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Handbook of Texas Online,
s.v. ","
http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/CC/hcc4.html
(accessed May 15, 2007).
(NOTE: "s.v."
stands for sub verbo, "under the word.")
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In early 1846
United States troops under the command of Gen. Zachary Taylorqv
marched into the disputed territory between the Nueces River
and the Rio Grande and constructed a defensive position across
from Matamoros. The temporary fort was originally called Fort
Texas but was renamed Fort Brown a short time later, in honor
of Maj. Jacob Brown,qv
who died during a Mexican attack on the stronghold. On April
25, 1846, a skirmish occurred between United States and
Mexican troops at Las Rucias (Las Rusias), in southwest
Cameron County, which became known as the spot where "American
blood was shed on American soil," the verbal spark that
ignited the Mexican War.qv
Two other Mexican War battles were fought in Cameron County,
the battle of Palo Altoqv
(May 8, 1846) and the battle of Resaca de la Palmaqv
(May 9, 1846). |
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On February 12,
1848, the Texas legislature decreed the existence of Cameron
County, and with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgoqv
on July 4 the area officially became part of the United
States. The new county encompassed 3,308 square miles,
including parts of the future Hidalgo, Willacy, Kenedy, and
Brooks counties. |
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An election of
county officers was held on August 7, but organization was not
completed until September 11. Santa Rita, five miles
downstream from Fort Brown and believed to be the earliest
English-speaking town in the area, was made the county seat.
The same year Charles Stillmanqv
established Brownsville just west of Fort Brown. In December
another election was held, and after intense effort on
Stillman's part Brownsville was chosen county seat.
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Cameron County is named for Captain Ewen Cameron, a soldier during
the Texas Revolution and in the ill fated Mier Expedition. He was executed by a special order from General Antonio
Lopez de Santa Anna.
Cities and towns
and Unincorporated areas
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Arroyo Alto
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Lasana
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Arroyo Colorado
Estates
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Laureles
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Arroyo Gardens-La
Tina Ranch
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Los Fresnos
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Bayview
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Los Indios
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Bixby
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Lozano
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Bluetown-Iglesia
Antigua
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Olmito
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Brownsville
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Palm Valley
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Cameron Park
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Port Isabel
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Chula Vista-Orason
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Primera
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Combes
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Rancho Viejo
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Del Mar Heights
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Rangerville
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El Camino Angosto
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Ratamosa
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Encantada-Ranchito
El Calaboz
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Reid Hope King
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Grand Acres
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Rio Hondo
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Green Valley Farms
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San Benito
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Harlingen
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San Pedro
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Indian Lake
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Santa Maria
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La Feria
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Santa Rosa
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La Feria North
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Solis
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La Paloma
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South Padre Island
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Lago
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South Point
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Laguna Heights
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Tierra Bonita
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Laguna Vista
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Villa del Sol
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Las Palmas-Juarez
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Villa Pancho
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Yznaga
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