Brown Plaza
Inscription
First Plaza established in Del Rio--a city built one site of a Pre-Colombian Indian Village. Abundant water, which attracted the Indians, also drew to this spot the earliest Europeans to visit Texas, including Cabeza De Vaca (1535) and Castano de Sosa (1590). The permanent community of San Felipe Del Rio was founded after frontier protection was assured in 1860s.
The San Felipe Agricultural, Manufacturing & Irrigation Company (Organizsed Oct. 8, 1869) promoted settlement by giving land along San Felipe Creek as wages to its employees. Railroad lines reached Del Rio in 1884, furthering growth. Brown Plaza, dedicated on Cinco De Mayo, 1908, was gathering place for the community.
A bandstand (or Kiosko) was built by the people. Musical concerts delighted audiences and performers. The Plaza was scene of political and social gatherings. Formal promenades became a custom. Travelers rested here and cooked thier food over charcoal fires. George Washington Brown (1836-1918), donor of the Plaza, was born in North Carolina, migrating West in his youth.
He served his adopted state for 43 years in offices of county clerk and district clerk. The Plaza was restored in 1969. (1970)
Location
Sources
More markers in Val Verde
Camp Hudson, C.S.A.
Del Rio, TX
When U. S. troops were surrendered at outbreak of Civil War, camp became Confederate frontier outpost 1861-1862 to guard military road,...
Canal System of Del Rio
Del Rio, TX
Crude irrigation systems, drawing water from San Felipe Springs and Creek, were first devised by Indian and Spanish inhabitants of this...
Hood's Devils River Fight
Juno, TX
Hood's Devils River Fight The men of Company G, a small unit of the U.S. 2nd Cavalry, left Fort Mason on July 5, 1857, under the command...
Old Perry Building
Del Rio, TX
Erected 1871, before Del Rio was founded, by John Perry, as General Store.
Roy Bean C. S. A.
Del Rio, TX
Born in Kentucky. A trader in Mexico, 1848.