Frank Rabb
Historical marker location:FRANK RABB
FRANK RABB (1866-1932) WAS BORN IN CORPUS CHRISTI TO TEXAS RANCHING PIONEERS JOHN AND MARTHA RABB. AFTER MARRYING LILLIAN STARCK, GRANDDAUGHTER OF RANCHING NEIGHBOR MIFFLIN KENEDY, FRANK AND LILLIAN SETTLED AT SAN TOMAS ON 20,000 ACRES. EXCEPT FOR A FEW SMALL PLOTS, AGRICULTURE IN THE AREA WAS SCARCE UNTIL THE LATE 19TH CENTURY WHEN THE INTRODUCTION OF STEAM PUMPS AND IRRIGATION SYSTEMS OFFSET THE HARSH CLIMATE. RABB WORKED TO DEVELOP ONE OF THE FIRST IRRIGATION SYSTEMS IN THE AREA THAT ALLOWED FOR PROPERTY TO BE FARMED AND IRRIGATED IN AREAS AWAY FROM IMMEDIATE RIVER BANKS. RABB WAS ALSO A CHARTER MEMBER OF THE CHATFIELD IRRIGATION CO., AN EARLY ATTEMPT AT WIDE-SPREAD IRRIGATION. IN ADDITION, RABB AND OTHER GROWERS LOBBIED VIGOROUSLY TO HAVE RAIL LINES EXTENDED TO THEIR REGION TO TRANSPORT GOODS AND EXPORT PRODUCE. BY 1904, WITH THE COMING OF THE RAILROAD, IRRIGATION CANALS AND FARMLAND SALES BECAME A MAJOR ENTERPRISE.
IN ADDITION TO AGRICULTURE, RABB ALSO BECAME A LEADER IN THE SOUTH TEXAS PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRAT MACHINE AND WAS INVOLVED IN THE TURBULENT MEXICAN REVOLUTION. FOLLOWING THE HEATED ELECTION OF 1914, RABB LEFT POLITICS AND RETURNED TO RANCHING, FARMING AND REAL ESTATE INTERESTS. IN 1917, RABB OFFERED A 200-ACRE SABAL PALM GROVE TO THE U.S. GOVERNMENT TO ESTABLISH A NATIONAL PARK. IT WOULD TAKE ALMOST 60 YEARS BEFORE HIS VISION TO PRESERVE THIS UNIQUE NATURAL HERITAGE OF THE RIO GRANDE DELTA CAME TO FRUITION. FRANK RABB WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN INITIATING A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE THAT MADE LARGE-SCALE AGRICULTURE IN THIS REGION POSSIBLE. HE IS REMEMBERED FOR HIS INVOLVEMENT IN CONFLICTS AND POLITICS OF THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY IN SOUTH TEXAS AND IN MEXICO
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
Students in Texas know the Alamo, but not the Alamo in American history. It's all about the Alamo as a place of Texas history
In the early 18th century, the Spanish established a presence in the area through the construction of missions and the establishment of ranches. This period saw the growth of agriculture and the introduction of Catholicism to the local population. However, these Spanish settlements faced numerous challenges, including conflicts with Native Americans and French incursions from Louisiana.
In the early 19th century, the area became part of Mexico after gaining independence from Spain. This period was marked by political instability, as Mexico went through numerous changes in leadership. In 1845, the region became part of the newly annexed state of Texas and experienced a surge in population as American settlers arrived. The county was officially named Cameron in 1848 after Ewen Cameron, an early settler and landowner.
The 20th century brought significant economic growth to Cameron County through the development of agriculture, oil, and tourism. The county became an important agricultural center, with cotton, vegetables, and citrus fruits being major crops. The discovery of oil in the nearby Gulf of Mexico also brought economic prosperity, leading to the establishment of a major oil industry in the region. Additionally, the county's beautiful beaches and warm climate attracted tourists, leading to the growth of the tourism industry.
Today, Cameron County continues to be an important agricultural and industrial region in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and remains a popular tourist destination, with its stunning beaches, historical sites, and natural beauty attracting visitors from around the world. The county's rich history is celebrated through various museums, festivals, and cultural events, showcasing the colorful past that has shaped Cameron County into what it is today.
Cameron County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Cameron County, Texas.
- 1848: Cameron County is established as one of the original counties of Texas.
- 1850: The first federal census is conducted in Cameron County, recording a population of 285 residents.
- 1866: The first wooden courthouse is built in Brownsville, the county seat of Cameron County.
- 1875: The Rio Grande Railroad reaches Brownsville, boosting economic growth in the county.
- 1893: The current Cameron County Courthouse is completed in Brownsville.
- 1909: The first automobile bridge across the Rio Grande River is built, connecting Brownsville with Matamoros, Mexico.
- 1925: The Port of Brownsville is established, becoming a major hub for trade and commerce.
- 1933: The construction of the Brownsville Ship Channel begins, further enhancing the county's maritime capabilities.
- 1967: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (formerly known as Pan American University) is established.
- 2017: Cameron County experiences significant damage from Hurricane Harvey, leading to large-scale recovery efforts.