Historical
Data on Buildings, Dwellings and Other Structures of
Fort Ringgold, Rio Grande City, Roma, and Surrounding Areas
Established
October 26, 1848, at Davis Landing by Capt. J.H. La Motte, 1st U.S.
Infantry,
as Ringgold Barracks. Named in honor of Brevet Major David Ringgold,
4th U.S.
Artillery, who died of wounds received at Palo Alto, May 8, 1846.
Troops were
withdrawn March 3, 1859. Reoccupied December 29, 1859. Abandoned in
1861.
Reoccupied by U.S. troops in June 1865. General Robert E. Lee passed a
few days
here in 1856 and in 1860.
Rio Grande City, C.S.A. (Civil War) - Rio Grande City
Occupied early in Civil War by Texas Confederates
under Col. John S.
Ford.
Vital in chain of posts used to defend the 2,000 mile Texas frontier,
coastline
and border always threatened by attacks from Indians, bandits and
Federal
troops. Cols. Ford, August Buchel and Santos Benavides had troops here
from
time to time to scout the river, defend ranches and guard wagons
trading cotton
for war supplies in neutral Mexico. Taken in November 1863 by 1st Texas
Union
Cavalry. Retaken May 1864 by Ford and used as base to recapture
Brownsville.
An official Confederate port of entry, customhouse and major terminus of the cotton road to Mexico. Cotton was the one great money crop of the South that could be sold to hungry European mills for cash for necessary arms, munitions, drugs that had to come from Europe. International ports on the Rio Grande were the South's frail lifelines, its last resource in a war with an industrialized North that manufactured for its self what the South had to import. Cotton arrived at this booming border town on wagons and oxcarts after a hot and dusty trip. It was then ferried across the river and delivered to the neutral ships anchored in the Gulf. Teamsters loaded vital leather goods, clothing, blankets, guns, ammunition and medical supplies for the return trip. Troops from nearby Fort Ringgold guarded the wagon trains and town from bandit raids. In November 1863 Federal forces captured Brownsville and the 1st Texas Union Cavalry advanced up river, captured and occupied this town, seizing the cotton awaiting entry. Rio Grande City was reoccupied in May 1864 and used as a supply and reserve base for the recapture of Brownsville. There was constant danger here from raids by Mexican guerrillas paid by enemy agents to make trouble in Texas. Draft evaders, Union sympathizers and those wanting to avoid conflicts of war tried to cross the river here. In an arrangement with Mexican officials, Confederates both required and checked passports to curb desertions and smuggling.
Fort Ringgold Historical District
On a relatively flat plain about a quarter mile southeast of the central business district of Rio Grande City, the Fort Ringgold Historic District embraces much of the original Fort Ringgold, a military compound begun in 1848 and continued until 1944 when the U.S. Army decommissioned it. Four years later, the Rio Grande City Independent School District purchased the fort and converted it into a educational complex. The Army built all of the historic buildings in the district and used them for a variety of military functions and activities. The most distinctive visual feature is the parade ground, the focal point of the military compound. The parade ground remains open and virtually undeveloped, contributing greatly to the district's overall historic character. Almost all of the notable military buildings (barracks, officers' quarters and quartermaster's warehouses) still stand and retain their historic integrity,, despite conversion into classrooms and other educational uses. The buildings are one or two stories in height and utilize brick load bearing construction, most face the parade ground have 1-story arcades, remotely suggestive of Mediterranean architectural influences. The district remains in good condition, although alterations since the school district purchased the fort affected the integrity of many properties. Almost half of the 28 Noncontributing properties are severely altered historic buildings. The district, which includes approximately 75 acres, has 41 Contributing properties (34 buildings, four sites, two objects, and one structure.) One property, Map No. 120, is a discontiguous element.
The terrain in the district is mostly flat, although the southern portion of the district varies with two small but notable hills. No waterways flow through the district but the Rio Grande is just beyond the south boundary and an arroyo that drains into the Rio Grande is near the west boundary. The Fort Ringgold Historic District includes much of a former military post that the Rio Grande City Consolidated Independent School District now owns and uses primarily for educational purposes. The district lies in the eastern part of Rio Grande City, just south of U.S. Highway 83. Virtually all of the buildings face northeast, northwest, southwest or southeast but for the purposes of this submission, cardinal directions will be used. The accompanying historic district map shows accurate building orientations (see 7-8).
Fort Ringgold Historic District includes a cohesive grouping of historic buildings, objects, and sites that the United States Army erected and used over a 96-year period (Photographs 1 through 4). Buildings are the most predominant resource type in the district, as they were involved in the day-to-day operations of the fort and, for the most part, they are grouped around the parade ground, the centerpiece of the district. Other historic resources the flag pole, swimming pool, roads, and free standing concrete piers that encircle many of the open spaces -- are less prominent but significant elements of the district's general character.
All of the buildings are one or two stories, and the vast majority have load bearing masonry construction with brick or stucco exteriors painted beige. The frame buildings have unpainted metal or wood siding. In general, the buildings lack stylistic ornamentation because of their utilitarian functions. However, many of the barracks north of the parade ground have ogee-arched or stepped reliefs in the brickwork of the gable ends and, along with the hospital (Map No. 11, Photographs 2 and 5), bakery (Map No. 19) and guardhouse (Map No. 21, Photograph 4), have round-arched arcades across the facades that exhibit a high degree of craftsmanship and also reflect the rich masonry traditions of the Lower Rio Grande region. Nearby Rio Grande City, for example, has several outstanding examples of exceptional masonry craftsmanship and design, such as the Silverio de la Pena Drugstore and Post Office (National Register 1980).
With few exceptions, the buildings are detached and freestanding. Covered walkways, constructed after the fort's conversion into a school, adjoin most buildings on the parade ground's north. The hospital (Map No. 11) at the west end of the parade ground has porch extensions that reach ancillary buildings to the rear (west) of the hospital. A small group of buildings at the south end of the district once were independent of one another, but renovation and expansion efforts in the 1970s and 1980s resulted in their grouping into a single building (now Map No. 36).
Several important infrastructure features add to the district's overall sense of cohesiveness. Roads obviously control and direct the flow of vehicular traffic and help define the parade ground, jumping ring and other open spaces within the district. Concrete curbs and small, freestanding piers line the sides of the roads further distinguishing and separating open spaces. The road network begins at the main entrance near the northwest corner of the fort. After passing a small sentry house (Map No. 18), the asphalt-paved road continues in a southeasterly direction until it reaches the parade ground. At that point, the road extends around the rectangular-shaped parade ground, and on the north, east, and south sides of this large open space, it separates the buildings from the parade ground. The palm trees lining this roadway are a distinctive form of vegetation in the district. On the west side, the road is behind the hospital and its related buildings. Another road extends in back of buildings that front onto the south and east sides of the parade ground. Still another extension encircles the jumping ring on the east side of the district, and a branch continues to the southeast toward a water treatment plant. Roads in the south part of the district, in contrast, are not defined by concrete curbs, most likely because many of the buildings in this area serve less formal functions such as storage, repair and supply purposes. Easy vehicular access to garages, warehouses, laundries and other buildings in the south part of the fort was more practical here than the rigid, ceremonious appearance seen around the parade ground.
Another important feature is the metal flag pole at the east end of the parade ground. This object is not only the tallest feature in the district but also is the symbolic focal point of the entire complex. Metal guy wires anchored into the ground support its two-part metal construction.
The district encompasses much of Fort Ringgold; however, two primary periods of development reveal much about the military post's history and physical evolution. The original fort was in the south part of the district, centered around the two hills overlooking the Rio Grande and surrounding countryside and providing crucial vantage points for military purposes. The earliest buildings were 1-story, whitewashed, frame buildings, according to early accounts of the post (Viele 1968). The only extant building from this phase of the fort's historical development is the Commandant's Quarters (Map No. 25, Photograph 6), known locally as the Lee House, in honor of Robert E. Lee who came to the fort on two confirmed occasions. The building is atop the crest of the easternmost hill, where it anchored the north end of the drill ground that extended south toward the Rio Grande (Figure 1). Other buildings, such as officer's quarters and barracks, were constructed in rows that defined the east and west sides of the drill ground, which extended toward a steamboat landing on the Rio Grande. Support buildings, such as stables, kitchens and storehouses, were behind the officer's quarters and barracks. The hospital was to the east, just beyond a small arroyo. Except for frontage on the Rio Grande, a fence surrounded the entire fort.
Following the U.S. Army's decision to upgrade and expand Fort Ringgold in 1869, an entirely new post (Figure 2) was laid out immediately north of the garrison. The Army abandoned the east-weal orientation of the buildings at the original fort in favor of a north-south orientation while the parade ground remained the centerpiece of the post. The new permanent buildings utilized brick construction and included four company barracks, five officers' quarter, a hospital, a bakery, a guardhouse, and an adjutants' office (where Map No. 22 is now).
Barracks for the cavalry (Map Nos. 14 and 17, Photograph 7) are behind and at right angles to those that housed the infantry (Map No. 15 and 16, Photograph 3), which face south and front onto the parade ground. All of the barracks are virtually identical: two stories in height, U- shaped plans, 135 feet long and 40 feet wide with 1-story, round arched, verandas across the front and rear elevations. An 1875 report on the barracks described these verandas as having "Moorish arches," and subsequent narratives of the fort continue to note the "Moorish" architectural influence (Harvey 1875:228). These features are more accurately described as round- or semi-circular arches and are suggestive of a Mediterranean influence. [A Moorish arch is shaped like a horseshoe with a base that is more narrow than the arch's greatest span. ]
The hospital (Map No. 11, Photographs 2 and 5) at the west end of the parade ground, erected in accordance with the approved plan from the Surgeon-General's Office, is the largest building at the fort (Harvey 1875:233). The hospital is, in fact, three separate buildings united by open veranda. These verandas have round arched arcades similar to those on the barracks. The 2-story central section originally contained offices, dispensary, store room, dining room, kitchen and prison, while the flanking 1- story wings housed the hospital ward.
The five detached officers' quarter" (Map Nos. 12, 3- 4, 5, 6-7, 8-9, Photograph 1) are opposite the infantry barracks on the south side of the parade ground. Each detached building is 1 1/2-stories in height. Only one of the buildings (Map No. 1-2) retain" its original side gable roof; the others each have a 1920s replacement. Except for the middle quarters (Map No. 5), where the Commanding Officers lived, each building was originally partitioned into equal halves, thereby doubling their housing capacity. Subsequent alterations have changed the interior configurations. The original kitchens, now used for storage, are behind each of the buildings and attached to the quarters by a gable roof and lattice work.
Both the bakery (Map No. 19) and guardhouse (Map No. 21) are small
buildings
that also feature round arched verandas. The guardhouse stands on the
east side
of the parade ground, and the bakery is just beyond the northeast
corner of the
parade ground. In contract to other buildings at the fort that have
gable
roofs, these buildings have flat or slightly inclined roofs obscured by
parapet
walls.
(Modern
picture of the building which served as The Bakery)
During the 1890s, the Army erected several buildings, including the Quartermaster's Office and Warehouse (Map No. 33, Photograph 8), the Subsistence Storehouse (Map No. 26, third building from the right on Photograph 9), and NCO Quarters (Map Nos. 27, 28 [first and second buildings from right on Photograph 9] and 47, [Photograph 101). The Army presumably erected some buildings as a response to the growing needs of the fort, while others replaced fire damaged buildings, such as the subsistence storehouse that burned in 1892. These buildings typically featured brick construction, side gable roofs and rectangular plans, and many had fenestration decorated with segmental arches. Most of these buildings were erected in the south section of the fort within the original compound, but others, such as Map No. 20, stood in the area within the 1869 expansion. Although razed about c. 1970, another commanding officers' quarters stood just east of Map No. 1- 2, near the southeast corner of the parade ground. It was 2- story brick building with a corner tower and a 2-story wraparound porch. A circa 1893 newspaper article noted that "it is in the modern style of brick cottages"; however, a current description would consider the building Queen Anne influenced.
The next major phase of development at the fort occurred in the 1920s when the Army constructed many buildings and expanded or remodeled several existing buildings. South-facing barracks (Map Nos. 73 and 74) were built on the north side of the parade ground and appear in historic photographs that reveal they were similar in size, scale and detailing to barracks constructed in 1869. Rear wings were added onto these barracks. Warehouses accommodated a garage and motor pool building (Map No. 72) that housed and repaired trucks and other vehicles that became increasingly important to this Army operation. The construction of these and other buildings reflected the Army's desire to modernize the facility and adapt innovations transforming the military at that time.
Substantial changes occurred shortly after the Army decommissioned the fort and conveyed the entire complex to the local school district. School officials oversaw the alteration of many buildings to house classrooms and other educational functions. These changes adversely affected the historic and architectural integrity of some buildings by modifying their physical character. For example, the removal of verandas on two buildings (Map Nos. 16 and 74) and the addition of new facades skewed the former historic appearance of these buildings. Additions and porch enclosures on the Officers' Quarters on the south side of the parade ground likewise compromised the integrity of these buildings.
The Rio Grande City Consolidated Independent School District undertook another major renovation effort in 1979 that affected several of the buildings (mostly the older barracks). Alan Tanaguchi and Associates, an Austinbased architectural firm, supervised the work, including the installation of handicap ramps and external fire exists on side elevations. Metal frame doors and windows replaced many of the original wood doors and double hung windows. Extensive alterations occurred to the Infantry Barracks with partial enclosures of their second floors above the arcades of Map Nos. 73 and 15 (Photograph 3). While these renovations resulted in the removal of important historic fabric and diminished the integrity of individual buildings, the changes, with the exception of the porch enclosures, did not destroy the district's overall integrity. The school district also constructed several permanent and temporary classrooms as well as other buildings (see Photographs 11,12 and 13) that detract from the district's historic character. As of March 1992, no renovation efforts were underway, but a new classroom building was being built near the northeast corner of the district.
Boundaries of the Fort Ringgold Historic District include a large tract of land between the Rio Grande and U.S. Highway 83, at the southeast edge of Rio Grande City. The district is physically isolated from post-World War II commercial development that abounds immediately to the north and east. A new high school, other school buildings and a sewage treatment plant are just beyond the east boundaries of the district. Because of their intrusive character, these buildings are outside the district boundary although they were in the historic limits of Fort Ringgold.
Since the area that includes the fort has been occupied since 1848, archeological investigations should be undertaken, but because of the fort's long-time operation and subsequent conversion into a school complex, the likelihood of subsurface disturbances is greater than if the fort had not been occupied. The oldest artifacts are most likely to be recovered in the south end of the district where the original fort stood, and they may provide a significant amount of information on mid l9thcentury military-related activities along the Rio Grande. Because much of the land in this part of the district has been covered with asphalt paving, some significant historic archeological remains may be intact, but an assessment of subsurface disturbances has not been conducted. Historic maps of the fort could be used to determine the locations of buildings that have been demolished over the years. The greatest concentration of former building sites is likely proximate to the southeast corner of the district where the 1840s hospital and subsequent support buildings of the late 19th and early 20th centuries once stood. Little physical remains of the former stables near the southwest corner of the district are visible today, and to recover significant of the former stables near the southwest or those in the extreme north section of the district subsequent development may have compromised the ability amounts of archeological artifacts.
It should also be noted that the fort maintained a cemetery near the southeast corner of the post, and historic maps (see Figure 1) document the location of the cemetery. After it deactivation and the sale of Fort Ringgold to the local school district, the Army exhumed the burial remains and relocated them, according to local informants, to a military cemetery in San Antonio.
Properties in this category may include historic buildings, structures, objects, or sites that add to the district's overall historic character. To be included in this category, a historic resource must date to the Army's period of occupation (1848 to 1944) and retain much of its original or historic character. It must be within the boundaries of the district and in keeping with its setting. It should possess scale, materials, and siting similar to or compatible with other historic resources, thereby adding to the district's overall historic character. As well Contributing properties maintain design elements and workmanship to the highest degree possible; specific examples are explained below. Finally, properties need to retain their historic feeling and associative qualities to be Contributing.
A property need not be completely unaltered to be classified Contributing; indeed, only a handful of historic resources within the district are unchanged since their original construction. Many changes to the buildings date to major renovations that took place in the 1920s. Changes that occurred within the period of significance can be considered an important part of the district's physical evolution and may be considered historic changes. Properties such as these can be classified Contributing.
Ideally, Contributing buildings will retain original or historic windows and doors since they are salient features to any building; however, if they have been replaced since 1944 and the building is still recognizable to the historic district's period of significance, the building can still be classified Contributing. The greater the number of alterations and the severity of the impact the historic character, the less likely Contributing designation will be awarded. Although alterations often detract from the original character of a building, the property can be classified Contributing if the its basic form remains intact and it adds, if only to a small degree, to the district's overall integrity.
Properties in this category are those that detract from the district's historic character and includes two subtypes - altered historic properties and non-historic (post-1944) properties. The latter subtype includes buildings that typically exhibit none of the characteristics that distinguish the district and are, therefore, considered intrusive. Examples include the Junior High School Auditorium S Map No. N-1, Photograph 11) near the northeast corner of the district and the new cafeteria (Map No. N-7, Photograph 13). If restored, however, these severely altered historic buildings could become Contributing if sensitive restoration efforts are completed. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation should be carefully scrutinized before undertaking restoration work. The Texas Historical Commission will be crucial in assisting in any such project.
The Noncontributing category also includes pre1944 buildings so severely altered that little, if any, of their original or historic fabric is recognizable. These changes have compromised the historic integrity of these buildings and they are no longer recognizable to the district's period of significance. Buildings that have experienced non- historic alterations detract from the district's historic character and are considered Noncontributing. Most of these non-historic changes occurred in the early 1950s soon after Rio Grande City Consolidated Independent school District acquired the fort, or they date to the late 1970s and early 1980s when the School District implemented a major renovation program. Many of these changes assisted in keeping the buildings functional, converting them into classrooms, offices and other educational functions. Other alterations enabled the School District to comply with federal, state or city mandated codes and regulations. The kinds and degrees of alterations depend on the building's post-1944 use or function. The most common type" of alterations include replacing or covering original windows and doors, or the construction of new additions. The barracks (Map Nos. 15 and 73, Photograph 13) on the north end of the district, for example, now contain classrooms, and new windows and doors were installed, as were new fire exit escapes and access ramps.
The following inventory, organized by Map Number designation, was generated from Hardy Heck Moore's survey data base program and includes vital information on all extant properties within the district. The Map Number designations correspond to buildings depicted in the accompanying historic district map and are the same as those Alan Tanaguchi and Associates used. That architectural firm undertook a master plan of the campus in 1979 and prepared a National Register nomination for the fort in 1979. They used maps that the School District (1970) and the U.S. Army (1918) prepared. The Category designation indicates whether the property adds to or detracts from the historic character and ambiance of the district (see Definition of Categories at the end of section 7 for more detailed information). The factual date of construction is provided whenever possible, and dates of major alterations are noted. For those properties whose date of construction remains unknown, an approximate date has been assigned. A question mark "(?)" follows those properties whose date of construction is estimated from historic maps. Other information provided in the heading includes photograph reference, when applicable, and resource type (building, structure, object or site). The Description section, which follows the heading, details the most important physical features of the properties and includes, if applicable, the following information:
number of stories property type building footprint shape historic use (determined from historic maps and other source material) current use foundation type structural system exterior wall materials orientation number of vertical divisions or bays roof type and materials window type, materials and details door type, materials and details alterations comments about other physical attributes, as well as an assessment of alterations that affect historic integrity
Map No. 1, 2. Officers Quarters. Category: Contributing. Built: 1869; Altered: 192C, c. 1950. Resource Type: Building. Photograph 1. Description: 1-story, military- related building with Tshaped building footprint; historic use: housing; current use: band hall; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with stucco exterior finish/walls; front faces north; front has five vertical divisions or bays; side gable roof with composition shingles; boarded windows; double door entrances on front; door details include transom; alterations: porch, windows, doors, additions; present condition: fair. Comments: Stucco exterior. New porch with concrete floor and metal posts. Although 4-light transom appears to be original, door is a replacement. Windows are boarded up and it is unknown if they are still in place. Unlike other officers' quarters nearby, this building is only 1-story in height and has no major additions to the front or sides. Small addition within porch on east side. Despite alterations, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 3,4. Officers Quarters. Category: Contributing. Built: 1869; Altered: 1920. Resource Type: Building. Photograph 1. Description: 2-story, military-related building with Tshaped building footprint; historic use: housing; current use: choral hall; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with stucco exterior finish/walls; front faces north; front has six vertical divisions or bays; side gable roof with composition shingles, wood windows with 6/6 lights; two single door entrances on front; door detail" include transom; alterations: porch, windows, additions; present condition: fair. Comments: Stucco exterior. As with Map No. 5, most alterations are on ground level. Second floor retains its original, 6/6 wood windows and segmental arched openings. Front windows on ground floor are partially filled in and have new, small windows. Porch has concrete floor and metal posts. Addition (enclosure of second floor of porch at west, first floor of porch at east). Three-light transoms above the two front entrances. Despite alterations, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 5. Commanding Officer's Quarters (1869). Category: Contributing. Built: 1869; Altered: 1920. Resource Type: Building. Description: 2-story, military-related building with Tshaped building footprint; historic use: housing; current use: classrooms; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with brick exterior finish/walls; front faces north; front has five vertical divisions or bays; side gable roof with composition shingles; wood windows with 6/6 lights; window details include hood molds; single door entrance on front; door materials of wood; door details include transom (covered); alterations: windows, door", additions; present condition: fair. Comments: Painted brick. Despite severe ground floor alterations, the second floor has changed little and still retains 6/6 wood windows and segmental arches. Additions to east and west sides. Ground floor porch altered--metal post, concrete floor, shed roof, and windows partially infilled. New door.
Despite alterations, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 6,7. Officers' Quarters. Category: Noncontributing. Built: 1897; Altered: c. 1950. Resource Type: Building. Description: 2-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: housing; current use: classrooms; pier and beam foundation; load bearing masonry construction with stucco exterior finish/walls; front faces north; front has eight vertical divisions or bays; low pitched tripped roof with composition shingles; wood windows with 2/2 lights; window details include hood molds; two single door entrances on front; door materials of wood; door details include transom, sidelights; alterations: additions, porch enclosure; present condition: fair. Comments: Replaced original officers quarters built in 1869 on this site which burned in 1885. Current building constructed 1897. Severely altered. Stucco porch supports still visible, but porch has been completely filled in except at two entrance bays on front. Porch at second level has been screened in. Front entrances are set within a segmental arched opening and have tripartite transom and sidelights. Doors have panels and plain glass glazing. Alterations and additions are so severe that historic integrity is compromised; could be reclassified Contributing if rehabilitation and/or restoration efforts are completed in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
Map No. 8,9. Officers Quarters. Category: Noncontributing. Built: 1869; Altered: 1920, c. 1950. Resource Type: Building. Description: 2-story, military-related building with Tshaped building footprint; historic use: housing; current use: offices; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with stucco exterior finish/walls; front faces north; front has six vertical divisions or bays; side gable roof with composition shingles; wood windows with 4/4, 9/9 lights; window details include hood molds; two single door entrances on front; door materials of wood; door details include transom; alterations: porch, additions; present condition: fair. Comments: Stucco exterior. Two-story, frame addition on west side. West side of 1-story front porch has been enclosed. Three-light transoms above front doors are intact, as are some of the 9/9 and 6/6 wood windows on front. Second floor windows set within segmental arched openings. Second floor addition onto east side of building. Gable extension on rear includes 1-story sections behind building this is done on Map Nos. 1,2; 3,4; and 5. Concrete porch with metal poles on front. Building's original footprint may have been almost T shaped with 1-story extensions at rear. Front has been altered significantly. Alterations and additions are so severe that historic integrity is compromised; could be reclassified Contributing if rehabilitation and/or restoration efforts are completed in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
Map No. 10. Hospital Mess Hall. Category: Contributing. Built: c. 1920. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1- story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: mess hall; current use: storage; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with stucco exterior finish/walls; front faces east; front has nine vertical divisions or bays; low pitched tripped roof with composition shingles; wood windows with 6/6 lights; window details include flat arched lintels; two single door entrances on front; door materials of wood; alterations: windows, additions; present condition: fair. Comments: Despite alterations, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 11. Hospital. Category: Contributing. Built: 1869; Altered: c. 1979. Resource Type: Building. Photographs 2, 5. Description: 1- and 2-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: hospital/offices; current use: classrooms/offices; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with brick exterior finish/walls; front faces east; front has 17 vertical divisions or bays; combination gable and tripped roof with composition shingles; wood windows with 6/6 lights; window details include flat arches; single door entrances on front and sides; door materials of wood; alterations: windows, doors, additions; present condition fair. Comments: Painted brick. Beaded board used in ceilings of arcade. Windows and doors on north side have been replaced with modern metal or their frame equivalents, while those on south side have been boarded over. Staircase, probably original, is on north side of 2-story central section. Windows on north side are smaller than originals and wood used as infill. One-story wing at rear has partially infilled window openings. Despite alterations, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 12. Hospital Boiler Room. Category: Contributing. Built: 1869(?) Resource Type: Building. Description: 1- story, military-related building with square-shaped building footprint; historic use: boiler room; current use: offices; basement foundation; load bearing masonry construction with brick exterior finish/walls; front faces east; low pitched tripped roof; wood windows with 4/4 lights; single door entrance on front; door materials of wood; door details include transom, glazing; alterations: windows, additions; present condition: fair. Comments: Painted brick. Early addition on north side has historic architectural significance. Roof appears to be a replacement. Large space between roof and 2-story string course suggests that building possibly was originally two stories. Addition has been altered. Door opening on west side has been bricked in. There is a 2-story, painted brick garage behind Map No. 12.
Map No. 14. Calvary Barracks. Category: Contributing. Built: 1869, Altered: 1920, 1979. Resource Type: Building. Description: 2-story, military-related building with Ushaped building footprint; historic use: housing; current use: classrooms; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with brick exterior finish/walls; front faces west; front has 14 vertical divisions or bays; cross gable roof with composition shingles; metal, wood windows; double door entrances on sides; door materials of aluminum; alterations: windows, doors; present condition: fair. Comments: Very similar to Map No. 17, and has been changed to about the same degree. Rear wing added in 1920. Despite alterations, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 15. Infantry Barracks. Category: Noncontributing. Built: 1869. Altered: 1920, 1950, 1979. Resource Type: Building. Photograph 3. Description: 2-story, military-related building with Ushaped building footprint; historic use: housing; current use: classrooms; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with stucco exterior finish/walls; front faces south; front has 13 vertical divisions or bays; low pitched tripped roof with composition shingles; modern, metal windows; single door entrances on sides; door materials of aluminum; alterations: siding, porch, windows, doors, additions; present condition: fair. Comments: Severely altered. Stucco exterior. New windows and doors. Fenestration appears to be intact, but some of the door openings on front (south) side may have been converted into window openings. Second floor of porch remains open, but vertical boards are new and historically inappropriate. Rear wing added in 1920. Alterations and rear additions completed after conversion into classroom are so severe that historic integrity is compromised; could be reclassified Contributing if rehabilitation and/or restoration efforts are completed in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
Map No. 16. Infantry Barracks. Category: Noncontributing. Built: 1869; Altered: 1920, 1950, 1979. Resource Type: Building. Photograph 3. Description: 2-story, military-related building with Ushaped building footprint; historic use: housing; current use: classrooms; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with stucco exterior finish/walls; front faces south; front has 22 vertical divisions or bays; low pitched tripped roof with composition shingles; modern, metal windows; single door entrances on side; door materials of aluminum; alterations: siding, porch, windows, doors; present condition: fair. Comments: Stucco exterior. Rear wing added in 1920. Arcade on front removed in 1950. Front has been severely altered and closely resembles appearance of Map No. 74. Alterations and additions are so severe that historic integrity is compromised; could be reclassified Contributing if rehabilitation and/or restoration efforts are completed in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
Map No. 17. Calvary Barracks. Category: Contributing. Built: 1869. Altered: 1920, 1979. Resource Type: Building. Photograph 6. Description: 2-story, military-related building with Ushaped building footprint; historic use: housing; current use: classrooms; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with stucco exterior finish/walls; front faces east; front has 14 vertical divisions or bays; cross gable roof with composition shingles; modern, metal windows; double door entrances on side-; door materials of aluminum; alterations: windows, doors, additions; present condition: fair. Comments: Brick has been painted and some of the first floor openings have been bricked in or have had louvers installed. Rear wing added in 1920. Brick stairways added at exterior of north and south sides. Windows and doors have been replaced with modern metal ones. Despite alteration, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 18. Sentry House. Category: Contributing. Built: c. 1920. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: sentry house; current use: security guardhouse; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with stucco exterior finish/walls; front faces west; front has two vertical divisions or bays; low pitched tripped roof with composition shingle; wood windows; window details include hood molds; single door entrance on front; door materials of wood; present condition: fair. Comments: Only minor alterations, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance. Moved back away from road when highway expanded.
Map No. 19. Bakery. Category: Contributing. Built: 1869. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: bakery; current use: offices; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with stucco exterior finish/walls; front faces south; front has three vertical divisions or bays; low pitched tripped roof with composition shingles; wood windows with 6/6 lights; single door entrance on front; door materials of wood; alterations: windows, doors, additions; present condition: fair. Comments: Stucco exterior. No major alterations; however, door and window openings probably are replacements of originals. Despite alterations, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 20. NCO Quarters. Category: Noncontributing. Built: c. 1890; Altered: c. 1980. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: housing; current use classroom; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with brick exterior finish/walls; front faces west; side gable roof with composition shingles; modern, metal windows; window details include segmental arches; door materials of aluminum; alterations: windows, doors, additions; present condition: fair. Comments: Windows and doors have been replaced. Brick has been painted. There is a new porch and floor on both sides, and concrete handicap-access ramps on the west side. Two classroom additions lie immediately east of the building. Other modernization efforts include the addition of vents for central air conditioning and heat. Alterations and additions are so severe that historic integrity is compromised; could be reclassified Contributing if rehabilitation and/or restoration efforts are completed in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
Map No. 21. Guardhouse. Category: Contributing. Built: 1869. Resource Type: Building. Photograph 4. Description: 1-story, military-related building with square-shaped building footprint; historic use: guardhouse; current use: offices; pier and beam foundation; brick exterior finish/walls; front faces west; front has four vertical divisions or bays; low pitched tripped roof with composition shingles; wood windows with 4/4 lights; window details include flat arches; two single door entrances on front; door materials of wood; alterations: windows, doors; present condition: fair. Comments: Painted brick. Relatively intact, although a few of the openings have been enclosed with brick. Despite alterations, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 22. Post Headquarters. Category: Contributing. Built: c. 1920. Resource Type: Building. Photograph 4. Description: 1-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: offices; current use: band hall; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with brick exterior finish/walls; front faces south; side gable roof with composition shingles; boarded windows; window details include segmental arches; single door entrances on front; door materials of wood; alterations: windows, doors; present condition: fair. Comments: Painted brick, and mechanical and air conditioning duct work on front, all of which detracts from the building's historic integrity. Segmental arched openings are intact, but windows are covered with plywood sheets and doors have been replaced. New porch with wood posts. Despite alterations, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 23. Paint Shop. Category: Contributing. Built: c. 1920. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: paint shop; current use: storage; pier and beam foundation; metal exterior finish/walls; front faces north; front has four vertical divisions or bays; side gable roof with corrugated metal; wood windows with 676 lights; single door entrance on front; present condition: poor. Comments: Relatively few alterations, but despite poor condition, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 24. NCO Quarters. Category: Contributing. Built: c. 1890. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: housing (bakery); current use: vacant; load bearing masonry construction with brick exterior finish/walls; front faces north; front has three vertical divisions or bays; steeply pitched tripped roof; wood windows with 6/6 lights; window details include segmental arches; alterations: porch, additions; present condition: poor. Comments: Painted brick. Segmental arched window openings on east side; these wood windows have 6/6 lights. Porch at northeast corner has been screened in. Front masonry section and porch are additions. Buttresses on west side of addition. Windows and openings on west side of original part are identical to those on east side. Most alterations occurred before 1942, therefore the building retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 25. Commandant's Quarters
(Lee House). Category:
Contributing.
Built: c. 1850.
(A picture of the "Robert E. Lee House"
before its restoration of 2003. Picture taken in 2001.)
(Another picture taken in 2001)
Resource Type: Building. Photograph 7. Description: 1-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: housing; current use: vacant; pier and beam foundation; wood frame construction with wood exterior finish/walls; front faces south; side gable roof with lock seam metal; wood windows; alterations: porch, additions; present condition: poor. Comments: Porch enclosure is a historic element, and building retains architectural features to a large degree, although both the building and the porches are in poor condition. Most alterations were completed prior to 1942, thus the building retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 26. Subsistence Storehouse. Category: Contributing. Built: c.1892. Resource Type: Building. Photograph 10. Description: 1-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: commissary; current use: storage; pier and beam foundation with basement; load bearing masonry construction with brick exterior finish/walls; front faces north; front has three vertical divisions or bays; front gable roof with corrugated metal; wood windows with 2/2 lights; window details include segmental arches; single door entrances on front; door materials of wood; door details include covered transom; alterations: doors, roof pitch and form; present condition: fair. Comments: Although brick has been painted, and concrete steps and iron pipe railings have been added, building fenestration has not been substantially altered and wooden rafter ends remain exposed. Door on northeast elevation is metal with boards above to fill in space. Windows retain architectural integrity. Corrugated metal roof has steeper pitch than original. Iron bars in windows. Iron grills cover vents below water table under each window. Despite minor alterations, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 27. NCO Quarters. Category: Contributing. Built: c. 1898. Resource Type: Building. Photograph 10. Description: 1- story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: housing; current use: security office; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with brick exterior finish/walls; front faces west; front has four vertical divisions or bays; side gable roof with composition shingles; wood windows with 4/4 lights; two single door entrances on front; door materials of wood; present condition: fair. Comments: Side gable, painted brick, with shed roof section/addition on rear. Asphalt shingle roof. Doors face northwest. Transoms have been filled in or covered over in most cases. This is only substantial alteration. No chimney. Stucco around foundation. Despite alterations, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 28. NCO Quarters. Category: Contributing. Built: c. 1898. Resource Type: Building. Photograph 10. Description: 1- story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: housing; current use: storage; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with brick exterior finish/walls; front faces west; front has four vertical divisions or bays; side gable roof with composition shingles; wood windows with 4/4 lights; two single door entrances on front; door materials of wood; door details include covered transom; alterations: doors, additions; present condition: fair. Comments: Side gable, brick with shed roof enclosed porch area to rear. Although transoms and doors have been boarded, this building retains other elements to a large degree. Chimney is visible and is slightly corbeled. Asphalt shingle. Despite alterations, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 31. Water Tower Site. Category: Contributing. Built: c. 1875. Resource Type: Site. Photograph 8. Description: remains of military-related structure; historic use: water tower base; current use: abandoned/ruins; built up earthen base with remains of brick foundation; present condition: ruins. Comments: Historic photographs show that a wooden water tower with lookout/observatory once stood on the site. Only the foundation and earthen base remain; nonetheless, the site retains sufficient integrity to be classified Contributing.
Map No. 33. Quartermaster's Office and Storehouse. Category: Contributing. Built: c. 1890. Resource Type: Building. Photograph 9. Description: 1- and 2-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: offices/storage; current use: offices/storage; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with brick exterior finish/walls; front faces south; front has 17 vertical divisions or bays; tripped w/gables roof with composition shingles; wood windows with 6/6 lights; window details include segmental arches; seven single door entrances on front; door materials of wood; door details include segmental arches; alterations: additions; present condition: fair. Comments: Enclosed second story porch in center. Hipped roof with asphalt shingles. Painted brick. Wooden steps and iron pipe railings on full-length porch. Central tower. Despite alterations, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 36. Granary, Saddle Shop and Paint Shop; Category: Noncontributing. Built: c. 1890, c. 1979. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: storage and workshops; current use: classroom; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with brick exterior finish/walls; front faces north; front has 28 vertical divisions or bays; side gable roof with composition shingles; wood windows with 4/4 lights; window details include segmental arches; door materials of wood; alterations: windows, doors, additions; present condition: fair. Comments: Originally three detached buildings that have been unified by infill, gable roof; paint over stucco and brick. Some windows in feature segmental arches. Many windows in buildings have been enclosed by wood and air conditioning vents. Some vents on roof are old. Currently in use as vocational building for Junior High. Despite the incorporation of three separate buildings, the structure still has its original roof form, window and door openings and other important physical features.
Map No. 41. Ordnance Storehouse. Category: Contributing. Built: c. 1898. Resource Type: Building. Description: 2-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: storage; current use: storage; pier and beam foundation; load bearing masonry construction with brick exterior finish/walls; front faces north; front has three vertical divisions or bays; shed roof; double hung windows with 4/4 lights; window details include segmental arched hood molds; double door entrance on front; door materials of wood; alterations: windows; present condition: fair. Comments: Painted brick. Fenestration intact. Roof slopes to rear (southwest) to shed water; has slight corbeling near top of building. Segmental arched window caps are similar to those on Map No. 26. Despite its fair condition and minor alterations, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 47. Officers' Quarters/Signal Office. Category: Contributing. Built: c. 1890. Resource Type: Building. Photograph 8 Description: 1-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: housing and signal office; current use: vacant; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with brick exterior finish/walls; front faces; front has four vertical divisions or bay; gable with tripped ext roof with composition shingles; boarded windows; window details include segmental arches; two single door entrances on front; door materials of wood; alterations: porch, windows; present condition: fair. small outbuilding near northwest corner of building. Comments: Brick with wood porch. Windows boarded. Despite its fair condition and minor alterations, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 49. Hospital Barracks and Storehouse. Category: Contributing. Built: c. 1890. Resource Type: Building. Description: 2-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: housing and storage; current use: classrooms; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with stucco exterior finish/walls; front faces east; front has three vertical divisions or bays; clipped gable roof with composition shingles; wood windows; window details include segmental arches; single door entrance on front; door materials of wood; door details include transom, covered sidelights; alterations: additions; present condition: fair. Comments: Stucco exterior over brick. One-story stucco addition at northeast part. An open, shed roof garage is a further extension. Original building has original, 6/6 wood windows set within segmental arched openings. Sshaped, metal, tie rod anchors visible on front. First floor window opening at north side of front has been partially enclosed and converted into a door opening. Another small addition on south side of building. Despite small side and rear additions, as well as minor alterations to the exterior, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 51. Hospital Workshop. Category: Contributing. Built: c. 1920. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: workshop; current use: storage; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with stucco exterior finish/walls, front faces east; low pitched tripped roof with composition shingles; boarded windows; window details include flat arched lintels; two single door entrances on front; door materials of wood; alterations: windows, doors; present condition: fair. Comments: Stucco exterior. Flat arched lintels similar to previous building. Door and windows are boarded over. Despite alterations, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 52. Storehouse. Category: Contributing. Built: c. 1920. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: storage; current use: storage; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with brick exterior finish/walls; front faces south; front has one vertical division or bay; low pitched tripped roof with composition shingles; boarded windows; window details include segmental arches; single door entrances on front; door materials of wood; door details include segmental arches; alterations: windows; present condition: fair. Comments: A small, brick building which has been painted and has a replacement door. Pyramidal roof with early 20th century diamond pattern in roofing material. Despite alterations, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 53. Laundry. Category: Noncontributing. Built: c. 1920. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, military-related building with Lshaped building footprint; historic use: laundry; current use: cafeteria; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with brick exterior finish/walls; front faces north; front has seven vertical divisions or bays; cross gable roof with composition shingles; metal windows; window details include flat arched lintels; single door entrance on front; door materials of metal; alterations: windows, doors, additions; present condition: good. Comments: Front gable, stucco with asphalt shingle roof. Painted similarly to building 36. Building has been modernized with new stucco, lintels. All new windows in stucco section. Attached to a brick section. Alterations and additions are so severe that historic integrity is compromised; could be reclassified Contributing if rehabilitation and/or restoration efforts are completed in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
Map No. 54. Recreation Hall. Category: Noncontributing. Built: c. 1920 Resource Type: Building. Photograph 4. Description: 2-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: recreation hall; current use: cafeteria; wood frame construction with wood exterior finish/walls; front faces west; side gable roof with composition shingles; modern, metal windows; alterations: siding, porch, windows, doors, additions; present condition: fair. Comments: Severely altered, 1-story, brick veneer addition across front and major brick and metal addition to south. Rear addition at northeast corner. About the only historic fabric still visible on front is the wood siding. Alterations and additions on the front and "ice are ~o severe that historic integrity is compromised; could be reclassified Contributing if rehabilitation and/or restoration efforts are completed in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
Map No. 58. Shed. Category: Contributing. Built: c. 1920 (?). Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: storage/garage; current use: storage/garage; wood frame construction with wood exterior finish/walls; faces east; front is open with no windows or doors; shed roof present condition: fair. Comments: This long, open shed was probably used as a garage and storage facility. It appears to be unaltered.
Map No. 62. Storehouse. Category: Contributing. Built: c. 1920. Resource Type: Building. Photograph 8. Description: 1- story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: storage; current use: storage; pier and beam foundation; wood frame construction with metal exterior finish/walls; front faces north; front has three vertical divisions or bays; side gable roof with corrugated metal; wood windows with nine lights; three double door entrances on front; present condition: fair. Comments: Large, side gable building with full length porch facing northeast (on northeast elevation). Wooden foundation posts. Wooden porch posts. "Barn doors" open onto porch. Corrugated tin siding over entire structure, possibly covering wood. Despite alterations, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 67. NCO Quarters. Category: Noncontributing. Built: c. 1920. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, military-related building with Lshaped building footprint; historic use: housing; current use: offices; pier and beam foundation; load bearing masonry construction with brick exterior finish/walls; front faces north; front has three vertical divisions or bays; cross gable roof with composition shingles; wood windows with 6/6 lights; single door entrance on front; door materials of wood; door details include glazing; alterations: porch, additions; present condition: fair. Comments: Painted brick. Screened porch. Rear addition. Little of architectural fabric is visible and historic integrity has been compromised; could be reclassified Contributing if rehabilitation and/or restoration efforts are completed in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
Map No. 70. Warehouse. Category: Contributing. Built: c. 1920 (?). Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint, historic use: storage; current use: storage; pier and beam foundation; wood frame construction with wood exterior finish/walls; front faces north; front has four vertical divisions or bay; side gable roof with composition shingles; wood windows with 6/6 lights; one, single and two, sliding door entrances on front; door materials of wood; present condition: fair. Comments: Few alterations. Retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 71. Swimming Pool. Category: Contributing. Built: c.1920. Resource Type: Structure. Description: military-related building with rectangular shaped footprint; historic use: swimming pool; current use: swimming pool; Concrete exterior finish/walls; present condition: Fair. Comments: Swimming pool with 1story, stucco, c. 1920 bathhouse/restroom (not accessible). Retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 72. Motor Pool. Category: Contributing. Built: c. 1920. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: motor pool; current use: garage; wood frame construction with wood exterior finish/walls; front faces north; side gable roof with corrugated metal; present condition: poor. Comments: Large building featuring part wooden, barn-like siding with cross members and part corrugated metal siding. No operable openings on northeast elevation. "Barn door" section has hinges to open on northeast but a tree has grown up in front. Retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 73. Barracks. Category: Noncontributing. Built: 1920; Altered: 1979. Resource Type: Building. Photographs 2 and 3. Description: 2-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: housing; current use: classrooms; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with stucco exterior finish/walls; front faces south; front has 13 vertical divisions or bays; cross gable roof with composition shingles; modern, metal windows; single door entrances on sides; door materials of aluminum; alterations: siding, porch, windows, doors, additions; present condition: fair. Comments: Almost identical to Map No. 15. Rear addition at northeast corner. A cafeteria has been built just beyond the brick arcade that joins Map No. 13 and 15. Alterations and additions are no severe that historic integrity is compromised; could be reclassified Contributing if rehabilitation and/or restoration efforts are completed in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
Map No. 74. Barracks. Category: Noncontributing. Built: 1920; Altered. 1950, 1979. Resource Type: Building. Description: 2-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: housing; current use: classrooms; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with stucco exterior finish/walls; front faces south; front has 22 vertical divisions or bays; low pitched tripped roof with composition shingles; metal windows; single door entrances on sides; door materials of aluminum; alterations: porch, windows, doors; present condition: fair. Comments: Stucco exterior and new doors. Most windows are metal upward swinging and were installed after front arcade was enclosed in 1950. 1-story masonry addition at northeast corner. Alterations and additions are so severe that historic integrity is compromised; could be reclassified Contributing if rehabilitation and/or restoration efforts are completed in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
Map No. 76. Storehouse. Category: Noncontributing. Built: c. 1918 (?). Resource Type: Building. Photograph 8. Description: 1-story, military-related building with square- shaped building footprint; historic use: storehouse; current use: storage; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with brick exterior finish/walls; front faces west; front has two vertical divisions or bays; side gable roof with composition shingles; two double door entrances on front; door materials of wood; present condition: fair. Comments: Original foundation walls, but new brick above charred section. New asphalt shingles. Little documentation has been uncovered to determine historic appearance of structure. Brickwork in the foundation wall suggests that major changes have occurred. Could be reclassified Contributing if subsequent research can clarify the extent of non-historic changes.
Map No. 83. Storehouse. Category: Contributing. Built: c. 1918(?). Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, military-related building with square-shaped building footprint; historic use: storage; current use: storage; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with brick exterior finish/walls; front faces west; front has two vertical divisions or bays; side gable roof with corrugated metal; boarded-windows; two double door entrances on front; door materials of wood; present condition: fair. Comments: Parapet wall. Some charring. Little documentation has been uncovered to determine historic appearance of structure. Brickwork in the foundation wall suggests that major changes have occurred. Could be reclassified Contributing if subsequent research can clarify the extent of non-historic changes.
Map No. 97. Quartermaster Warehouse. Category: Contributing. Built: c. 1920. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1- story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: storage; current use: storage; pier and beam foundation; wood frame construction with wood exterior finish/walls; front faces north; front has four vertical divisions or bays; side gable roof with corrugated metal; boarded windows; three sliding door entrances on front; alterations: windows; present condition: fair. Comments: Wooden, with diamond asphalt shingle roof. Full length wooden porch. Despite minor alterations, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 105. Garage. Category: Contributing. Built: c. 1920. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, military- related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: garage; current use: garage/vacant; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; wood frame construction with wood exterior finish/walls; front faces north; front has one vertical division or bay; low pitched tripped roof with composition shingles; sliding door entrance on front; present condition: fair. Comments: Unaltered. Retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 108. Review Stand. Category: Contributing. Built: c. 1920. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: review stand; current use: bus stop; pier and beam foundation; load bearing masonry construction with brick exterior finish/walls; front faces east; front has one vertical division or bay; low pitched tripped roof with composition shingles; present condition: fair. Comments: Review Stand. Painted brick. Otherwise unaltered. Brick piers, stucco columns, exposed rafter ends. Diamond- patterned asphalt shingle roof--ridge is damaged. Retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. 120. Sentry House. Category: Contributing. Built: c.1920. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: sentry house; current use: vacant; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with stucco exterior finish; front faces west; front has one vertical division or bay; tripped roof with composition shingles; boarded windows; single door entrance on front; door materials of wood; alterations: windows, doors; present condition: fair. Comments: Despite alterations, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district period of significance. This building is a discontiguous element of the district and stands beyond the northwest boundary of the district.
Map No. C. Garage. Category: Contributing Built: c. 1920 (?). Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, military- related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: garage; current use: storage; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with brick exterior finish/walls; front faces south; front has one vertical division or bay; side gable roof with composition shingles; garage door entrance; door materials of wood; alterations: doors; present condition: fair. Comments: Despite alterations, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Map No. D. Storage (?). Category: Contributing. Built: c. 1920 (?). Resource Type: Site. Description: 1-story, military-related building with rectangular-shaped building footprint; historic use: unknown; current use: ruins; pier and beam foundation with concrete around perimeter base; load bearing masonry construction with brick exterior finish/walls; side gable roof; alterations: windows, doors, roof materials have been removed; present condition: ruins. Comments: Despite alterations and present condition, retains sufficient integrity to be recognizable to district's period of significance.
Flagpole. Category: Contributing. Built: pre-1890. Resource Type: Object. Description: metal flagpole; historic use: flagpole; current use: flagpole; 2-part construction with metal guy wires for support; at east end of parade grounds. Comments: Appears in early 20th century photographs of fort and is still in use today. The symbolic focal point of forte and now of school campus.
Parade Ground. Category: Contributing. Date: 1869. Resource Type: Site. Description: large open space in the middle of the 1869 military compound; historic use: parade ground; current use: playground; concrete curbs delineate the north, east and south boundaries; small enclosed playground at northwest corner; flagpole at east end; concrete picnic tables along the central part of the north side. Comments: Unlike other contemporaneous forts the Army decommissioned (e.g. Fort Brown and Fort McIntosh),-Fort Ringgold retains its parade ground. Perhaps the most significant unifying element in the fort. Kelps define the district's original military use. An extremely important part of the historic character.
Jumping Park. Category: Contributing. Date: 1869. Resource Type: Site. Description: large open space near the east border of the district; historic use: jumping park for calvary exercises; current use: playground; concrete curbs and concrete piers that are linked with metal cables help define the area; otherwise, open and undeveloped. Comments: Used by the calvary while the fort was used by the military. Like the parade grounds, the jumping park is an important landscape element that adds much to the district's historic character and ambiance.
Sundial. Category: Contributing. Built: c. 1869 (?)Resource Type: Object. Description: small sundial near east end of parade grounds; historic use: sundial; current use: sundial; concrete construction. Comments: Estimated date of construction is speculated but nonetheless occurred over 50 years ago. Appear" to be unaltered and thus is classified a Contributing feature.
Map No. N-1. New Junior High School. Category: Noncontributing. Built: c. 1960. Resource Type: Building. Photograph ll. Description:-l-story concrete educational building with rectangular building footprint. Comments: Detracts from historic character of district. Does not fall within the district's period of significance.
Map No. N-2. Classrooms. Category: Noncontributing. Built: c. 1985. Resource Type: Building. Photograph 12. Description: 1-story, brick veneer building with rectangular- shaped building footprint. Comments: Detracts from historic character of district. Does not fall within the district's period of significance. Map No. N-3. Classrooms. Category: Noncontributing. Built: post 1948. Resource Type: Building. Photograph 12. Description: 1-story, metal building with rectangularshaped building footprint. Comments: Detracts from historic character of district. Does not fall within the district's period of significance.
Map No. N-4. Classrooms. Category: Noncontributing. Built: post 1948. Resource Type: Building. Photograph 12. Description: 1-story, wood frame building with rectangular shaped building footprint. Comments: Detracts from historic character of district. Does not fall within the district's period of significance.
Map No. N-5. Classrooms. Category: Noncontributing. Built: post 1948. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, wood frame building with rectangular shaped building footprint. Comments: Detracts from historic character of district. Does not fall within the district's period of significance.
Map No. N-6. Classrooms. Category: Noncontributing. Built: post 1948. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, wood frame building with rectangular shaped building footprint. Comments: Detracts from historic character of district. Does not fall within the district's period of significance.
Map No. N-7. Cafeteria. Category: Noncontributing. Built: c. 1985. Resource Type: Building. Photograph 13. Description: 2- story, stucco building with L-shaped building footprint. Comments: Detracts from historic character of district. Does not fall within the district's period of significance.
Map No. N-8. Classrooms. Category: Noncontributing. Built: post 1948. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, metal building with rectangularshaped building footprint. Comments: Detracts from historic character of district. Does not fall within the district's period of significance.
Map No. N-9. Classrooms. Category: Noncontributing. Built: c. 1985. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, 2-part, wood frame building with rectangular-shaped building footprint. Comments: Detracts from historic character of district. Does not fall within the district's period of significance.
Map No. N-10. Classrooms. Category: Noncontributing. Built: c. 1985. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, 2-part, wood frame building with rectangular-shaped building footprint. Comments: Detracts from historic character of district. Does not fall within the district's period of significance.
Map No. N-11. Classrooms. Category: Noncontributing. Built: c. l985. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, wood frame building with rectangular shaped building footprint. Comments: Detracts from historic character of district. Does not fall within the district's period of significance. Map No. N-12. Classrooms. Category: Noncontributing. Built: c. 1990. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, wood frame building with rectangular shaped building footprint. Comments: Detracts from historic character of district. Does not fall within the district's period of significance.
Map No. N-13. Classrooms Category: Noncontributing. Built: c. 1990. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, wood frame building with rectangular shaped building footprint. Comments: Detracts from historic character of district. Does not fall within the district's period of significance.Comments: Detracts from historic character of district. Does not fall within the district's period of significance.
Map No. N-14. Credit Union Building. Category: Noncontributing. Built: c. 1985. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story, brick veneer building with rectangular- shaped building footprint. Comments: Detracts from historic character of district. Does not fall within the district's period of significance.
Map No. N-15. Category: Noncontributing. Built: c. 1985. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1-story brick veneer building with rectangular-shaped building footprint. Comments: Detracts from historic character of district. Does not fall within the district's period of significance.
Map No. N-16. Gas Pump House. Category: Noncontributing. Built: c. 1950. Resource Type: Building. Description: 1- story, brick veneer building with rectangular-shaped building footprint. Comments: Detracts from historic character of district. Does not fall within the district's period of significance.
The Fort Ringgold Historic District encompasses much of this United States Army installation established in 1848 and closed in 1944. Fort Ringgold was one of four military posts the federal government organized along the Lower Rio Grande following the Mexican War. The district is nominated under Criteria A and C at the state level of significance. The district is strongly associated with military activities along the Lower Rio Grande region and, as a whole, retains its most important physical characteristics and design attributes as an outstanding collection of military-related buildings of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With other military installations, the fort was an integral component of an early and important line of defense along the Texas-Mexico border. Part of an international agreement, the fort helped secure the border for both the United States and Mexico. Fort Ringgold's location near the head of the Rio Grande made the post an important supplier of goods and materials to military installations further upriver. Troops stationed at Fort Ringgold helped quell numerous border conflicts that erupted from 1849 to 1917, and they ultimately helped bring stability to the entire region and peace contributed to the economic development on both sides of the Rio Grande. Despite its deactivation by the Army in 1944 and its subsequent sale to the Rio Grande City school system, Fort Ringgold is the best preserved historic federal military fortifications in South Texas, with relatively few post-1944 buildings within its confines. The district's most significant physical feature, other than the cohesive collection of military-related building, is the parade ground, a visually unifying element that contributes to the district's overall historic character. Unlike Fort McIntosh (National Register 1975) and Fort Brown (a National Historic Landmark), both radically transformed following their conversion into educational complexes, as well as Fort Duncan (National Register 1971), now a city park, Fort Ringgold retains this historic parade ground, and most of the historic buildings that faced onto it. The district conveys a strong sense of its rich past and maintains its ambiance to a remarkable degree. Almost all of the historic buildings in the district have been changed, but their historic integrity has not been overly compromised. Fort Ringgold played a pivotal role in the historical development of both sides of the Rio Grander furthermore, it is a vivid and well preserved illustration of a 19th century military post in Texas.
Fort Ringgold's establishment stemmed from the Mexican War that began only three months after Texas' formal annexation to the United States. Although a variety of issues were involved in the conflict, clarification of the border between Texas and Mexico was a primary concern. Since gaining its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas declared the Rio Grande as its south boundary. However, the Mexican government considered the Nueces River the border. Upon Texas' entry into the United States, President James K. Polk ordered General Zachary Taylor, Commander of the Southern Division of the Western Department of the U.S. Army, to Corpus Christi in July 1845 to demonstrate United States strength and back American claims to the disputed territory. In March 1846 when General Taylor moved his troops from Corpus Christi to Brazos Santiago near the mouth of the Rio Grande, the Mexican government considered Taylor's move an act of invasion and soon engaged troops in battle at Palo Alto and Resca de la Palma in the vicinity of present-day Brownsville on May 8 and 9, 1846. General Taylor and his men were victorious and reported to President Polk that American blood had been spilled on American soil. The U.S. Congress passed a declaration of war and hostilities and soon moved south into Mexico (Kingston 1983:35-36).
When the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed on February 2, 1848, Mexican officials accepted a number of important provisions, among them the United States' claim that the Rio Grande serves as the international boundary between Texas and Mexico. The U.S. Army consequently established a aeries of military posts along the river as a line of defense against further armed incursions into Texas. The primary mission of these installations was to maintain order along the volatile border between the United States and Mexico. The posts obviously protected United States interests along the Rio Grande and hinterlands to the north, and the troops were often dispatched to deal with the recurring problem of Indian and bandit raids. The posts were manned with mobile calvary troops trained to respond quickly to such assaults.
The forts also helped prevent Indians from Mexico from crossing into Texas, as well as those from Texas crossing into Mexico. Thus the forts, including Camp Ringgold (Fort Ringgold), Fort Brown, Camp Crawford (Fort McIntosh) and Fort Duncan, facilitated secure the borders for both countries. Built at strategic positions, these fortifications were most important for defensive purposes, also protecting increased trade and commerce along the Lower Rio Grande. Fort Brown, the first of these posts, was established about 20 miles from the mouth of the Rio Grande; the others were built sequentially upriver from Fort Brown, near bustling communities and important river crossings (see Figure 3).
The largest of these Mexican War-era military installations was Fort Brown, built opposite of Matamoros, Mexico, a thriving and rapidly growing city. General Zachary Taylor was first to recognize the strategic importance for such a post, and he ordered the establishment of an earthen embankment on the United States side of the river on March 28, 1846, a few weeks before the battles of Palo Alto and Resca de la Palma. Major Jacob Brown and the Seventh Infantry occupied the garrison, then only a temporary military base. Soon afterwards, Mexican artillery shelled the fort for seven days, killing Major Brown. The fort, and the city that subsequently developed, were named in his honor. Fort Brown received permanent status on July 21, 1848, a few months after the conclusion of the Mexican War, and it assumed importance as the major supplier of goods and provisions to the other federal military posts in South Texas. The Army decided to build a new compound about a quarter mile north of the original earthen breastwork fortification (Barrett 1927:94-96; Westerhoff 1985).
Camp Ringgold, founded on October 26, 1848, was the second in the series of forts established on the Rio Grande, followed by Camp Crawford (Fort McIntosh) on March 1, 1849. Second Lieutenant L.E. Viele and one company from the First United States Infantry chose a site near the city of Laredo, one of the oldest and largest communities on the Texas side of the Rio Grande and where an important north-south overland trade route into Mexico passed. Laredo and its sister city across the river, Nuevo Laredo, enjoyed considerable prosperity as regional trade centers by the middle of the 19th century, hence the reason for establishing the fort nearby. The post's name changed to Fort McIntosh in 1850 (Barrett 1927:109-116).
On March 27, 1849, Captain Sidney Burbank and Companies A, B and F of the First United States Infantry established Fort Duncan, the fourth and final of the Mexican War-era posts along the Rio Grande in South Texas. Built on a plateau overlooking the river and the Mexican community of Piedras Negras, it was initially called Camp Eagle Pass. Like Fort McIntosh, Fort Duncan was near an important trade route between the United States and Mexico. The garrison was also built along a southerly route to California where gold was discovered in 1849. Fort Duncan was among the most remote United States military posts in Texas, at the western edge of the frontier (Barrett 1927: 116-122).
Camp Ringgold's establishment was similar to Forts Brown, McIntosh and Duncan. Captain R.S. Lamotte (La Motte), who commanded Companies C and G, of the First United Staten Infantry, founded the post. The Army initially called the installation the Camp at Davis' Landing (Simmons l991: vii). On July 16, 1849, the name officially became Ringgold Barracks, in honor of Major Samuel Ringgold, who was killed in the Battle of Palo Alto (Barrett 1927:102). As one observer noted later, the site was selected "by reason of its proximity to the Mexican town of Camargo as a suitable point for the surveillance of our neighbor's territory in that vicinity, and from its situation at the head of steam navigation as a convenient point for the distribution of supplies" (Harvey 1875:288). Camargo, one of Jose Escandon's colonial settlements, was 100 years old by the time Ringgold Barracks was established and had long enjoyed prominence as an important node of commerce and trade in the region. As the post was being built, businessmen and ranchers in Texas, most notably Henry Clay Davis, a prominent local rancher, recognized the strategic significance of the site, and a small village developed nearby around a steamboat dock that served Davis. Initially called Rancho Davis, then Davis Landing, and later Rio Grande City, the village subsequently developed into a large and important city in the region (Webb 1952, Vol II: 475). The U.S. Army's decision to establish a military post nearby assured, or at the very least assisted, the community's prosperity.
The base was built on property Henry Clay Davis owned; he controlled vast amounts of land in the area. The federal government did not sign a formal lease until 1853 when they agreed to immediately compensate Davis $5,000 for previous use of the land and pay him another $31,000 on August 31, 1854, when the lease expired. R.C. Trimble surveyed a 33-acre tract of land that was surrounded by a brush fence. On September 1, 1854, the federal government signed a second lease agreement paying Davis $600 annually in exchange for five more years of military use (Rogers 1924:15).
While the first buildings at Ringgold Barracks were only temporary shelter, frame buildings were erected by 1851 when Lieutenant L.E. Viele arrived. His wife, Teresa, accompanied him and wrote that the fort,
rose before us on a high sandy bluff, its rows of long,
low, whitewashed modern buildings, placed at regular
intervals around a level drill ground in the center of
which rose the flag staff... [buildings at the post
included] the government storehouses, soldiers'
barracks, and officers' quarters; they all reminded me
of the house of the foolish man 'who built his
foundation upon the sand (Viele 1968:129-130).
Another, more official description of the fort appeared in an Army report to Congress in 1851. The document noted that the fort had four officers' quarters with plastered walls and wood shingle roofs, a hospital, four barracks, and a variety of support buildings, including mess halls, company stores, kitchens, storehouses and a laundry. All of the buildings were of frame construction and much of the lumber had been reused from buildings that previously stood at Point Isabel and at Brazos Santiago near the mouth of the Rio Grande. Other lumber supplies used to build facilities at the fort came from New Orleans by way of Fort Brown. While the troops provided about one quarter of the construction labor, local civilians furnished most of the labor (Barrett 1927:103-104).
The report also documents contemporaneous South Texas military posts (Forts Brown, Duncan and McIntosh), and they share a common history and pattern of development. Fort Brown, the largest of the installations, had six officers' quarters, four storehouses, two barracks, a hospital as well as other ancillary buildings. All of the buildings were of frame construction and, like those at Ringgold Barracks, used materials salvaged from Point Isabel and Brazos Santiago (Barrett 1927:96). Fort McIntosh was much smaller than Ringgold Barracks and Fort Brown because of its relative inaccessibility. Steam navigation via the Rio Grande was impossible that far upriver and the poor quality of roads and more remote location made it difficult to transport building materials. Fort McIntosh had two large frame buildings, one that housed the quartermasters' and subsistence stores and the other was officers' quarters. The kitchen and hospital also were of frame construction; however, the magazine and guard house utilized locally quarried stone. Other buildings, including two officers' quarters, were jacales, a Mexican vernacular method of construction utilizing wood poles inserted into the ground with support from interwoven lathes. Fort Duncan, further distant from coastal lumber supplies, had still fewer frame buildings, and the post's even more remote location forced the military to use stone, adobe and other cheap and readily available building materials. Jacale construction, mud and plaster walls, and thatched roofs remained the most common building techniques and methods for several other buildings (Barrett 1927; Graham 1978:38-43).
Brevet Lieutenant Colonel William G. Freeman documented early conditions at Ringgold Barracks, as well as Fort Brown, Fort McIntosh and Fort Duncan.
He toured military posts of the Eight Military Department that extended throughout Texas. On July 14, 1853, Freeman inspected Ringgold Barracks and wrote,
I found this post in such excellent condition in all
respects that I am relieved from the necessity of going
into detail this garrison stands pre-eminent; and the
concurrent testimony of all attributes this excellence
to the example and unremitting efforts of its present
commander (published in the Southwestern Historical
Quarterly Volume II and edited by M.L. Crimmins).
Freeman included a sketch map-of the fort (Figure 4), the earliest known such document, which shows the layout of the compound and the location, size and use of the buildings and important topographical features. The map also reveals much about the Army's ideas and philosophy regarding defense and military planning. The Commandant's Quarters (Map No. 25, Photograph 7) was on one of the highest points at the post; the flag staff occupied the other. The drill grounds extended from the Commandant's Quarters to the embankment overlooking the Rio Grande. Officers and company quarters, described earlier by Viele, were in rows on the east and west sides of the drill grounds, and the entire configuration of buildings made the Commandant's Quarters all the more dramatic and impressive, especially when approaching from the south.
At the time of Freeman's inspection, Brevet Major Gabriel R. Paul of the Seventh Infantry was commander of the post that included Company B, Mounted Riflemen and Companies A and I, Seventh Regiment of Infantry. Most of the officers were graduates of the Military Academy at West Point, and many later gained famed as officers in the Union and Confederate armies during the Civil War (Crimmins 1947:229231).
Freeman also inspected Fort Brown, Fort McIntosh, Fort Duncan and other military posts in Texas. When compared to these others, Ringgold Barracks fared well and generally received positive comments; although a subsequent inspection report that Colonel Joseph K. F. Mansfield completed in 1856 was less favorable to Ringgold Barracks.
Colonel Mansfield noted that the fort was under the command of Brevet Lieutenant Colonel C.A. Wait, Fifth Infantry, whose force included five Companies of the Fifth Infantry, one of Mounted Rifles and one of the Fourth Artillery. Mansfield's report also included a more detailed map (Figure 5) of the fort than the one Lt. Colonel Freeman prepared three years earlier. According to Mansfield's map, the post's configuration remained basically the same. He believed that Ringgold Barracks fulfilled its intended duty and was "indispensable under the present unsettled state of Indian difficulties, and revolutionary movements, at times in Mexico" (Mansfield Vol. XLII: 130). Mansfield also stated that Ringgold Barracks, near the head of steam navigation on the Rio Grande, was a critical link in the border line of defense because of the fort '~ role as a supply depot for and conduit of goods to upriver military posts. He concluded hi" report of Ringgold Barracks by writing that,
There seems to be no necessity for so large a force
here at this post, and as the quarters are limited and
it is sickly, I would recommend the number of Troops be
reduced to one Company of Artillery and one Company of
Mounted Infantry. There are no Indians about here, but
a few scattering Lipans who come over from the Mexican
side to commit depredations. A position was pointed out
for a small field fort, but a structure like that at
Fort McIntosh, has no real strength, and a field fort
here, appears to be superfluous, particularly in a time
of peace with Mexico (Mansfield Vol. XLII: 228).
Mansfield's report confirmed the need for Ringgold Barracks existence albeit at a reduced capacity. By 1859, however, much of the fighting shifted to West Texan where Indians battled white settlers moving to the region in increasing numbers. The U.S. Army responded, establishing new military forts and camps farther west and northwest, transferring troops from more secure areas. Ringgold Barracks was among those posts affected. On February 5, 1859, without approval of the War Department, General David E. Twiggs, Commander of Eighth Military Department, ordered the fort's closure and further directed the troops removal to Camp Hudson in Val Verde County, Texas. Fort Brown, Fort Duncan and Fort McIntosh, likewise, were abandoned and their troops transferred elsewhere (Barrett 1927:81,106,114 and 120).
Despite the Army's perception that the Lower Rio Grande region was relatively secure, renewed border conflicts between newly arrived European-Americans and Juan Nepomuceno Cortina (Cortinas) alarmed both state and federal officials. Cortina, one of the most colorful and influential figures in the history of the region, was from a family that had settled in the area by the mid 18th century. He was a leader in the movement to return land that European- Americans expropriated (or confiscated) from Mexicans. His participation in a bloody incident involving the mistreatment of a Mexican by a marshal in Brownsville alarmed local government officials who felt threatened and regarded him an outlaw. Others, typically of Mexican heritage, believed he was standing up for their rights. Texas Rangers and militia unsuccessfully attempted to capture him, catapulted Cortina into a folk hero. His actions, no doubt spurred by the lack of a United States military presence along the Lower Rio Grande, forced General Twigg to order the reoccupation of Ringgold Barracks and the other border forts.
Colonel Robert E. Lee, who had assumed command of the military in Texas, carried out Twigg's orders, and troops arrived at the fort by December 1859. Because the lease elapsed in August of that year, Colonel Lee dispatched Lieutenant J.E. Slaughter to Rio Grande City to renegotiate a new lease agreement with owner Henry Clay Davis. Uncertainties as to the rightful title to the land remained unresolved (several lawsuits were pending at the time of negotiation), but the Army eventually and reluctantly agreed to re-lease the grounds from Henry Clay Davis. The agreed upon 10-year lease included a provision that granted the federal government the option to buy the land for $23,000. As a precaution, Lieutenant Slaughter also recommended alternate sites for the fort that might be considered at a later, less urgent date. One site was about three miles below the present fort, the other was just outside Roma, about 16 miles upriver from Rio Grande City (Barrett 1927:107-108). If the Civil War had not erupted in 1861, the post may have been moved to another site, as Colonel Lee reportedly objected to Davis' high rent demands and questions existed regarding the title to the land.
Just before the troops returned, however, Cortina and his men were routed near Rio Grande City in a battle with federal troops, presumably based at Ringgold Barracks, and Texas Rangers that John (Rip) Ford led. Cortina retreated to the Burgos Mountains in the interior of Mexico, but rumors of his reappearance along the border continued to generate anxiety and concern among many settlers, and the Army proceeded with plans to reoccupy the forts (Ringston 1983:40; Webb 1952 I:417). Thus, after its brief abandonment (less than a year), Ringgold Barracks returned to active status and resumed its role as a military stronghold. Colonel Lee initially ordered five companies to the post, but later dispatched two of those companies to the reactivated Fort McIntosh. Others went to Fort Brown, near Brownsville, where Cortina was most active.
Colonel Lee himself participated in the attempted capture of Cortina and the disbandment of his army. By the spring 1860, Lee left his base in San Antonio, the military headquarters of Texas, and came to South Texas in search of Cortina and his army. He passed through Ringgold Barracks and reportedly stayed at the Commandant's Quarters (Map No. 25, Photograph 7), known locally as the "Lee House." While at the post, he wrote a letter to the Governor of the State of Tamaulipas requesting his assistance and cooperation to "cause to be dispersed any bands within the States under your jurisdiction having for their object depredations upon American soil" (Jenkins 1988:13). The letter was posted "Headquarters, Ringgold Barracks April 2, 1860." Other correspondence dated March 24 and April 7, 1860 from Laredo and Edinburg, respectively, revealed Lee's movement down the Rio Grande to Fort Brown, his ultimate destination (Jenkins 1988:1115). Exactly where Lee stayed during his visit remains unclear, but other letters he wrote confirm that his time at Ringgold Barracks was brief. [Lee had previously visited Ringgold Barracks during his assignment to court martial duty in 1856. According to historian Carl Coke Rister, Lee was summoned to Ringgold Barracks from Camp Cooper on September 2, 1856, to preside over a court martial. Upon his arrival on September 28 Lee encamped outside the garrison since no other acceptable quarters were available" (Rister 1946:66)].
The U.S. Army's reoccupation of Ringgold Barracks and the other border forts in December 1859 was relatively short lived, as Texas' secession from the Union forced federal troops to abandon these posts. At the time of its second closure, March 7, 1861, Ringgold Barracks remained a small post with frame buildings in a configuration like that Freeman depicted in 1853 and Mansfield illustrated in 1856. Colonel John S. Ford of the Confederacy, who fought earlier in the so-called Cortinas War subsequently occupied the fort (Ford 1963:360-366). Ringgold Barracks was a logical stronghold for the Confederacy to maintain because of its proximity to the South Texas border, enabling it to block, or at least hinder, any attempts by Union forces to launch an invasion from Mexico. The most strategic military post in the area was Fort Brown, which could control the flow of Confederate cotton into Mexico for ultimate shipment to Europe. Union troops, attempting to impede the cotton trade, captured that fort in November 1863. Colonel Ford later marched to Fort Brown from his base at Ringgold Barracks and on July 30, 1864 reestablished Confederate authority over the military installation.
Although armed conflict in the region remained limited primarily to Fort Brown and adjoining coastal areas, the Lower Rio Grande's importance as a center for international trade and commerce was again made obvious. In response, the U.S. Army reoccupied Ringgold Barracks, as well as the other poets along the Lower Rio Grande. The first troops reached Ringgold Barracks in June 1865, and military officials negotiated a new lease with the widow of Henry Clay Davis. The agreement stipulated that the Army would pay $1,000 yearly compensation in exchange for the use of the land (Harvey 1875:228; Rogers 1924:15).
The U.S. army, meanwhile, began a period of reorganization and undertook a major improvement program to upgrade its posts. The Eighth Department of the U.S. Army, including all of Texas, became the Fifth Military District, with four sub-districts. Ringgold Barracks fell within the Rio Grande sub-district, which also included Fort Brown and Fort McIntosh (Wooster 1987:48). Within its new organizational framework, the Army initiated substantial changes, many of which had been contemplated or at least anticipated as early as 1859. For example, the Army proposed the upgrading of Ringgold Barracks and Fort Brown to permanent status prior to the Civil War (Barrett 1927:108). By 1868, the military renewed its attempts to expand and upgrade the forts along the Lower Rio Grande, as Congress appropriated funds for the projects. By 1869 work began on a major effort to expand and enlarge Ringgold Barracks, Fort Brown and Fort McIntosh.
Rather than rebuild Ringgold Barracks at the existing site, the Army erected an entirely new post immediately north of the old one. The plan called for the construction of five officers' quarters (Map Nos. 1,2; 3,4, Photograph 1) four company barracks (Map Nos. 14, 15, 16 and 17, Photographs 2 and 6), a hospital (Map No. 11, Photograph 5), a bakery (Map No. 19), a guardhouse (Map No. 21), adjutant offices (razed}, and ancillary buildings grouped around a parade ground (see Figure 2). Buildings in the older portion of the fort were incorporated into the plan but were no longer used in their original capacity. The Commandant's Quarters (Map No. 25, Photograph 7), for example, became the office of the Quartermaster. Construction on the new post began in 1869, but rather than using lumber, the new buildings were brick, befitting the fort's "permanent" status. The construction of the expanded post was a gradual affair dependent upon the whims of Congress. Assistant Surgeon P.F. Harvey, U.S. Army, provides a thorough description of Ringgold Barracks and the surrounding geology, vegetation and living conditions in an 1875 report. Harvey noted that the new post "is still unfinished, the appropriation having been exhausted some time ago, and an appropriation of additional funds for its completion having been refused" (Harvey 1875:232). His report detailed the exact dimensions of each new building and the arrangement of interior spaces. He also noted that the four officers' quarters and a company barracks of the post were converted into the quartermaster's and commissary storehouse, respectively. He wrote, "they stand near the river and are old, cheerless, and dilapidated'' (Harvey 1875:232). The expansion of Ringgold Barracks and the investments made in the construction of new buildings warranted the U.S. Army to eventually acquire the land outright, but only after a District Court ruling in March 1879 clarified legal ownership of the property (Starr County Deed Records Vol. F:335-338).
The renovation of Ringgold Barracks occurred at a time when similar efforts were underway at Fort Brown and Fort McIntosh. Fort Brown development more closely parallels that of Ringgold Barracks. The centerpiece of the fort was the parade ground, where the officers' quarters and barracks were on opposite sides. Unlike the plan for Ringgold Barracks, however, the Fort Brown hospital was more central, away from the parade ground, in part because Fort Brown encompassed a much larger area than Ringgold Barracks. Fort McIntosh, on the other hand, followed a less rigid plan. One military historian (possibly using Harvey's 1875 report as a source) wrote that, "in 1870 buildings for a new post were in course of erection, though the plan of the post was not definitely decided upon" (Toulouse 1936:85). For reasons as yet unknown, the building program for Fort McIntosh apparently took place over an extended period of time that was much longer than those for Ringgold Barracks and Fort Brown (Fort McIntosh National Register Nomination 1975).
For the remainder of the 19th century, the Lower Rio Grande region prospered and developed, based largely on the ranching economy, at an unprecedented pace. Much of this growth stemmed from the stabilizing effect that the federal military posts exerted on both sides of the Rio Grande. Still, unrest sporadically plagued the border area. Numerous incidents of banditry on both sides of the border elicited the deployment of Fort Ringgold's soldiers more than once in the years following the Civil War. Frontier law enforcement was often shunted to federal forces, but border forts were spread thinly along the river about every 60 miles and troops were often frustrated in their attempts to apprehend criminals who easily crossed the Rio Grande to safety before the cavalry arrived. Outlaw gangs stole whole herds of cattle and they transported them across the river with impunity, secure in the knowledge that United States troops would not violate Mexican authority by crossing the international boundary.
In 1875, during one of the more infamous of these instances, Texas Rangers, under the command of Colonel L.H. McNelly, and with tacit consent of Ringgold Barracks' Major A.J. Alexander and Fort Brown's General Potter, ignored convention and crossed the river at Las Cuevas, about ten miles down Alexander and Fort Brown's General Potter, the river at Las Cuevas, about ten miles down river from Rio Grande City, to retrieve the reported 200 head of cattle stolen from Cameron County by Mexican nationals. While Alexander's cavalry troops did not cross the river or play an active role in recovering the cattle, McNelly secured a promise from Ringgold Barracks' commander to "instruct his men to follow raiders anywhere I [McNelly] will go" (Webb, 1935:256). Greatly outnumbered, McNelly successfully intimidated the thieves by threatening to call the cavalry, massed on the American side of the river, to his defense. The Mexicans herded the contraband cattle back across the Rio Grande and Major Alexander of the United States Cavalry took much of the credit for resolving the conflict. Still, the incident elicited much discussion about national autonomy from the Mexican government and cast doubt on the ability of the United States-military to adequately protect frontier settlers and deter crime if it was prohibited from crossing the border.
Another criminal case involving troops at Ringgold Barracks illustrated the racial and regional tensions inherent in defending a former Confederate state with African American soldiers wearing the Union blue. African American soldiers served at Ringgold Barracks since the final land battle of the Civil War was concluded at Palmito Ranch, near Fort Brown, about 60 miles downriver from Ringgold Barracks. Colonel T.H. Barrett, who led the 62nd Indiana Volunteers (colored) in that battle, officiated at the mustering-out ceremonies for the survivors at Ringgold Barracks in January 1866. The 62nd the Ninth Cavalry who, along with the Buffalo Ninth cavalry, was subsequently replaced with troops of African American soldiers of the Tenth Cavalry, became known as Soldiers. In 1873, Colonel John Porter Hatch, commander of the established his headquarters at Ringgold Barracks where it remained for the following two years. Companies B, C, G, H, and L quartered at the fort with detachments scattered along the river to guard the crossings (Leckie, 1967:106). The Ninth Cavalry remained at Ringgold Barracks for eight years, from the end of the Civil War to 1875 when it was rotated out of the region.
During their tenure in the Rio Grande Valley, African American troops encountered racial prejudice and resistance from criminals as well as local citizens. In January 1875, African American troops from Company G were on routine patrol from Ringgold Barracks when they were ambushed. When Colonel Hatch, Sheriff T. Davis, and 60 men of Companies B and G returned to the scene, they discovered the mutilated bodies of two slain men. Evidence found in a nearby shack, including the uniforms and equipment of the dead men, implicated a number of local ranchers. Survivors identified nine men, several of whom were suffering from gunshot wounds. These men were brought to the grand jury at Rio Grande City, only one was indicted and he was soon acquitted. Instead, local officials arrested the surviving troopers for the "murder" of one of their attackers and indicted Colonel Hatch for burglary because, the charges stated, he illegally entered the shack and removed the uniforms of his dead troopers! Although an appeals court eventually acquitted Hatch and his men, this incident led to the transfer of the Ninth Cavalry to the New Mexico District and the Eighth Cavalry took its place at Ringgold Barracks (Leckie, 1967:109112). Although the Buffalo Soldiers remained diligent in their efforts to maintain peace at the frontier fort, more violence was displayed toward them than they were able to overcome. Later, the turn of the century, the African American soldiers of the Ninth Cavalry returned to their post on the Rio Grande only to suffer similar abuse.
In addition to chasing cattle rustlers and outlaws, troops along the Rio Grande also had to contend with Mexico's political upheavals that occasionally spilled across the border. The most significant insurgency occurred in 1891 when Catarino Erasmo Garza led a revolt to overthrow the government of Mexico. The U.S. Army soon became involved after Garza used the United States as a base of operations to launch several raids into Mexico. Troops from the fort defeated Garza and his army at La Goya in Hidalgo (Sanchez l991: 57). In time, however, the government of Mexico, under the leadership of Porfirio Diaz, worked more closely with the U.S. Army and successfully restored order to the border region (Kingston 1983:41). Border hostilities diminished to such an extent that troops at the U.S.-forts assumed roles more policelike, rather than military roles. They contributed to a general state of order and tranquillity rather than assuming a defensive military role. The ensuing calm spurred greater settlement and economic development in cities on both sides of the Rio Grande, especially those towns proximate to the federal military posts.
Rio Grande City in Starr County was one such community. A large, open pasture (see Figure 6) separated Ringgold Barracks from Rio Grande City, an important regional mercantile and trade center by the late 19th century. Community prosperity, largely dependent upon the flow of federal dollars to the fort, ushered in a building boom that dramatically transformed the city's physical and architectural character. Many of the new buildings Heinrich (Enrique) Portschiller erected. He was a Prussian immigrant whose exquisitely crafted masonry work raised awareness and appreciation of architecture. The Silverio de la Pena Drugstore (National Register 1980), built in 1886, is among his finest commissions and exemplifies the diversity and multi-cultural melding of the Lower Rio Grande region.
Ringgold Barracks also experienced a number of changes throughout the late 19th century. In 1878 the Army changed the post's name to Fort Ringgold. That same year, the Army built telegraph lines that enabled communications between Fort Ringgold, Fort Brown, and Fort McIntosh. Several new buildings replaced older ones that had burned and reflected the military's attempts to keep the fort current. Fire destroyed one of the officers' quarters (Map No. 6,7) in 1885 and another one was built on the same site. Another fire in 1892 devastated the frame subsistence storehouse, and the replacement (Map No. 26, Photograph 10) was a load bearing brick building less susceptible to fire. At about the same time, a new commanding officer's quarters (since razed) was erected near the southeast corner of the parade ground. Other buildings erected during the 1890s included two Noncommissioned officers' quarters (Map Nos. 27 and 28, Photograph 10) and the Subsistence Storehouse (Map No. 26).
During the late 1870s and throughout the 1880s, the troops of Fort Ringgold and the citizens of Rio Grande City enjoyed a mutually beneficial social life that included joint holiday celebrations, dances and banquets (Kelsey, 1952:61). When African American troops of the Ninth United States Cavalry returned to the Rio Grande in the 1890s, racial tensions again flared. These tension" exploded on November 20, 1899 when a gambling dispute resulted in a "riot" that remains one of the striking events of Rio Grande City's history, even though only one injury resulted. On November 21, 1899, news of a riot at Fort Ringgold involving the African American soldiers of the fort firing upon the citizens of adjacent Rio Grande City on the previous evening spread like wildfire throughout the state. Newspapers and telegraphs from Brownsville to San Antonio and Austin carried the incendiary news that "Negro" soldiers of the fort fired on the town with gatling guns. Apparently, the soldiers anticipated a full scale citizen assault on the fort and called upon their commanding officer to defend them and the fort. The San Antonio Daily Express reported that the fusillade was a result of a misunderstanding between townspeople and the soldiers but acknowledged that racial tensions between the African American members of the Ninth Cavalry and largely Mexican-American citizenry had been building for months. The Daily Express reported only one person, Tomas Hinojosa of Rio Grande City, injured, although many of the town's buildings sustained bullet holes and citizens' return fire penetrated the post telegraph office, bakery and hospital (San Antonio Daily Express, November 22, 1899:1). The Army immediately responded to the situation by announcing that they would permanently abandon the fort and the remove the Ninth Cavalry from the vicinity, although a skeleton crew remained at the fort for several years following the event.
Fort Ringgold remained in semi-retirement from 1899 until 1906 when the U.S. Army decided that Fort Ringgold and the other border forts were dispensable and ordered them abandoned. The Army turned control of Fort Ringgold over to the U.S. Department of the Interior, which planned to partition it into a town site (Rogers 1924:15). Before implementation of the plan, revolutionaries in Mexico again plunged the region into chaos. Most of the fighting took place within Mexico, but turmoil soon spilled over the border directly affecting many Texas communities. What followed was one of the most violent and bloody eras in the history of the Lower Rio Grande valley, as long-simmering racial tensions reached a boiling point and many lives were lost. Much of the fighting in Texas involved Texas Rangers that the Governor of Texas sent. A virtual state of anarchy reigned in some parts of the Lower Rio Grande.
To help restore order, the U.S. Army, again reversed itself and ordered the border forts reoccupied. Troops returned to Fort Ringgold by 1911, but only a small contingency of Army regulars reported there since the post served primarily as a base for recently activated National Guards unite. An acute housing shortage arose, and most of the soldiers lived in canvas tents. The relative scarcity of "permanent" quarters reflected the Army's fluctuating commitment to Fort Ringgold's status a. a military facility. Furthermore, the lack of appropriations prohibited the construction of any new buildings.
The men at Fort Ringgold and the other border forts helped protect the border and restore a semblance of order to the region. While the Mexican Revolution continued throughout the l910s and remained a constant threat to the security of the United States, events in Europe gained significance, and by 1917 the United States entered World War I. Desperate for experienced soldiers, the U.S. Army tapped the reserves stationed at Fort Ringgold and those forts along the Lower Rio Grande because these men had invaluable combat training and experience. The country's subsequent defense build up reached the area, because in 1918, Congress appropriated long overdue funds to upgrade Fort Ringgold. A total of $250,000 allowed for a series of new buildings, most notably two new infantry barracks (Map Nos. 73 and 74, Photograph 2} on the north side of the parade ground. The appropriation also provided for the construction of additions onto the existing (1869) barracks (Rogers 192415).
The late 1920s and 1930~ marked an era of relative stability and order along the border, and the strategic importance of the forts consequently waned. The aftermath of the Mexican Revolution left a new Mexican government firmly in place, and the need to maintain and the border forts became less critical. Construction of highways rendered the Rio Grande a less significant transportation route, and even when World War II erupted, these posts played minor roles in the training of troops and in the defense of U.S. borders In 1944, while the war was ongoing and the Mexican border secure, the Army determined Fort Ringgold and its sister posts as surplus and ordered their permanent abandonment. Local governments' subsequently acquired them and converted them into civilian uses, closing an important chapter in the history of the region.
The Rio Grande City School District purchased Fort Ringgold for $200,000 in 1948, exactly 99 years after the post's establishment (Starr County Deed Records Vol. 151:275278). School officials converted the fort into a complex that included an elementary, a junior high, and a senior high school. Major renovations completed in both 1950 and 1979 razed few of the historic buildings.
Although much of the federal military architecture in Texas has been destroyed or is in ruins, the 19th century post of Fort Ringgold is largely intact. Despite its almost continuous occupation and use since 1849, Fort Ringgold is a vivid reminder of the past and a tangible link to a colorful and pivotal era in the state's history. The fort retains its historic character to a remarkable degree, with the loss of only a few of the pre-1944 buildings. The parade ground, the focal point and symbolic heart of the fort, survives with few intrusions. More than any single feature it proclaims the district's heritage and original function as a military post. Many of the buildings face toward the parade ground, another reflection of its importance to the physical character and cohesiveness of the district. The layout of the fort illustrates noteworthy design qualities and reveals much about the military's philosophy about the appearance, configuration and daily operations of a U.S. Army post during the middle of the 19th century. Fort Ringgold was not an imposing stronghold for the garrisoning of men to control a small and well defined locale, instead, the design of the post permitted the rapid deployment of troops, responding to the needs of a populace dispersed throughout a vast and far- reaching territory. In such a capacity, Fort Ringgold was a resounding success.
Fort Ringgold's architectural significance also stems from the cohesiveness of the historic properties within the district. Almost all of the historic buildings date to one of three major building programs (1869 to 1875, the 1890s and the 1920s), and they share a common scale and form with similar construction materials. The buildings display only minimal amounts of stylistic ornamentation because the non-essential application of decorative architectural detailing was a luxury that the U.S. military rarely expended monies on. In the case of Fort Ringgold, funding was an acute problem, as the appropriations for the construction of the 1869 expansion were depleted before completion of the building program. The builders of Fort Ringgold, as did those for federal military posts throughout Texas, made use of standardized government-issued plans adapted to the surrounding environment and took advantage of readily available building materials (Graham 171). An 1875 description of Fort Ringgold vividly illustrates this trend:
[The hospital] is a brick structure, built in
accordance with the approved plan from the Surgeon-
General's office. It is 190 feet long, and is
surrounded by a porch 12 feet wide... It consists of a
central administration building, 37 1/2 by 36 feet, two
stories high, flanked on each side by a ward, each 20
by 40 feet. The central building has on the first floor
an office, dispensary, and store-room, each 14 by 14
feet, and a dining-room, 20 by 14 feet. Back of these
is the kitchen, 12 by 14 feet. It contains a pantry.
The second story has corresponding rooms, used as store-
rooms, steward's rooms, and prison... Adjoining each
ward is a Store-room for men B clothing, and a wash-
room, each 12 by 14 feet (Harvey 1875:233).
As the plan and rendering in Figure 7 shows, the c. 1870 hospital at Fort Richardson bears a strong resemblance to the hospital at Fort Ringgold, some 400 miles to the south. The form, layout and room dimensions are similar, but the construction materials (stone versus brick) and the designs of the porches (open with wood posts versus partially enclosed brick arcades) show how the builders adjusted to the differing environments and conditions in which they worked.
Another noteworthy architectural feature of the district is the Commandant's Quarters (Map No. 25, Photograph 7). Erected between 1849 and 1853, it is one of the state's oldest examples of a mid 19th century military building of frame construction. Furthermore, it remains the only extant physical reminder of the fort's early history and is indicative of the type of buildings the U.S. Army initially erected at their installations across the Texas frontier. The buildings survival is even more remarkable considering the scarcity of lumber in the region prior to the arrival of the railroad and the military propensity to salvage materials from obsolete or unused buildings. despite subsequent (c. 1920) changes, as well as its deteriorated condition, the Commandant's Quarters reflects the early legacy of federal military involvement in the Lower Rio Grande area.
Fort Ringgold's architectural significance has been compromised somewhat following the post's conversion into educational uses. Alterations and additions to the historic buildings were completed to comply with local, state and federal codes and regulations; nevertheless, most of the buildings are still recognizable to the district's period of significance. Exceptions include two of the infantry barracks (Map Noes. 15 and 73) and two of the officers' quarters (Map Nos. 6,7 and 8,9), so severely altered that their historic integrity has been lost. The construction of many new buildings, likewise, detracts from the district's overall historic character, but because of their placement behind landmark historic buildings and away from the parade ground, their impact is only minimal.
Fort Ringgold's architectural significance i8 better understood and appreciated when compared to contemporaneous Forts Brown, McIntosh and Duncan, whose histories closely intertwine with Fort Ringgold. Except for Fort Ringgold, all are honored with National Historic Landmark status or listing in the National Register of Historic Places at a national level of significance. None of these forts boast as a high a percentage of their historic buildings as Fort Ringgold. Moreover, Fort Ringgold is the only federal military post in the region whose parade ground remains open and undeveloped. This feature alone enables the Fort Ringgold Historic District to evoke a strong sense of the past and its former use as a federal military post.
BIBLIOGRAPHY ON FILE IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER
The Silverio de la Pena Drugstore and Post Office, built in 1886, occupies the northwest corner of Main and Lopez Streets in Rio Grande City. Characteristic of buildings derived from European types, its walls abut the pavement. The 2 story plus basement structure is of buff- colored brick laid in English bond. Hexagonal fired clay tiles cover the flat roof. Horizontality is emphasized by bracketed iron balconies on the south and east facades and an elaborate classical cornice complete with dentils, triglyphs, and metopes. Vertical definition is provided by fluted Doric derivative pilasters asymmetrically placed. It is apparent that the easternmost two thirds of the building comprise a whole, and that the western third creates an asymmetrical south elevation. One might suppose the western third is a later addition but study of the construction indicates that, although perhaps not part of the original concept, the western third was built at the same time as the other. On the 2nd story, there is a joint between the two sections; the brickwork is continuous on the first floor.
Fenestration is irregular, indicating the asymmetrical floor plan. The south facade is pierced on the first floor by a wooden shuttered window and three arched doors that are composed of five removeable panels over one, topped by a fanlight. Three steps lead to the entrances. The easternmost arches carry an "S" and "P" on their keystones. Corresponding 6/6 windows are above the arches, along with a door framed by transom and sidelights. Both first and second floor openings are surmounted by flared architraves.
On the east facade, only the 3 northernmost first floor openings carry architraves, the center being the most elaborate. The southern 2 windows are not original. Capitals embellish the architraves of only the third and sixth second floor openings. This facade retains paint traces that still clearly spell "Silverio de la Pena".
Two arcades of 6 wide arches each differentiate the west facade. Although their spans were filled by various methods and materials in 1945 (second floor) and 1964 (first floor) turned balusters are still visible. Fluted Doric and square brick columns support the arches. A small segmentally arched window on the first floor indicates the wood fired oven's location.
The north facade is very simple, pierced by 2 windows and a door on the first floor, and 2 windows on the second floor, the center one probably not original. The windows are comparable to those on the east. Visible from this direction is the only remaining chimney. Inside, the building is dominated by exposed beams and a steep stair near the western wall. Little of the 19th century decor is evident. According to tradition, the walls were once resplendent with stenciling; still visible inside a cabinet is a remnant of a mortar and pestle design drawn especially for the druggist resident by the architect. Extra walls have been constructed to create more rooms. Although there have been many small changes, the alteration with the greatest overall effect was the aforementioned enclosure of the western arches that once opened onto verandas running almost the length of the building. Materials blocking the arches include brick, plywood siding, diagonal lattice, louvered shutters, and aluminum windows. Presumably, all are removable. Other major changes are the 2 additional windows on the east facade and plaster on parts of the east and south walls. Neither of these alterations has seriously affected the building's integrity.
Following the generally European flavor expressed in the Silverio de la Pena Building, the site plan is centered inward. North of the building is a small yard, enclosed on 3 sides by a 7 or 8 foot high brick wall 18" thick at the base changing to 14" near the middle. Above a rowlock course it is topped by an inverted "V" concrete ridge. The wall extends from the east building wall about 16', turns a right angle to continue another 65', turns another corner, and forms the other arm of a "U" shape with a 10' extension. It is broken by only one gate, directly north of the kitchen door. Deleted from the nomination is a small nondescript structure connecting the larger building to the row of buildings along Main Street.
The damaged south balcony has been replaced by a reproduction. Other restoration work is in the planning stages.
The Rio Grande Valley is dotted with exquisite buildings designed by Heinrich Portscheller, a German mason/architect who traveled and worked in the area during the second half of the nineteenth century. His structures are distinguished by elegant lines and finely wrought details. Best preserved, and among the most sophisticated of Portscheller's works, is the Silverio de la Pena Drugstore and Post Office. Intricate classical detailing and handsome proportions make it one of the most beautiful Valley buildings, a unique type with antecedents in Spain and elsewhere, adapted to local hostile conditions.
Heinrich Portscheller was born in Germany about 1840. After spending some time with the Prussian army, he presumably deserted with a fellow soldier. Ultimately, the two found themselves in the port of Veracruz in 1865, when they were immediately impressed into the Imperial Army of Maximilian. A brief stint with the counter-guerrilla forces did not agree with Portscheller, as he had deserted by early 1866 to fight with Maximilian's enemy, the Liberals. Until 1879, Portscheller's whereabouts are undetermined. In that year he married Leonard Campos in Mier(a Mexican town near Roma). It is probable that Portscheller developed his skills as a brick mason during this period. He had moved across the Rio Grande to Roma about 15 miles upriver from Rio Grande City by 1883. Among his first works there (Rome Historic District, listed on the National Register in 1972) was the Rafael Garcia Ramirez House, built shortly after 1881. Besides buildings, Portscheller also designed grandiose grave markers among them Silverio de la Pena's. In Roma, Portscheller, in partnership with a Mr. Margo and a Mr. Perez, established a brickyard for the manufacture of large salmon buff, sand-struck bricks. He lived and worked in Roma until 1894, when he moved to Laredo. Portscheller died and was buried there in 1915.
Buildings in the Rio Grande Valley recall inwardturning European dwellings built on the street. As originally constructed in South Texas by Spanish and Mexican immigrants, they had thatch roofs; raiding Indians easily burned the dry straw. Therefore, the houses became more fortress-like, with tile roofs and sturdy masonry walls.
Silverio de la Pena was a redheaded man of German ancestry. The building was constructed for his drugstore business, which was at the time the only wholesale and retail drugstore between Laredo and Brownsville. De la Pena was killed in Nuevo Laredo in 1894; his widow, formerly Eliza Howard, married Juan H. Hinojosa in 1906.
From an old and well-known South Texas family, Juan Hinojosa was a respected member of the Rio Grande City community. Besides owning several farms, he also served as Tax Assessor, on the board of a local bank, and as a U.S. Customs officer. His building at Main and Lopez served as both the tax and customs offices.
The drugstore operated until 1914. The adjoining office area was used as a post office until that same year when it moved into the former drugstore space, where it remained until 1950. At that time, a new post office was built across from the courthouse. In 1964, the original drugstore area was used as campaign headquarters for the New Party. After serving briefly as a bookstore, the first floor is now leased by a Methodist Church.
Hinojosa's son, Juan Jr., inherited the property after his father's death in 1942 and his mother's two years later. Both the present owners are retired educators. They live on the second floor of the building.
BIBLIOGRAPHY ON FILE IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER
Gollbach,
Padre Gustav, O.M.I. - Rio Grande City
(Builder of the Grotto: Shrine to the Virgin Mary)
(Picture
of the Grotto in Rio Grande City)
(24 Septiembre de 1878-26 Diciembre de 1955) Nacido en Alemania, Gustav Gollbach fue ordenado Sacerdote de Orden de Oblatos de Maria Inmaculada en el veinte uno de Abril de 1906. Immigro al Estado de Texas sirviendo iglesias en Del Rio, Castroville, Mercedes, San Benito, y Ballinger antes de llegar a Rio Grande City en 1924. Sirviendo como Parroco de la Iglesia Inmaculada Concepcion hasta el ano de 1937, constryuo una replica de la Gruta de Nuestra Senora de Lourdes, Francia, usando madera petrificada y piedra nativa. Dedicada en el ano 1928, La Gruta ha Sido un sitio historico importante en el Valle Del Rio Grande.
(September 24, 1878-December 26, 1955) A native of Germany, Gustav Gollbach was ordained a priest in the Oblates of Mary Immaculate Order on April 21, 1906. He immigrated to Texas soon after his ordination, and served churches in Del Rio, Castroville, Mercedes, San Benito, and Ballinger before coming to Rio Grande City in 1924. Serving as pastor of Immaculate Conception Church until 1937, he built a replica of the Grotto Shrine at Lourdes, France, using petrified wood and native stone from the Roma area. Dedicated in 1928, it has become an important historic site in the Rio Grande Valley
German architect Heinrich Portscheller (1840-1915) built this modified classic-revival structure for Manuel Guerra (1856-1915) in 1884. Early local example of sand-struck, hand-cast brick construction. Once used as residence and store, it remains in Guerra family.
In 1884 the Rev. R. M. Olivier, O.M.I., asked the Sisters of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio to start a school in Rio Grande City. Three nuns were sent here and by 1885 were teaching 100 day students in a 3-room school. The Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament came to teach in 1900, followed by the Sisters of Mercy in 1920. The school sisters of Notre Dame undertook the mission of the school in 1985. Throughout its history, dedicated laity joined the sisters in providing a strong Christian and educational foundation. It enjoys support from the church and community. (1997)
Built 1852. Kelsey moved here in 1848 with wife Amanda C. Brooks, first Corpus Christi school teacher. Operated general store. During Civil War, he moved business to Mexico. Returned to Texas in 1877. Died in 1898.
Architect: Dielmann,Leo M.J.
Architectural Style: GREEK REVIVAL; LATE VICTORIAN
HOTEL; SINGLE DWELLING; SPECIALTY STORE
The Ringgold Hotel, constructed in 1897 as a residence and a store, consisted of four sections built in the form of a compound around a central courtyard. A twostory brick building with a double gallery served as the residence. Two one-story brick buildings, accommodating a general store and an office, were attached to either side of the residence. Each one-story building faced directly onto the street; however, the residence was set back several feet from the street and a front courtyard was enclosed by a wrought iron fence.
The west or store building extended to a one-story brick building, used as a warehouse, which formed the rear or north section of the compound. A brick privy with a second story water tank was attached to the northeast corner of the warehouse and a brick wall extended from the office to the privy. All of the structures had flat roofs.
The residence retains the central hall floor plan of the Greek Revival as well as the symmetrical arrangement of the front facade. A center door is flanked on each side by an equal number of evenly spaced windows. The house also retained the columnar porch, a dominant Greek Revival feature. However, the jigsaw cut brackets and gingerbread details of the double gallery as indicative of the Victorian period. A two-story gallery is also attached to the east side of the house; however its details are not as decorative. Each story of the double gallery is supported by a simple version of the Doric column. The columns consist of simple squared posts capped with plain moldings. The more slender, turned balusters of the balustrade which embellishes the second story gallery are also Victorian elements. There are stone lintels over all of the window and door openings. The majority of the windows are six over nine, double hung with wooden shutters. A corbelled brick cornice accentuates the flat roof line.
The first floor of the house originally consisted of a sitting room and parlor located on one side of an entrance hall and a dining room and kitchen on the other. The second floor contained four bedrooms. The rooms were finished with wood plank ceilings with simple moldings, wood floors and plastered walls. The house was heated by fireplaces which had carved wood mantels. AIL of the interior doors were fitted with transoms and the front entrance, reminiscent of the Greek Revival, had a rectangular transom over the door flanked by side lights. The stairway was decorated with slender, turned balusters and flat jigsaw ornamentation.
Both the store and office buildings were constructed with corbelled cornices corresponding in design to that of the house. The corners of the buildings were accentuated with brick quoins. A parapet extended above the roof of each building and the second story porch of the house opened onto the flat brick roofs of the store and office buildings and provided a roof garden. The door and window openings had stone lintels like those of the house. Several sets of panelled doors with barred and glass transoms were evenly spaced in the structures. A carriage entrance was located on the west side of the store building. An interesting feature of the rectangular store building was the pressed tin ceiling. The warehouse building had five arched door openings which opened into the center courtyard. Each door had a fan-shaped transom.
There are several interesting features on the property. A wine cellar was built under the office building. The courtyard was paved with brick and beautifully landscaped. The bougainvillea, planted in the front courtyard, was brought by Mrs. LaBorde from Monterey, Mexico and it is reported to have been, the first one in the city. The front courtyard, enclosed with a wrought iron fence made in Kenton, Ohio, contained a brick cistern.
About 1917, LaBorde decided to open a hotel and employed Leo M. J. Dielmann, a San Antonio architect, to add a second story to his store, office and warehouse buildings. Dielmann introduced the gabled facade and moderately pitched roof to the store and office buildings. A corbelled cornice dominates the roof line. The front gable end of each building has a small window, which gives the effect of a half story, and brick ornamental patterns. There is also a corbelled brick window head above three window openings. A gable with a similar brick cornice Emd window was also incorporated into the west side of the store building above the carriage entrance. The second story of the warehouse was also completed with a gabled roof. A porch, which overlooked the courtyard, was added to the second story of the house and store and warehouse buildings.
The Hotel was purchased in 1939 and the interior was remodeled. sixteen bathrooms were incorporated into the buildings in addition to the two public baths which were built in :L917. There are presently twenty-three guest rooms. The first floor of the house serves as the managers apartment and the east downstairs porch WElS enclosed. The first floor of the store building was converted into a restaurant, but is now used for storage space as is the office building.
The interior has been altered in terms of painting and the addition of walls and the exterior has been repainted and wainscoted with white wash; however, the original fabric has not been destroyed. The buildings, although in a state of disrepair are essentially intact and retain the architectural features original to the two construction phases.
The Ringgold Hotel was originally built as a residence and store for Francois LaBorde, a French immigrant, about 1897. About 1917, LaBorde commissioned Leo M. J. Dielmann, an important San Antonio and Texas architect, to incorporate his home into a hotel. The hotel is significant not only for the excellence of its craftsmanship and detailing, but for its reflection of the tastes and influences of the Lower Rio Grande Valley. The region has historically been a center of activity and its architecture has been influenced by a variety of circumstances which include the close geographic and cultural relationship with Spain and Mexico, a large immigrant population, the isolated frontier and the climate. Several influences are evident in the hotel buildings. The residence is an adaptation of the Spanish-Mexican townhouse which usually faced onto the street and combined both residential and business uses. The courtyard and flat roofs are also of Spanish-Mexican origins. In response to the frontier, the buildings were laid out in the form of a compound which provided protection and privacy. The double galleries of the residence, a response to the hot climate, were adorned with elaborate Victorian details made of wood which was unusual because wood was scarce and costly. The regional character is noteworthy in the structural and decorative use of brick, in both construction phases, which was the most readily available and least expensive material in the area. LaBorde became a prominent businessman in Rio Grande City and San Antonio as well as a large landowner in Starr and surrounding counties. He owned one of the most handsome complexes of buildings in Rio Grande City. It is also historically important to note that the Hotel has been owned primarily by only two families during the years.
Francois LaBorde, born in 1867 in France was sent by his parents at the age of 15 to Mexico to avoid military conscription. He traveled with other French families, many of which were leaving France as a result of the Franco Prussion 1870. LaBorde eventually settled in Rio Grande City, where numerous other French immigrants resided, and opened a general merchandising business. On March 4, 1896, he married Eva Marks, the daughter of Ernest Marks, who was County Clerk for many years.
Local tradition relates that while LaBorde was in France on a brief visit, he commissioned a French architect to design for him a house, incorporating his general merchandising store and office. It is also reported that an unidentified San Antonio architect made monthly inspection trips to supervise the construction. Research has failed to determine the name of either of the architects. The property, on which the house and store are located, consists of two lots on Main Street which were purchased in 1896. Lot 2 was acquired from Mrs. LaBorde's mother ,and both lots 1 and 2 were part of larger tract known as Portion No. 80 of the former jurisdiction of Camargo, Mexico.
During the years, Mr. LaBorde acquired a great deal of property in Starr, Hogg and Zapata Counties some of which was used for ranching. About 1913, LaBorde established another residence in San Antonio and founded the Tomalina Milling company. LaBorde became a prominent citizen of San Antonio and Rio Grande City as he divided his time between the two locations. The LaBorde had five children and the two girls attended Ursuline Academy in San Antonio.
About 1917, during World War I, Mr. LaBorde decided to incorporate his Rio Grande City home into a small hotel. He employed the San Antonio architect, Leo M. J. Dielmann, who had constructed the Tomalina Mill, to add a second story to the office, store and rear warehouse building. It became known as the LaBorde Hotel.
Leo M. J. Dielmann, one of the most successful and widely known architects in San Antonio and Texas, practiced architecture from 1902 until 1957 with a main office at 306 E. Commerce Street in San Antonio. Dielmann, born in San Antonio in 1881, was the son of J. C. Dielmann, a contractor and pioneer in the building and supply business. Dielmann attended St. Mary's College where he studied under Theodore Gentilz, a French artist of the late nineteenth century. He graduated in 1898 and then attended a school in Idstein, Germany where he studied Architecture and Architectural Engineering. When he returned to San Antonio, he established himself as an architect in his father's business and served as President of Dielmann Construction Company. Dielmann designed marmerous residences, commercial structures and public buildings throughout Texas [see attached list of Dielmann's work]. He was a progressive man and responsible for a great advance in architecture and public improvements in Texas.
Mr. LaBorde died on August 11, 1917, shortly before the completion of the hotel. His family managed the hotel until it was acquired by Mr. George Boyle in 1939. Mr. Boyle, a Harvard graduate and geologist, changed the name to the Ringgold Hotel after Fort Ringgold which was established in Rio Grande City in 1848. He remodeled the interior to accommodate forty-five guests and added private baths to many of the rooms. During World War II, Boyle converted the first floor of the old store building into a restaurant. It later housed county offices while a new courthouse was being constructed. The Rio Grande Herald reported at the time Boyle purchased the hotel that he was a keen businessman who realized that Rio Grande City had one of the "brightest futures of any town on the last frontier." The newspaper editorialized that since the hotel was located halfway between Laredo and Brownsville on a transcontinental highway, in a county seat, and in the center of oil field activity that there was every reason to be optimistic about the hotel's success [Jan. 6, 1939].
The hotel was managed by Mr. and Mrs. William Drummond, Boyle's in-laws, until 1953 when 30 style moved into the hotel, opened an office on the first floor of the old office building and assumed management of the hotel. Mr. Boyle owned and operated the hotel until last year when it was purchased by Mrs. John Sheerin whose family has large ranch holdings in the area. Future plans include the restoration of the structure to a first-class hotel.
BIBLIOGRAPHY ON FILE IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER
Memorial Hospital – Roma
1853 building erected by E. R. Hord, State Representative and U.S. Congressman. Stone in 28" walls hauled by ox-teams; beams came by boat, landed at nearby dock. Military headquarters during the Civil War.
Mier Expedition, The – Roma
A body of Texans intent on invading Mexico camped here on December 21, 1842. After being made prisoners at Salado, Mexico, they drew beans, white for life in prison, black for death. 17 members of the expedition were shot by order of General Santa Anna, March 25, 1843.
Mission Mier a Visita – Roma
In the vicinity of this site was Mission Mier a Visita; established in 1750 as a part of Jose de Escandon's project to settle the region and civilize and Christianize the Indians
Mission San
Augustin de Laredo a Visita, Site of the -
Rio Grande City
Established in
1749 as a part
of Jose de Escandon's project to settle the region and civilize and
Christianize the Indians.
Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church – Roma
Main Plaza off US 83 -On Old Main Plaza, Roma.
Ramirez Hall – Roma
Corner of
Portscheller
Street and Main Plaza, Roma
Commercial structure with
family home upstairs. On site bought 1872 by Lino Ramirez. Built by
architect
Heinrich Portscheller (1840-1915), who personally laid brick in fine
detail
around windows and doors. Three generations of Ramirez family occupied
hall.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Rancho Davis, Old - Rio Grande City
Britton Avenue- Britton Avenue, Rio Grande City, Town Plaza
Home of Henry Clay Davis, a Kentuckian; came to Texas in 1939. Served with Taylor's army in 1846. Married into the Garza family, pioneer settlers and large landowners in the region. Around his home Rio Grande City grew up. Steamboats from Brownsville made the town a trading center. Ringgold Barracks was established nearby in 1848. Rio Grande City, the county seat.
Ringgold
Barracks Hospital, Old - Rio Grande City
(Click to
see Picture of theHospital -Center Left- the long white building)
US 83 at Fort Ringgold
Architecture Moorish; wide surrounding porches ornamented with 15' arches. Built according to plans of surgeon general. First occupied Nov. 25, 1870, and used for 75 years until post was inactivated in 1944.
Roma City Hall – Roma
Corner of Hidalgo and Gonzalez Avenues, Roma
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Old Roma Convent Building
Estrella Street
at Main
Plaza
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Roma
Historic District – Roma
(Picture
of National Historical Landmark)
Architect : Portscheller,Heinrich
(Enrique);
Vale,John
Historic Function :
RELIGION; DOMESTIC; COMMERCE/TRADE; GOVERNMENT; LANDSCAPE;
TRANSPORTATION
Period : 1825-1849; 1850-1874; 1875-1899; 1900-1924
The boundaries of the proposed historic district are drawn to include the nucleus of major architecturally significant structures by Enrique Portscheller, the lesser stone and adobe buildings typical of the Rio Grande valley and a peripheral area to act as a buffer zone to protect the old Roma community from encroachment by the highway on its east boundary and the bridge approach on the south boundary.
Outstanding historic properties included within the boundaries of the district include the following:
1. Manuel Guerra House and Store. 1878-1884. (HABS TEX 3146).
(Modern
Picture of Don Manuel Guerra's House and Store-picture take in
2001after restoration.)
This is among the finest Portscheller-built structures in Roma. The building has commercial retail space on the first floor and residential space above. To the rear of the building, adjacent to Hidalgo Street, is a long one story building which was probably a warehouse for the store.
The principal entrance to the structure is at the corner of the Plaza and Hidalgo Street, and the corner of the structure is cut to accommodate the double-door entrance. This doorway is flanked by brick pilasters set on a low plinth base. The pilasters support molded brick capitals, a brick architrave and a molded brick cornice. In addition to the corner entrance, there are five other double- door entrances on the first floor of the structure. These openings have brick flat arches with a small molded brick cornice above.
On the upper level, a cast-iron balcony with repetative panels of intricate lace-like filigree surrounding the plaza facade and the Hidalgo Street facade. The alternating windows and doors are framed by a composition of flanking pilasters and molded brick entablatures similar to the main entrance on the ground floor.
The building is crowned by a well-proportioned cornice with a cyma recta, fillet and dentil course of molded brick. The finely proportioned architectural embellishments and superior craftsmanship of the structure reveal Portscheller's uniquely personal style which utilizes classical orders similar to classic elements used in the early Renaissance period.
2. Nestor Saenz Store. 1884. (HABS TEX 3124). This outstanding structure designed by Enrique Portscheller is an excellent example of Rio Grande molded brickwork. The classical detail of the corner pilasters, the entablature and cornice, and doorway compositions are similar to those architectural elements found in the Guerra Store. This L- shaped one-story building has a roof of pine beams overlaid with pine decking. The interior woodwork is manufactured from local cypress.
3. Antonia Saenz House. Ca. 1884. This one-story brick Rio Grande townhouse possesses an outstanding molded brick cornice, as well as molded window and door compositions. The fine proportions and the exploitation of the design potential of the molded brick ornament marks the house as an outstanding example of Portscheller's skill as a master builder.
4. Church of Our Lady of Refuge of Sinners. (HABS TEX 3135). The church was designed by Pierre Yves Keralum, who joined the order of Mary Immaculate in 1852 after practicing architecture in France. The church, of which only the tower remains, was a brick Gothic Revival structure.
5. Old Roma Convent. Ca. 1880. This on a-story brick convent has bayed ends, a porch across the main facade, a diminutive wooden cupola and the fine brickwork and architectural detailing which characterizes Portscheller's work.
6. Pablo Ramirez House (now the Knights of Columbus Hall) 1884. This building is a two-story stucco-covered brick structure designed by Enrique Portscheller.
7. Raphael Garcia Ramirez House. Ca. 1881. (HABS TEX 3134) I (Now part of the Ramirez Hospital). The Ramirez House is a one-story brick Rio Grande townhouse. "The pattern work on the brick parapet implies an excellent knowledge of the design potential of a material as related to a climate which enjoys strong sunlight. The offsets of the doors and windows, the proportions of the double doorway as related to the simple facade can only be the work of a master."
8. Manuel Ramirez House (now Ramirez Hospital). The oldest portion of this structure was erected in 1853, by E. R. Hord. The house served as military headquarters during the Civil War. The structure has been greatly enlarged and altered.
9. Tino Ramirez House. 1850, 1880s. Local information indicates that a structure on this site was begun in 1850. The story brick residence and commercial building appears, on the basis of the brickwork and style, to post-date the Guerra store.
10. Noah Cox House. Ca. 1850. The two-story stucco- covered stone
residence
was built by John Vale. The gable roof is a later addition.
(Picture
of the Noah Cox House- taken 2001 )
11. Leocadia Leandro Garcia House. (HABS TEX 3131). Ca. 1850. Built by John Valle, the house is similar in style and construction to the Noah Cox House across the Plaza. Originally, the house contained commercial space on the ground floor with residential space above. The house was later remodeled as a building for "bailes", or "fandangos."
The historic district of Roma-Los Saenz is a fifteen block; area located on a bluff above the Rio Grande. The southwestern, boundary of the Roma Historic District is formed by Hidalgo Street between Garfield and Zaragosa streets, a straight line from the intersection of Zaragosa and Hidalgo streets to the bluff above the Rio Grande; the boundary line then follows the edge of the bluff along the Rio Grande. The southeastern boundary of the district runs from the International Bridge crossing the Rio Grande through the middle of the block bounded by Juarez Alley, Estrella Street, Bravo Alley and Hidalgo Street, to the mid- point of the block bounded by Juarez Alley, Grant Street, Bravo Alley and Estrella Street. The northeastern boundary is formed by a line bisecting the blocks between the above mentioned southeastern corner to a point at Garfield Street equidistant between Grant and Estrella streets. The northwest boundary runs from this point to the intersection of Garfield Street equidistant between Grant and Estrella streets. The northwest boundary runs from this point to the intersection of Garfield and Hidalgo streets.
Roma-Los Saenz, located on a high bluff above the Rio Grande, in the extreme southern portion of Star County across the border from Mier, Mexico, was originally a part of Jose de Escandon's colony. The first of Escandon's settlement in the lower Rio Grande was founded in February, 1749, and it was named "Nuestra Senora de Santa Ana de Camargo". In succession by 1753, Reynosa, Dolores and Revilla (Guerrero) and Mier were established. Soon afterwards families from these settlements founded Roma and Rio Grande City on the north side of the Rio Grande.
Joaquin and Juan Angel Saenz were probably the first settlers in the Roma area. In 1760 three members of this colony settled on the bluff at Roma, naming their new community "Buena Vista." The present name of "Roma" was adopted by 1848, after Texas had become a state in the Union. According to the Handbook of Texas, the name Roma, for Rome, was given to a mission built in 1751; Los Saenz honors a Spanish captain, Miguel Saenz, who received a Spanish land grant in 1767. Local tradition, however, attributes the name to several other sources. One of the versions credits the town's name to Major Richard Roman, who served in the area and distinguished himself in the Mexican War.
Roma was an important shipping point on the Rio Grande and mercantile enterprises flourished until steamships were outmoded by the railroads and highways. The era between the Mexican War and the Civil War as well as the Reconstruction Years, brought growth and prosperity to the community. Particularly during the later priod the town had a colorful history. The smuggling of contraband became a highly organized, and if not completely respected, certainly a condoned flourishing business that amounted to hundreds of thousands of dollars. With this prosperity came an influx of bandits, among which Abraham Garcia, "The White Cavalier," and Juan Nepomuceno Cortina, "The Red Robber of the Rio Grande: were included.
Fortunes gained in quasi-legal activities financed the construction of the fine new homes and warehouses built during the post-Civil War period. Today, the charm and character of the town results largely from these homes and stores, many of which are superb brick structures designed and built by Enrique Portscheller, a builder and master brick mason.
Heinrich (Enrique) Portscheller
A biographical sketch of Portscheller is contained in the photo-data book report on Roma prepared by the Historic American Buildings Survey, prepared in 1962 by Eugene George.
Heinrich Portscheller was born in Germany about 1840. After spending some time with the Ussian army, he presumably deserted with a fellow soldier by the name of Frederick Ellert. Ultimately, the two soldiers found themselves in the port of Veracruz Mexico, about 1865. They were immediately impressed into the Imperial Army of Maximilian. It is probable that they were assigned to an extremely mobile unit labeled "contre-guerrilla" operating against the Liberal guerrilla units in northern Mexico.
As Maximilian's position deteriorated, most of his European support and supporters deserted. It is not known precisely when Ellert and Portscheller deserted, but both appear to have been in the Rio Grande City area in 1866. Both men participated on the Liberal side under General Escobedo in the Battle of Santa Gertrudis, near the village of Camargo on the 15th of June, 1866. This battle was a decisive victory for the Liberals.
After the battle, Portscheller's whereabouts are undetermined until 1879, when he married Leonard Campos in Mier (a Mexican town near Roma). It is probable that Portscheller developed his skills as a brick mason during this period. The principal brick buildings at Ringgold Barracks were begun in 1869 and completed in 1875. Portscheller was probably employed as a mason in this work.
Portscheller first resided in Mier and, by 1883, had moved across the Rio Grande to Roma. Among his first works in Roma was the Rafael Garcia Ramirez House, built shortly after 1881.
In Roma, Portscheller, in partnership with a Mr. Margo and a Mr. Perez, established a brickyard for the manufacture of a very attractive salmon buff, sand struck, large (2-3/4 by 4-1/8' by 8-3/4 inches) brick.
Portscheller resided and worked in Roma until 1894, when he moved to Laredo where he died in 1915.
The structures, with their handsome classical entablatures and pilasters of molded brick, which Portscheller built in Roma between the early 1880s and 1894, are a unique and sophisticated collection of buildings on the south Texas border.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1962, 1963, 1965.
BIBLIOGRAPHY ON FILE IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER
Roma-San
Pedro International Bridge - Roma-Los Saenz 1927
Roma Suspension Bridge
SW of Hidalgo St. and Bravo
Alley
1927
Set on sand stone cliffs over the Rio Grande between Texas and Mexico, the Roma-San Pedro International Bridge is one of the most striking, earlier 20th-century bridges in Texas. Suspension bridges were not unheard of in Texas in the 1920s and the construction of the International Bridge appears to be relatively conventional. The bridge, however, has achieved significance as a survivor of a structural type. Only the American portion of the Bridge is nominated herein.
The Roma-San Pedro International Bridge is a two-lane, single-span, suspension bridge approximately 700 feet long. It rests on sandstone cliffs of the Eocene Epoch, and on the American side comprises the southern boundary of the Roma Historic District. It hangs approximately 50 feet above the Rio Grande.
The bases of the northern and southern towers consist of twin seven-foot-square masonry piers which go down approximately 30 feet. The bridge towers above the piers, which consist of eight vertical steel members which taper as they rise. Nine horizontal and diagonal bars and latticed members brace each tower element, while wider bolted braces at the sixth and ninth levels support portal bracing. The bridge towers rise 45 feet above the bridge, and are surmounted by saddles which support the main longitudinal cables, which are two feet in circumference and connected to appropriate anchorages at either end. According to a 1928 account (1), the main cables are anchored to U-bolts buried in 395 yards of concrete in an excavation 18 feet deep, 30 feet long, and 24 feet wide.
Metal hangers between the north and south towers support the floor beams of the bridge deck. The deck is covered with a 1 x 4 inch steel grid floor extending most of the length of the bridge. An 8-inch channel curb borders the roadway, while simple metal railings covered with wire mesh are found at the outer edges of the bridge and define the pedestrian walkway.
The bridge has never undergone significant modification. Additional cables are said to have been added at each end of the bridge in 1948, and the metal deck replaced earlier wooden planks (2). The early, small, frame booths have long since disappeared.
(1) Texas Highway Bulletin, vol. 8, no. 3, p. 10. (2) History of Engineer Program, Texas Tech University, "Rome Suspension Bridge, 58-339," Site Investigation Summary, 13 July, 1976.
The Roma-San Pedro International Bridge between Roma, Starr County, Texas, and Ciudad Miguel Aleman, Tamaulipas State, Mexico, achieves significance for several reasons. To begin with, it is the most noteworthy, early 20th-century structure in the historic town of Roma-Los Saenz, one with both symbolic and commercial importance. Secondly, it is the only surviving international suspension bridge on the Rio Grande, and one of the few in the State of Texas. Finally, it is perhaps the most visible reminder of the enterprises of an important early Rio Grande Valley entrepreneur, Joseph Erastus Pate.
The boundaries of the 1972 nomination of the Roma Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places went up to, but apparently did not include, the American portion of the Roma-San Pedro International Bridge. While the District is perhaps best known for its l9th- century architecture and history, the omission of the International Bridge excluded a landmark of major significance in the later history of the district.
Roma's strategic location on the U.S.-Mexico border insured a certain amount of cultural and commercial interchange between the two countries. Poor transportation and a reliance on ferries and small boats previously discouraged large-scale trade. The peak of Roma's prosperity passed after the turn of the century, but it was hoped that the construction of a substantial bridge linking Roma and Cuidad Miguel Aleman (then called San Pedro de Roma) would prove beneficial to both, and perhaps bring the Missouri- Pacific, Southern Pacific, or Missouri-Kansas-Texas railroads to Texas. (3)
In 1926, it was rumored that U.S. Congressman (later Vice President) John Nance Garner would present a bill in Congress to fund the construction of a new bridge at Roma. However, the bridge was constructed as a private enterprise. In January 1927, the Starr County Bridge Company was organized with the purpose of constructing a bridge across the Rio Grande at Roma; its Mexican counterpart was called the Compania del Puente de San Pedro de Roma. The chief stockholder was Joseph Erastus Pate (d. 1962), a figure of some importance in the economic development of the Rio Grande Valley. Pate had been an Internal Revenue Service officer in Austin, but became increasingly interested in the potential of far south Texas for development. Privately owned bridges became a particular interest of Pate's, and he was responsible for the construction of several suspension bridges in the area. One was located between Hidalgo, Hidalgo County, and Reynosa, Mexico. Another connected Thayer, Hidalgo County, and Rio Rico, Mexico; and a third was at Zapata, Zapata County. Flooding along the Rio Grande apparently claimed the Thayer Bridge in 1941, and the Hidalgo Bridge, perhaps Pate's biggest success, broke in two in 1939. The International Bridge at Roma is the sole survivor among Pate's suspension bridges. Its continued existence may be due, in part, to the skill of engineer George E. Cole of Houston, who also designed Colorado's Royal Gorge Bridge, and also because of the durability of the sandstone cliffs on the river banks. (4)
The use of a suspension bridge at Roma was particularly noteworthy. Suspension bridges had been in use in many parts of the United States and Texas for well over half a century, but the 1920s and 1930s saw the construction of many of the largest suspension bridges ever built in the country, especially in New York and San Francisco. Smaller bridges were also popular. A writer of the period noted that "In recent years, the suspension bridge has been used for spans of moderate length where, before this, cantilever or steel arches normally would have been employed. This new development is an architectural and aesthetic triumph for the suspension bridge." Yet after the second World War, the use of such bridges for small-scale projects declined, and bridges such as that at Roma were constructed at the end of their era. (5)
Texas suspension bridges in general have not fared well. The Waco Suspension Bridge (1870, repaired 1917; National Register, 1970) is unquestionably the most noteworthy of Texas' early suspension bridges, but dozens more were built elsewhere in the State into the first decades of the twentieth century. Yet relatively few have survived. Most have been replaced, become ruinous, or fallen victims to the elements. The Tin Top Suspension Bridge (National Register, 1977) for example, was recently destroyed by a freak wind and snowstorm, and has been removed from the Register.
The Roma-San Pedro International Bridge opened with great fanfare on March 1, 1928. A contemporaneous newspaper account noted that "Uncle Sam and Mexico joined hands here again Thursday afternoon, the occasion being the formal opening of the new bridge...spanning the last gap between this little town and the most modern civilization." (6) It was further stated that 5,000 people attended the opening ceremonies. "Hitching racks were numerous, but parking space was at a premium as the automobile replaced the bronco as the means of travel."
The Bridge did not, however, turn around the economic life of Roma and Starr County. Trade and cultural exchange continued over the years, but not enough to change essentially the l9th-century character of Roma. Pate sold the bridge company after owning and operating it as a toll bridge for many years. In the mid-1960s, the American portion was acquired by Starr County. In 1979, a new Starr County International Bridge was constructed which superseded the historic suspension bridge. The old International Bridge, although unused, remains in fair condition and community interest in the preservation of the Bridge is considerable. Its construction is relatively conventional, but the siting of the bridge gives it substantial visual prominence in the area, and it has been of unquestioned importance to the City of Roma. It is hoped that National Register designation will encourage the adaptive reuse and continued maintenance of this historic link between the United States and Mexico. (7)
(3) National Register of Historic Places nomination form, Roma Historic District, copy on file at the Texas Historical Commission; Texas Highway Bulletin, vol. 8, no. 3, p. 10.
4 Texas Highway Bulletin, vol. 7, no. 1, p. 13; Jorge Perez to Peter Flagg Maxson, interview by telephone, 6-15-83; Mrs. Adeline G. Herrera to Maxson, 9-21-83, on file at THC; Mrs. Anne Washington to George Gause, Jr., copy on file at the THC; Watson, A Decade of Bridges, p. 7.
5 David B. Steinman, Bridges and Their Builders (New York: G.P. Patnam's Sons, 1941) p. 331.
6 Brownsville Herald, March 2, 1928.
7 Susan S. Barry, "Old Roma Suspension Bridge," copy on file at the THC; Herrera to Maxson, 21 September, 1983. Correspondence
BIBLIOGRAPHY ON FILE AT THE NATIONAL REGISTER
Starr
County - Rio Grande City
(Pictured is the
center of town; the Old Catholic Church, no longer exists, I.C.School,
and center-left the Court
House which burned down.)
Formed from Nueces County; created February 10, 1848; organized August 7, 1848. Named for Dr. James Harper Starr 1809-1890; pioneer Texas surgeon and Indian fighter, located at Nacogdoches in 1837; Secretary of the Treasury of the Republic of Texas 1839-1840; Assistant Postmaster General of the Confederacy. Rio Grande City, the county seat.
Starr
County Courthouse - Rio Grande City
(This
Court House being illustrated burned down in the 1930's,
therefore another one was built. It is the one
presently being used.)
Architect: Stanley Bliss
Contractor :
H.H. Moeller; WPA
Construction Date: 1939
WPA construction. 3 story brick structure with limestone banding and low-relief cornice. Steel casement windows; flat roof. Renovated in 1975, designed by Gene Hobart and constructed by F.H. Hernandez
Starr County Courthouse, Former - Rio Grande City
Service Dates : 1865-1885
Construction Date : 1856
The Starr County Courthouse was constructed in 1856. It was originally designed as the Mifflin Kenedy Warehouse and was used by Kenedy for his steamboat trading business. In 1865, the former warehouse was designated as the first courthouse of Starr.
First floor heavily modified for county jail; jail moved out in 1991 1865: former steamboat warehouse designated as the county courthouse. 1885-1915: served as county's first school. 1998: Ownership transferred to Rio Grande City for use as a municipal court.
