fax=&latitude=25.9023512&longitude=-97.49945&sWithin=20&&&&&&&&&|title=Downtown Brownsville 1001 E Elizabeth St Fl 1 Brownsville, TX 78520-9995|publisher=United States Postal Service|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-date=October 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001041810/https://tools.usps.com/find-location.htm|url-status=live}} The National Weather Service operates an office and a Nexrad weather radar site in east Brownsville. They provide forecasts and radar coverage for Deep South Texas and the adjacent coastal waters.{{cite web|url=http://www.srh.noaa.gov/bro|title=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office: Brownsville, TX|publisher=National Weather Service|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-date=June 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619052135/http://www.srh.noaa.gov/bro/|url-status=live}} Other federal building located within the city limits of Brownsville include: Social Security Administration and the Reynaldo G. Garza – Filemon B. Vela United States Courthouse.{{cite web|title=The Reynaldo G. Garza – Filemon B. Vela United States Courthouse|url=http://www.txs.uscourts.gov/jurors/brownsville/location.htm|publisher=United States Courthouse|access-date=June 20, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927100600/http://www.txs.uscourts.gov/jurors/brownsville/location.htm|archive-date=September 27, 2012}} Military buildings and battle sites include the Brownsville Armed Forces Reserve Center (AFRC) host units from the United States Army Reserve and the Texas Army National Guard,{{cite web|url=http://www.usgbc.org/projects/brownsville-armed-forces-reserve-center|title=Brownsville Armed Forces Reserve Center|publisher=United States Green Building Council|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-date=June 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624054007/http://www.usgbc.org/projects/brownsville-armed-forces-reserve-center|url-status=live}} and the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC).{{cite web|title=Reserve Officers Training Corps|url=http://www.utb.edu/provost/odc/rotc/Pages/default.aspx|publisher=University of Texas at Brownsville|access-date=June 20, 2012|archive-date=August 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824175517/http://www.utb.edu/provost/odc/rotc/Pages/default.aspx|url-status=live}}

Brownsville Independent School District (BISD) serves most of the city. Enrollment in the 2018–2019 school year was 44,402 students,{{Cite web|url=https://rptsvr1.tea.texas.gov/cgi/sas/broker?_service=marykay&_program=adhoc.addispatch.sas&major=st&minor=e&charsln=120&linespg=60&_debug=0&endyear=19&selsumm=dd&key=brownsville+iSD&grouping=s+&format=W|title=2018-2019 Student Enrollment Report|date=March 13, 2019|website=Texas Education Agency|access-date=July 4, 2019|archive-date=August 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814085819/https://rptsvr1.tea.texas.gov/cgi/sas/broker?_service=marykay&_program=adhoc.addispatch.sas&major=st&minor=e&charsln=120&linespg=60&_debug=0&endyear=19&selsumm=dd&key=brownsville+iSD&grouping=s+&format=W|url-status=live}} 95% of whom are economically disadvantaged. Enrollment at BISD reached a high of 49,991 students in 2010–2011, and has declined an average of 1,000 students per year since 2014–2015.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bisd.us/html/01_BISD/04_FactsandStatistics.html|title=Brownsville Independent School District|website=www.bisd.us|access-date=July 5, 2019|archive-date=July 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190705032113/http://www.bisd.us/html/01_BISD/04_FactsandStatistics.html|url-status=live}} It is the 17th largest school district in Texas. There are seven high schools within the district: Homer Hanna, Gladys Porter, James Pace, Simon Rivera, Lopez, BECHS, and Veterans Memorial.{{cite web |title=Brownsville ISD District |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/texas/districts/brownsville-independent-school-district-107657 |website=U.S. News & World Report |access-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105094309/https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/texas/districts/brownsville-independent-school-district-107657 |url-status=live}}

A portion of northern Brownsville is served by the Los Fresnos Consolidated Independent School District.{{cite web |title=Attendance Zone Maps |url=https://www.lfcisd.net/district_map |website=Los Fresnos Consolidated Independent School District |access-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105201045/https://www.lfcisd.net/district_map |url-status=dead}} South Texas Independent School District, a magnet school district, operates a medical academy in northern Brownsville.{{cite news |last1=Long |first1=Gary |title=$29M medical academy to be built in Brownsville |url=https://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/local_news/m-medical-academy-to-be-built-in-brownsville/article_c4dc37e2-9ed0-11e2-b2a7-001a4bcf6878.html |access-date=January 5, 2019 |work=Valley Morning Star |date=April 6, 2013}}{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} There are several private parochial elementary and middle schools located throughout the community.{{cite news |last1=Roberts |first1=Miguel |title=Private schools show off folklorico dances at Kenmont |url=https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/private-schools-show-off-folklorico-dances-at-kenmont/article_235033f0-1735-11e8-aaf7-a389f2fb9b7a.html |access-date=January 5, 2019 |work=The Brownsville Herald |date=February 21, 2018 |archive-date=February 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221211920/http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/private-schools-show-off-folklorico-dances-at-kenmont/article_235033f0-1735-11e8-aaf7-a389f2fb9b7a.html |url-status=live}} The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brownsville operates Catholic schools in the Rio Grande Valley, including Brownsville.{{cite news |last1=Perry |first1=Daniel |title=Diocese planning third Catholic high school in Valley |url=https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/diocese-planning-third-catholic-high-school-in-valley/article_f3824c77-f69d-5ece-9217-a06e3523c287.html |access-date=January 5, 2019 |work=The Brownsville Herald |date=January 31, 2006}}{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}

File:The UT SPH Bronwsville Regional Campus.jpg

Six colleges and universities are located within the Brownsville boundaries. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, part of the University of Texas system, was founded in 2014 after the merger of the University of Texas at Brownsville and University of Texas–Pan American. It is the 10th-largest university in Texas, having 25,137 undergraduates, 3,068 graduate students, and 439 professionals enrolled in 2018.{{cite web |title=UTRGV Enrollment Profile Fall 2018 |url=https://www.utrgv.edu/sair/data-reports/fall-2018-student-profile.pdf |website=University of Texas Rio Grande Valley |access-date=January 2, 2019 |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103161218/https://www.utrgv.edu/sair/data-reports/fall-2018-student-profile.pdf |url-status=live}} In 2017, The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education ranked the university third in the country in awarding bachelor's degrees to Hispanic students.{{Cite web|url=https://www.utrgv.edu/en-us/about-utrgv/news/press-releases/2017/august-30-utrgv-ranks-third-in-the-nation-in-awarding-bachelor-s-degrees-to-hispanic-students-top-10-in-other-rankings/index.htm|title=UTRGV ranks third in the nation in awarding bachelor's degrees to Hispanic students; top 10 in other rankings|website=www.utrgv.edu|access-date=October 18, 2017|archive-date=November 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101142400/http://www.utrgv.edu/en-us/about-utrgv/news/press-releases/2017/august-30-utrgv-ranks-third-in-the-nation-in-awarding-bachelor-s-degrees-to-hispanic-students-top-10-in-other-rankings/index.htm|url-status=live}}

Texas Southmost College is a community college located near the southern border of Brownsville. As of 2018, it had a total enrollment of 7,132.{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Jesus |title=TSC sets new enrollment record for second straight year |url=https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/tsc-sets-new-enrollment-record-for-second-straight-year/article_5f7f5500-bbc1-11e8-856a-fba92cb36b59.html |access-date=January 3, 2019 |work=The Brownsville Herald |date=September 18, 2018 |archive-date=September 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919091855/https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/tsc-sets-new-enrollment-record-for-second-straight-year/article_5f7f5500-bbc1-11e8-856a-fba92cb36b59.html |url-status=live}} Students usually transfer to the neighboring University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.{{cite web|title=Texas Southmost College |url=http://www.tsc.edu/Pages/default.aspx |publisher=TSC |access-date=June 5, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120618200410/http://www.tsc.edu/Pages/default.aspx |archive-date=June 18, 2012}} The city operates three vocational schools. These include the South Texas Vocational Technical Institute,{{cite web|title=South Texas Vocational Technical Institute|url=http://www.stvt.edu/|publisher=South Texas Vocational Technical Institute|access-date=June 5, 2012|archive-date=June 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616022239/http://www.stvt.edu/|url-status=live}} Brightwood College campus (formerly known as Kaplan College),{{cite web|title=Brightwood College in Brownsville, TX|url=https://www.brightwood.edu/locations/brownsville-tx/|publisher=Brightwood College|access-date=June 12, 2016|archive-date=July 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701101959/https://www.brightwood.edu/locations/brownsville-tx/|url-status=live}} and Southern Careers Institute.{{cite web|title=Southern Careers Institute|url=http://www.scitexas.edu/locations/brownsville/|publisher=Southern Careers Institute|access-date=March 11, 2014|archive-date=March 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329062833/http://www.scitexas.edu/locations/brownsville/|url-status=live}}

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health (UTSPH), is one of five regional campuses established by the Regional Academic Health Center program in 2001; it is located on the Brownsville campus of the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. The campus offers a PhD program in epidemiology and a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in health promotion, the only program of its kind available in South Texas. The campus directs its attention to health concerns in the Rio Grande Valley, including diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. It also centers its concerns on genetics and its relationship to infectious and chronic disease.{{cite web|url=http://www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/brownsville |title=University of Texas School of Public Health–Brownsville |publisher=Sph.uth.tmc.edu |access-date=September 21, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100908041445/http://www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/brownsville |archive-date=September 8, 2010}}

Brownsville is served by Interstate 69E, sharing its alignment with U.S. Route 77. The highway connects to the cities of Kingsville and Corpus Christi. U.S. Route 77 was a proposed part of the North American Free Trade Agreement's completed Interstate 69 corridor. Other highways that serve the Brownsville area are U.S. Route 83, U.S. Route 281, SH 4 and SH 48. Interstate 169/SH 550 is a toll road that connects North Brownsville to the Port of Brownsville; it forms a loop around the outer city limits of Brownsville. An interchange in nearby Olmito carries traffic from Interstate 69E onto the highway.{{cite web |title=National Highway System: Brownsville, TX |url=https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/nhs_maps/east_texas/brownsville_tx.pdf |website=United States Department of Transportation |publisher=Federal Highway Administration |access-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-date=March 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303133535/https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/nhs_maps/east_texas/brownsville_tx.pdf |url-status=dead}}

Established in mid-Brownsville in 1978, the Brownsville Urban System (BUS), currently known as the Brownsville Metro, consists of three hubs that run 13 routes covering a large portion of Brownsville. The system provides 11 paratransit vans to disabled passengers, complying with the standards for the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is the only mass transit system in its county and one of the largest in the Rio Grande Valley.{{citation needed|date=April 2019}} Annual ridership for 2015 was 1,384,474.{{Cite web |url=http://www.governing.com/gov-data/transportation-infrastructure/public-transportation-agency-ridership-statistics-cities-metro-areas.html |title=Public Transit Agency Ridership Statistics |website=governing.com |date=March 12, 2013 |access-date=January 26, 2019 |archive-date=January 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190127035108/http://www.governing.com/gov-data/transportation-infrastructure/public-transportation-agency-ridership-statistics-cities-metro-areas.html |url-status=live}}

The Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) provides passengers with daily nonstop service to American Eagle hubs Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, United Express to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, and World Atlantic Airlines, which operates charter and on-demand flights to Miami International Airport. The airport received a $12.7 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration for the construction of a new {{convert|85,000|ft2|m2|abbr=on}} terminal facility.{{cite news |last1=Clark |first1=Steve |title=Local airport project advances |url=https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/premium/local-airport-project-advances/article_1ab128b2-3acb-11e8-b0df-3f604257b40e.html |access-date=January 3, 2019 |work=The Brownsville Herald |date=April 7, 2018}}{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} The project is expected to commence construction by late 2018.{{cite news |last1=Cuadros |first1=Alfredo |title=Brownsville-SPI Airport Terminal to Begin Construction by End of 2018 |url=https://www.kveo.com/news/local-news/brownsville-spi-airport-terminal-to-begin-construction-by-end-of-2018/1613114049 |access-date=January 3, 2019 |publisher=KVEO |date=November 22, 2018 |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103210519/https://www.kveo.com/news/local-news/brownsville-spi-airport-terminal-to-begin-construction-by-end-of-2018/1613114049 |url-status=live}}

The City of Brownsville currently has {{convert|64|mi|km|abbr=on}} of hike and bike trails and on-street bike lanes.{{Cite web|url=https://brownsville.org/play/hike-bike/|title=Hike & Bike Trails|website=Brownsville Convention & Visitors Bureau|access-date=July 2, 2019|archive-date=December 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204093001/https://brownsville.org/play/hike-bike/|url-status=live}} In 2016, a bike-share program was established in Brownsville in collaboration with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.{{cite news |last1=Garza |first1=Frank |title=Bikeshare program begins this month in Brownsville |url=https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/bikeshare-program-begins-this-month-in-brownsville/article_0e3825d4-723d-11e6-a471-f7ceea664ce6.html |access-date=January 3, 2019 |work=The Brownsville Herald |date=September 3, 2016}}{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} Six bike stations were installed. The contract was renewed with another company to provide a "dockless ride-share program" in late 2018.{{cite news |last1=Kelley |first1=Rick |title=New Valley bike-share set for November debut |url=https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/valley/new-valley-bike-share-set-for-november-debut/article_843e3228-c443-11e8-b19f-3b4f9de7dd74.html |access-date=January 3, 2019 |work=The Brownsville Herald |date=September 29, 2018 |archive-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930095111/https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/valley/new-valley-bike-share-set-for-november-debut/article_843e3228-c443-11e8-b19f-3b4f9de7dd74.html |url-status=live}}

Several attempts were made to attract a railroad, but the St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway did not reach Brownsville until 1904. In 1910, a railroad bridge was constructed between Brownsville and Matamoros (Mexico), and regular service between the two towns began. The introduction of the rail link to Brownsville opened the area for settlement by northern farmers, who subsequently arrived in the lower Rio Grande Valley in large numbers.{{cite news |last1=Onion |first1=Rebecca |title=America's Lost History of Border Violence |url=https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2016/05/texas-finally-begins-to-grapple-with-its-ugly-history-of-border-violence-against-mexican-americans.html |access-date=January 5, 2019 |work=Slate |date=May 5, 2016 |archive-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105145306/https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2016/05/texas-finally-begins-to-grapple-with-its-ugly-history-of-border-violence-against-mexican-americans.html |url-status=live}}

The new settlers cleared the land of brush, built extensive irrigation systems and roads, and introduced large-scale truck farming. In 1904, H. G. Stillwell Sr. planted the first commercial citrus orchard in the area, thus opening the way for citrus fruit culture, one of the valley's leading industries. The expansion of farming in the area, and the railroad link to the north, brought new prosperity to Brownsville and spurred a host of civic improvements.{{cite web|url=https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hdb04|title=The Handbook of Texas: Brownsville|publisher=Texas State Historical Association|access-date=May 20, 2015|archive-date=November 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112123510/https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hdb04|url-status=live}}

Brownsville was served by the Missouri Pacific Railroad night train from Houston, the Pioneer (#315/316) until 1964, and a daily train from Houston, the Valley Eagle (#321/322), until 1962.December 1960 Missouri Pacific Railroad, Tables T, 15 Today, the Brownsville and Rio Grande International Railroad (reporting mark BRG) is a terminal switching railroad headquartered in Brownsville. It operates {{convert|45|mi|abbr=on}} of line at the Port of Brownsville, and interchanges with Union Pacific Railroad and TFM. BRG traffic includes steel, agricultural products, food products, and general commodities.{{cite web|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/freight/single-view/view/omnitrax-to-manage-brownsville-rio-grande-international-railroad.html|title=About Brownsville & Rio Grande International Railway, LLC|publisher=OmniTRAX|access-date=June 12, 2016|archive-date=May 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525182549/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/freight/single-view/view/omnitrax-to-manage-brownsville-rio-grande-international-railroad.html|url-status=live}}

File:Brownsville & Matamoros Bridge office.jpg

Brownsville has three international bridges that connect to Mexico. These include the Brownsville & Matamoros International Bridge (B&M),{{cite news |last1=Espinoza |first1=J. Noel |title=Border commuters offered express option |url=https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/border-commuters-offered-express-option/article_90957219-7536-5ccb-b7a9-189dac9c908b.html |access-date=January 5, 2019 |work=The Brownsville Herald |date=April 26, 2002}}{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} Gateway International Bridge and the Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates.{{cite magazine |last1=Rhodan |first1=Maya |title=At the U.S. Border, an Invisible Wall Already Exists |url=https://time.com/5375676/us-border-gateway-bridge/ |access-date=January 5, 2019 |magazine=Time |date=August 23, 2018 |archive-date=December 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229070036/http://time.com/5375676/us-border-gateway-bridge/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web|author=Texas Department of Transportation|url=http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/projects/studies/statewide/border-crossing/veterans.html|title=Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates|access-date=May 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317073229/http://txdot.gov/inside-txdot/projects/studies/statewide/border-crossing/veterans.html|archive-date=March 17, 2015|url-status=dead}}

Electricity, water, and wastewater services in Brownsville are provided by the Brownsville Public Utilities Board. Since it is a public utility, the city commission appoints six members of the utilities board with the mayor serving as the seventh member (ex-officio).{{cite web|url=http://www.brownsville-pub.com/about-us/board-of-directors|title=Board of Directors: Brownsville Public Utilities Board|publisher=Brownsville Public Utilities Board|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-date=August 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806172229/http://www.brownsville-pub.com/about-us/board-of-directors|url-status=live}} As of 2016, it is the 68th-largest public power utility in the country by number of customers served (48,232).{{cite web|url=https://www.publicpower.org/system/files/documents/2018-Public-Power-Statistical-Report-Updated.pdf|title=Public Power 2018 Statistical Report|website=Public Power|access-date=January 3, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103210313/https://www.publicpower.org/system/files/documents/2018-Public-Power-Statistical-Report-Updated.pdf|url-status=live}} Its power generation was ranked 51st in the US with 1,638,579 megawatt-hours. Renewable resources were projected to increase with partial help from the proposed addition of a 400-megawatt Tenaska combined-cycle electric generating plant in 2015.{{cite web |title=Final Permit for PSD Greenhouse Gas Permit for Tenaska Brownsville Partners LLC |url=https://archive.epa.gov/region6/6pd/air/pd-r/ghg/web/pdf/tenaska-brownsville-finalpermit01232015.pdf |website=Environmental Protection Agency |access-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103210620/https://archive.epa.gov/region6/6pd/air/pd-r/ghg/web/pdf/tenaska-brownsville-finalpermit01232015.pdf |url-status=live}}

A series of wind turbines was also built in the northeast part of Cameron County.{{cite news |last1=Kelley |first1=Rick |title=New wind farm coming to South Texas |url=https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/premium/new-wind-farm-coming-to-south-texas/article_acf60f46-42b2-11e8-97e1-83d696960c4b.html |access-date=January 3, 2019 |work=The Brownsville Herald |date=April 17, 2018}}{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} The board operates three treatment plants in Brownsville; it also owns 92.91% of the Southmost Regional Water Authority groundwater treatment facility.{{cite web |title=Water & Wastewater |url=http://www.brownsville-pub.com/departments/water-wastewater |publisher=Brownsville Public Utilities Board |access-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103210231/http://www.brownsville-pub.com/departments/water-wastewater |url-status=live}} Several liquefied natural gas companies are currently in the process of establishing pipelines in the city. Two were denied a review of their applications after missing several deadlines.{{cite news |last1=Reagan |first1=Mark |title=LNG company permits pulled for Port of Brownsville project |url=https://www.themonitor.com/2018/08/15/lng-company-permits-pulled-for-port-of-brownsville-project/ |access-date=January 3, 2019 |work=The Monitor |date=August 15, 2018 |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103161428/https://www.themonitor.com/2018/08/15/lng-company-permits-pulled-for-port-of-brownsville-project/ |url-status=live}}

File:A portion of a colorful street mural in downtown Brownsville, Texas LCCN2014630472.tif

Brownsville is known for its strong Mexican culture. Charro Days is a two-nation fiesta celebration held in Brownsville in cooperation with Matamoros, Mexico. It is accompanied with El Grito, a joyous shout originating in Mexican culture.{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/15/el-grito_n_1885100.html|title=El Grito: What Is It And What Does It Mean?|website=The Huffington Post|date=September 15, 2012|access-date=June 17, 2016|archive-date=June 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624020359/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/15/el-grito_n_1885100.html|url-status=live}} Musicians and actors of Mexican heritage make appearances. Sombrero Festival is a continuation of Charro Days. It is a three-day event consisting of performances from tejano, corrido and other traditional Mexican artists as well as a variety of contests. In 2016, a Mexican art gallery donated a statue called Mr. Charro that was unveiled at a park.{{cite news |last1=Clark |first1=Steve |title=Mexican art gallery presents two-ton charro statue to Brownsville |url=https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/mexican-art-gallery-presents-two-ton-charro-statue-to-brownsville/article_ad15053a-f09e-11e5-b72a-9f90c28bbbea.html |access-date=January 3, 2019 |work=The Brownsville Herald |date=March 22, 2016}}{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}

File:Latin Jazz Festival.jpg

The city hosts the Latin Jazz Festival every year around early October in Downtown Brownsville. It is a three-day celebration of local Latin jazz performers, art and dance. The festival began in 1997, founded by American musician Tito Puente.{{cite news |last1=R. Garza |first1=Christina |title=Latin Jazz Festival kicks off Friday |url=https://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/local_news/latin-jazz-festival-kicks-off-friday/article_b7657a9c-4f5a-11e4-a672-001a4bcf6878.html |access-date=January 3, 2019 |work=Valley Morning Star |date=October 8, 2014}}{{Dead link|date=March 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} Brownsville has a growing number of arts galleries, including the Puente Art Studio,{{cite news |last1=Clark |first1=Steve |title=Elizabeth Street studio/gallery reopens after renovation |url=https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/business/elizabeth-street-studio-gallery-reopens-after-renovation/article_6cbd3e64-42a2-11e3-8270-001a4bcf6878.html |access-date=January 4, 2019 |work=The Brownsville Herald |date=October 31, 2013}}{{Dead link|date=March 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} the B&E Art Studio,{{cite web |last1=Reyna |first1=Nubia |title=Finding Beauty: Local artist turns discarded items into art |url=https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/finding-beauty-local-artist-turns-discarded-items-into-art/article_8cbefb42-f1ee-11e9-bb78-438d07abc963.html |website=Brownsville Herald |access-date=October 18, 2019 |archive-date=October 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020222226/https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/finding-beauty-local-artist-turns-discarded-items-into-art/article_8cbefb42-f1ee-11e9-bb78-438d07abc963.html |url-status=live}} and the Rusteberg Art Gallery.{{cite web |title=UTRGV studentexas Rio showcases thesis exhibition |url=https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/utrgv-student-showcases-thesis-exhibition/article_36dad872-5364-11ea-9e4d-33a622d49208.html?mode=image |website=Brownsville Herald}}{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} The Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts features exhibitions of Egyptian and Astronomical art.{{cite web|url=http://bmfa.us/art/exhibitions|title=Exhibitions|publisher=Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts|access-date=June 16, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624070049/http://bmfa.us/art/exhibitions/|archive-date=June 24, 2016}} It was formerly known as the Brownsville Art League, formed by a group of eight women. The museum underwent a renovation in 1960, featuring a {{convert|4,000|ft2|m2|abbr=on}} studio. In 2002, it changed its name to its current name and underwent another renovation.{{cite web|url=http://brownsville.org/members/brownsville-museum-of-fine-art/|title=Brownsville Museum of Fine Art|publisher=Brownsville Convention & Visitors Bureau|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-date=May 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511091103/http://brownsville.org/members/brownsville-museum-of-fine-art/|url-status=live}} According to the Association of Art Museum Directors, women account for 38% of leadership positions.{{cite web |title=Latest Art Museum Staff Demographic Survey Shows Number of African American Curators and Women in Leadership Roles Increased |url=https://aamd.org/for-the-media/press-release/latest-art-museum-staff-demographic-survey-shows-number-of-african |website=Association of Art Museum Directors |access-date=January 28, 2019 |archive-date=July 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714050413/https://aamd.org/for-the-media/press-release/latest-art-museum-staff-demographic-survey-shows-number-of-african |url-status=live}}

Brownsville also has several museums dedicated to historic artifacts and military equipment. The Historic Brownsville Museum opened to the public in 1986. The building was used as a Spanish Colonial Revival passenger depot and was later abandoned. It features Spanish architecture and education programs. Several renovations were made over time, including the addition of a Spanish-style fountain, a courtyard and an engine building.{{cite web|url=http://brownsville.org/members/historic-brownsville-museum/|title=Historic Brownsville Museum|publisher=Brownsville Convention & Visitors Bureau|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-date=August 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815092603/http://brownsville.org/members/historic-brownsville-museum/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mitteculturaldistrict.org/hist_hist_bm.html|title=Historic Brownsville Museum|publisher=Mitte Cultural District|access-date=June 16, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601111813/http://www.mitteculturaldistrict.org/hist_hist_bm.html|archive-date=June 1, 2016}} The Commemorative Air Force Museum houses World War II aircraft and holds tours on the early events of wars in Asia and Europe. It also documents the stories of pilots who were part of the 201st Mexican Fighter Squadron.{{cite web|url=http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/article_80efde16-2e2d-11e3-a23b-0019bb30f31a.html|title=CAF wing: Changes necessary to survive|website=Brownsvilleherald.com|access-date=August 30, 2017}}{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}

Built in 1850 by Henry Miller, the Stillman House Museum was owned by Charles Stillman and Mexican consul Manuel Pérez Treviño. It was the site of meetings with Mexican general and president Porfirio Diaz. The Stillman's great-grandson purchased the house after the previous homeowners sold it and donated it to the city after several renovations. It opened to the public in 1960. The home sustained damage from Hurricane Dolly in 2008 and reopened to the public the following year after it was restored.{{cite web|url=http://www.brownsvillehistory.org/stillman-house.html|title=Brownsville Historical Association – Stillman House|publisher=Brownsville Historical Association|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624025729/http://brownsvillehistory.org/stillman-house.html|archive-date=June 24, 2016|url-status=dead}} Costumes of the Americas Museum is an indigenous clothing museum. Inspired by Bessie Kirkland Johnson, the museum was opened in 1997 featuring clothing from indigenous people in several Mexican states and other Latin American countries.{{cite web|url=http://www.costumesoftheamericasmuseum.net/Mission___History.html|title=Mission & History|publisher=Costumes of the Americas Museum|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315122922/http://www.costumesoftheamericasmuseum.net/Mission___History.html|archive-date=March 15, 2016|url-status=dead}}

{{see also|List of newspapers in Texas|List of radio stations in Texas|List of television stations in Texas}}

The Brownsville Herald is the city's major daily newspaper. It has a circulation of 15,880 with 16,409 on Sundays.{{cite web |title=Total Circ for US Newspapers |publisher=Alliance for Audited Media |url=http://abcas3.accessabc.com/ecirc/newstitlesearchus.asp |access-date=June 9, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027085243/http://abcas3.accessabc.com/ecirc/newstitlesearchus.asp |archive-date=October 27, 2012}} Other newspapers that share content within Brownsville include The Monitor (headquartered in McAllen),{{cite news |title=[NR] AIM Media Texas, LLC acquires Texas newspapers |url=https://www.oaoa.com/news/business/article_4ad33340-79a8-5c11-b433-90d3ef2b92f6.html |access-date=January 5, 2019 |publisher=OA Online |date=May 18, 2012}}{{Dead link|date=March 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} the Valley Morning Star (headquartered in Harlingen) and The Rider,{{cite web |title=Valley Morning Star Rates |url=http://rgvnetwork.com/aim/rates/vms_rates.pdf |website=www.rgvnetwork.com |access-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105145325/http://rgvnetwork.com/aim/rates/vms_rates.pdf |url-status=dead}} the official weekly campus paper of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.{{cite web |title=The Rider Newspaper |url=https://www.utrgv.edu/studentmedia/newspaper/index.htm |website=University of Texas Rio Grande Valley |access-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105200905/https://www.utrgv.edu/studentmedia/newspaper/index.htm |url-status=live}}

FM stations include:{{cite web |title=FM Query Results – Audio Division (FCC) USA |url=https://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/fmq?call=&arn=&state=TX&city=Brownsville&freq=0.0&fre2=107.9&serv=&vac=&facid=&asrn=&class=&list=0&ThisTab=Results+to+This+Page%2FTab&dist=&dlat2=&mlat2=&slat2=&NS=N&dlon2=&mlon2=&slon2=&EW=W&size=9 |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |access-date=January 14, 2019 |archive-date=January 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114161630/https://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/fmq?call=&arn=&state=TX&city=Brownsville&freq=0.0&fre2=107.9&serv=&vac=&facid=&asrn=&class=&list=0&ThisTab=Results+to+This+Page%2FTab&dist=&dlat2=&mlat2=&slat2=&NS=N&dlon2=&mlon2=&slon2=&EW=W&size=9 |url-status=live}}

• KBNR (88.3) – Spanish-language Christian
• KJJF/KHID (88.9) – Relevant Radio
• XHMLS (91.3) – Latin pop
• KESO (92.7) – Classic Hits (70s/80s Hits)
• XHAAA (93.1) – Regional Mexican
• XHO-FM (93.5) – News/talk
• KFRQ (94.5) – Classic Rock
• KVMV (96.9) – Contemporary Christian
• XEEW-FM (97.7) – Latin pop
• KKPS (99.5) – Hot AC
• KTEX (100.3) – Country
• KNVO (101.1) – Spanish Adult Hits
• KBUC (102.1) – Tejano
• KBFM (104.1) – Rhythmic Top 40
• KJAV (104.9) – Adult Contemporary/Spanish AC Hits
• KXIQ-LP (105.1){{cite news |last1=Clark |first1=Steve |title=City receives first low-power FM music station |url=https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/city-receives-first-low-power-fm-music-station/article_a170a45c-69cc-11e7-b169-ef24ce92d512.html |access-date=January 3, 2019 |work=The Brownsville Herald |date=July 15, 2017}}{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}
• KRIX (105.5) – Classic Rock
• XHNA (105.9) – Regional Mexican
• KHKZ (106.3) – Hot AC
• KVLY (107.9) – AC

AM stations include:{{cite web |title=AM Query Results – Audio Division (FCC) USA |url=https://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/amq?call=&arn=&state=TX&city=Brownsville&freq=530&fre2=1700&type=0&facid=&class=&list=1&ThisTab=Results+to+This+Page%2FTab&dist=&dlat2=&mlat2=&slat2=&NS=N&dlon2=&mlon2=&slon2=&EW=W&size=9 |website=Federal Communications Commission |access-date=January 14, 2019}}

• KURV (710) – News/Talk
• KVNS (1700) – Sports Talk

Brownsville has three licensed broadcast full power television stations:{{cite web |title=Digital TV Market Listing for KVEO |url=https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KVEO#station |website=rabbitears.info |access-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105145343/https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KVEO#station |url-status=live}}

• KVEO-TV (Channel 23; DT 24) – NBC affiliate
• 23.2 CBS affiliateCBS 4 changing over-the-air signal to 23.2 midnight tonight https://www.kveo.com/news/cbs-4-changing-over-the-air-signal-to-23-2-midnight-tonight/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128151047/https://www.kveo.com/news/cbs-4-changing-over-the-air-signal-to-23-2-midnight-tonight/ |date=January 28, 2020}}
• KNWS-LD (Channel 64; DT 27) – Azteca America affiliate
• 67.2 CW affiliate
• KXFX-CD (Channel 67; DT 20) – Fox affiliate

{{div col|colwidth=28em}}

• James Carlos Blake, novelist, received his elementary education at Saint Joseph AcademyMcMillan, Maura. "A Tribe of One," Firsts: the Book Collector's Magazine, May 2001.
• Shelbie Bruce, actress{{Cite book|title=Hispanic heritage awards|publisher=Hispanic Heritage Foundation|year=2006|pages=1971}}
• José Tomás Canales, lawyer, writer, politician'Judge J. T. Canales Dies at Brownsville,' Del Rio Herald New, April 1, 1975, pg. 16
• Oscar Casares, author and professor the University of Texas at Austin; published two books about Brownsville, including Amigoland (2009){{cite news | url=http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/died-129888-superintendent-honored.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120723222935/http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/died-129888-superintendent-honored.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=July 23, 2012 | title=Distinguished alumni announced | date=August 11, 2011 | newspaper=The Brownsville Herald}}
• Osvaldo de León, actor and model{{cite web | last=Cisneros | first=Luis | title=Galán de Televisa exhibe su tóxica relación, este capricho le cumple a su mujer | website=La Verdad Noticias | date=June 9, 2023 | url=https://laverdadnoticias.com/espectaculos/Galan-de-Televisa-exhibe-su-toxica-relacion-este-capricho-le-cumple-a-su-mujer-20230609-0028.html | language=es | access-date=November 4, 2024}}
• Buddy Garcia, 2012 member of the Texas Railroad Commission{{cite news |title=Railroad Commissioners welcome new RRC Commissioner Buddy Garcia |url=http://www.epbusinessjournal.com/2012/04/railroad-commissioners-welcome-new-rrc-commissioner-buddy-garcia/ |access-date=January 3, 2019 |work=Eagle Pass Business Journal |date=April 18, 2012 |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103210525/http://www.epbusinessjournal.com/2012/04/railroad-commissioners-welcome-new-rrc-commissioner-buddy-garcia/ |url-status=live}}
• Reynaldo G. Garza (1915–2004), Judge appointed to the United States District Court in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, and to the United States Court of Appeals by President Jimmy Carter in 1978{{cite web |title=Senate Resolution No. 217: In Memory of Reynaldo Guerra Garza |url=https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/79R/billtext/html/SR00217F.htm |website=capitol.texas.gov |access-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103210541/https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/79R/billtext/html/SR00217F.htm |url-status=live}}
• Tony Garza, former United States Ambassador to Mexico{{cite news |last1=Perez-Treviño |first1=Emma |title=Tony Garza retains deep emotional ties to Brownsville |url=https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/tony-garza-retains-deep-emotional-ties-to-brownsville/article_e8ab834a-07dc-534e-a0b3-dff5feea7f0d.html |access-date=January 3, 2019 |work=The Brownsville Herald |date=July 18, 2009}}{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}
• Gilberto Hinojosa, county judge of Cameron County from 1995 to 2007; Texas Democratic Party chairman since 2012{{cite web |title=Gilberto Hinojosa |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/author/gilberto-hinojosa |website=The Huffington Post |access-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001041957/https://www.huffpost.com/author/gilberto-hinojosa |url-status=live}}
• Mifflin Kenedy (1818–1895), South Texas rancher and steamboat businessman{{cite news |last1=Moulton |first1=Candy |title=Texas Captains of Cotton and Cattle |url=https://truewestmagazine.com/texas-captains-cotton-cattle/ |access-date=January 3, 2019 |work=True West Magazine |date=June 6, 2017 |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103210423/https://truewestmagazine.com/texas-captains-cotton-cattle/ |url-status=live}}
• Pierre Yves Kéralum (1817–1872), priest and architect who designed the Immaculate Conception Cathedral{{cite web |website=Oblates of Mary Immaculate |title=Brownsville, Texas, United States, (1849-present) |url=https://www.omiworld.org/lemma/brownsville-texas-united-states-1849-present/ |access-date=February 3, 2019 |archive-date=February 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204122351/https://www.omiworld.org/lemma/brownsville-texas-united-states-1849-present/ |url-status=live}}
• Bernard L. Kowalski (1929–2007), film and television director{{cite journal |url=https://variety.com/2007/scene/news/bernard-l-kowalski-78-director-1117976166/ |title=Bernard L. Kowalski, 78, director |journal=Variety |date=November 16, 2007 |issn=0042-2738 |access-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-date=October 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017001859/https://variety.com/2007/scene/news/bernard-l-kowalski-78-director-1117976166/ |url-status=live}}
• Kris Kristofferson, country singer, songwriter and actor, 2004 Country Music Hall of Fame Inductee{{cite web|title=Kris Kristofferson Hall of Fame Induction|url=http://countrymusichalloffame.org/full-list-of-inductees/view/kris-kristofferson|publisher=Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum|access-date=June 21, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120518224855/http://countrymusichalloffame.org/full-list-of-inductees/view/kris-kristofferson|archive-date=May 18, 2012}}
• Eddie Lucio III, member of the Texas House of Representatives{{cite web |title=State Rep. Eddie Lucio III |url=https://www.texastribune.org/directory/eddie-lucio-iii/#ui-tabs-1 |website=The Texas Tribune |access-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-date=December 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213020332/https://www.texastribune.org/directory/eddie-lucio-iii#ui-tabs-1 |url-status=live}}
• Eddie Lucio Jr., member of the Texas State Senate{{cite web |title=State Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. |url=https://www.texastribune.org/directory/eddie-lucio-jr/ |website=The Texas Tribune |access-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103161248/https://www.texastribune.org/directory/eddie-lucio-jr/ |url-status=live}}
• Bianca Marroquín, theater and television actress{{cite news|title=Dancer with Brownsville ties now starring in musicals|url=http://old.brownsvilleherald.com/ts_comments.php?id=52481_0_10_0_C|access-date=March 24, 2012|newspaper=The Brownsville Herald|date=July 31, 2003|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713024607/http://old.brownsvilleherald.com/ts_comments.php?id=52481_0_10_0_C|archive-date=July 13, 2012|url-status=dead}}
• Dolissa Medina, Chicana filmmaker, writer, and multimedia artist{{Cite web |title=Episodes |url=https://jotxsyrecuerdos.home.blog/episodes/ |website=Jotxs y Recuerdos|date=August 19, 2018}}
• Grace Napolitano, United States Representative for California's 32nd congressional district{{cite web |title=Rep. Grace Flores Napolitano |date=November 28, 2017 |url=https://chci.org/staff-member/rep-grace-flores-napolitano/ |publisher=Congressional Hispanic Caucus Initiative |access-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103210605/https://chci.org/staff-member/rep-grace-flores-napolitano/ |url-status=live}}
• Jose Rolando Olvera Jr., United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas appointed by U.S. President Barack Obama in 2015{{Cite news|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2014/09/18/president-obama-nominates-seven-serve-united-states-district-courts|title=President Obama Nominates Seven to Serve on the United States District Courts|date=September 18, 2014|work=White House|access-date=May 4, 2017|archive-date=January 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170117224918/https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/09/18/president-obama-nominates-seven-serve-united-states-district-courts|url-status=live}}
• Américo Paredes (1915–1999), author of George Washington Gómez{{cite web|url=http://www.lib.utexas.edu/benson/paredes/biography.html|title=Américo Paredes: Biography|publisher=Lib.utexas.edu|date=September 3, 1915|access-date=September 21, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925081104/http://www.lib.utexas.edu/benson/paredes/biography.html|archive-date=September 25, 2013}}
• Rudy Ruiz, author, entrepreneur and advocate; attended Saint Joseph Academy{{cite news|url=http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/slice_of_life/article_62ed6d92-71fd-11e4-97b6-cb2a44fae4ee.html|title=Author to Watch: Rudy Ruiz|last=Brito|first=Victoria|date=November 21, 2014|newspaper=Valley Morning Star|access-date=June 11, 2016}}{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}
• Efren Saldivar, nurse and convicted serial killer{{Cite web |url=https://www.oxygen.com/license-to-kill/crime-time/efren-saldivar-respiratory-therapist-magic-syringe-murders |title=Respiratory Therapist 'Lost Count' of Victims After Killing 60 Patients with 'Magic Syringe' |date=August 7, 2019 |access-date=June 22, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202742/https://www.oxygen.com/license-to-kill/crime-time/efren-saldivar-respiratory-therapist-magic-syringe-murders |url-status=live}}
• Ramón Saldívar, scholar of Chicano literature and culture, awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama in 2011; professor at Stanford University{{cite web |title=Ramón Saldívar |url=https://www.neh.gov/about/awards/national-humanities-medals/ram%C3%B3n-sald%C3%ADvar |publisher=National Endowment for the Humanities |access-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-date=December 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222110325/https://www.neh.gov/about/awards/national-humanities-medals/ram%C3%B3n-sald%C3%ADvar |url-status=live}}
• Julian Schnabel, neo-expressionism painter and Academy Award-nominated, Golden Globe winner and director of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly{{cite news|title=The double life of Julian: how the bad boy painter turned fêted director|newspaper=The Independent|date=May 29, 2007|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/film-and-tv/features/the-double-life-of-julian-how-the-bad-boy-painter-turned-fecircted-director-450802.html|access-date=February 5, 2008|location=London, UK|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080701230449/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/film-and-tv/features/the-double-life-of-julian-how-the-bad-boy-painter-turned-fecircted-director-450802.html|archive-date=July 1, 2008}}
• Bruce Sterling, author of the Mirrorshades anthology and one of the pioneers of the cyberpunk genre{{cite web |last1=Shea |first1=Mike |title=Bruce Sterling |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/bruce-sterling/ |website=Texas Monthly |access-date=January 3, 2019 |date=February 2008 |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103210540/https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/bruce-sterling/ |url-status=live}}
• Emeraude Toubia, actress (Shadowhunters){{cite web|url=http://www.themonitor.com/brownsville-native-on-television-tonight/article_0fda8846-1287-5349-9a97-42cbceed943c.html|title=Brownsville native on television tonight|work=The Monitor|date=May 16, 2008|access-date=June 7, 2015|archive-date=September 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922112917/https://www.themonitor.com/brownsville-native-on-television-tonight/article_0fda8846-1287-5349-9a97-42cbceed943c.html|url-status=live}}
• Benjamin D. Wood (1894–1986), one of the pioneers of learning technologies and automated testing methods{{cite book |last=Baker |first=R. Scott |title=Paradoxes of Desegregation |year=2006 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MzYAF_GzaXsC&pg=PA48 |publisher=Univ of South Carolina Press |isbn=978-1-57003-632-3 |page=48}}
• Jaime Zapata (1979–2011), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent who was ambushed, shot, and killed by Los Zetas in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.{{cite news|title=6 Zetas arrested in death of agent|url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/mexico/article/6-Zetas-arrested-in-death-of-agent-1028116.php|newspaper=San Antonio News|date=February 24, 2011|access-date=September 9, 2011|archive-date=October 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015140359/http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/mexico/article/6-Zetas-arrested-in-death-of-agent-1028116.php|url-status=live}} He was returning from a meeting in Mexico City; Victor Avila, another agent who accompanied him, was wounded in the same incident{{cite news|title=Jaime Zapata, U.S. Immigration And Customs Enforcement Agent, Killed In Mexico|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/16/jamie-zapata-killed-mexico-us-immigration_n_824084.html|newspaper=The Huffington Post|date=February 16, 2011|access-date=February 20, 2020|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304065808/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/16/jamie-zapata-killed-mexico-us-immigration_n_824084.html|url-status=live}}

{{div col end}}

• {{flagdeco|MEX}} Heroica Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico{{cite news |last1=Gray |first1=Anthony |title=Oct/18 Matamoros Officially a sister city |url=https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/oct-matamoros-offically-a-sister-city/article_26d69a12-0a39-579d-8645-1e1083468ce5.html |access-date=January 3, 2019 |work=The Brownsville Herald |date=October 18, 1995}}{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}

{{Portal|Texas}}

• José de Escandón y Helguera, 1st Count of Sierra Gorda
• List of museums in the Texas Gulf Coast
• Nuevo Santander
• Timeline of Brownsville, Texas#Bibliography
• Virreinato de Nueva España

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category|Brownsville, Texas}}

{{EB1911 poster|Brownsville}}

{{wikivoyage|Brownsville (Texas)}}

• {{Official website|http://www.cob.us/}}
• [http://brownsville.org/ Brownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525232614/http://brownsville.org/ |date=May 25, 2015 }}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20150516131100/http://brownsvillechamber.com/ Brownsville Chamber of Commerce]
• [http://www.bpl.us/ Brownsville Public Library System] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504002645/http://www.bpl.us/ |date=May 4, 2012}}
• [https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hdb04 Brownsville, Texas in The Handbook of Texas Online]
• [https://www.weather.gov/bro/ National Weather Service - Brownsville]

{{Brownsville, Texas}}

{{Cameron County, Texas}}

{{Texas county seats}}

{{Texas}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1845 establishments in the Republic of Texas

Category:Cities in Cameron County, Texas

Category:Cities in Texas

Category:County seats in Texas

Category:Mexico–United States border crossings

Category:Populated coastal places in Texas

Category:Populated places established in 1845

Category:Lower Rio Grande Valley

Category:Texas populated places on the Rio Grande

Category:Hispanic and Latino American culture in Texas