At right, the 1850 Census shows that Stillman, and other "founders" were listed as slave owners.
Neale's house, once renovated, will comprise Brownsville's own Plantation Row, joining Brownsville "founder" Charles Stillman's Laurel Ranch House, who through legal chicanery along with Samuel Belden, dispossessed the rightful land-grant owners of the land and made off like a thief with the ill-gained profits and established Citibank in New York City. Evil tongues say the ranch house was actually a love shack that resulted in a Mexican Stillman blood line.
Neale's house, once renovated, will comprise Brownsville's own Plantation Row, joining Brownsville "founder" Charles Stillman's Laurel Ranch House, who through legal chicanery along with Samuel Belden, dispossessed the rightful land-grant owners of the land and made off like a thief with the ill-gained profits and established Citibank in New York City. Evil tongues say the ranch house was actually a love shack that resulted in a Mexican Stillman blood line.
This enshrinement of these structures of Brownsville's founders thumbs its nose at local residents who lobbied to remove the stone monument to Jefferson Davis in Washington Park as a rejection of the Confederate Lost Cause "heritage" that had slavery as its foundation. Why are we still doing this?
Below: That was the Laurel Ranch House when it was brought to Brownsville from Corpus Christi and what it looked like after its $100,000s "restoration" courtesy of the local taxpayers. Expect the same magical transformation for the Neale House.)
FANTASY: STILLMAN'S LAUREL RANCH HOUSE BEFORE AND AFTER
NEALE'S DILAPIDATED CRIB TODAY BEFORE $404,000 RELOCATION
20 comments:
White Man does want to "preserve" his history. Fuck everybody else's. That's the drill. Who remembers Frontera Street?
Ha ha
Mexicans still get it up the ass.
What history do they have here? 14th Street cantinas?
Seems like their ought to be a way, Juan.
One of these days this addictive little blog might take a break from exposing corruption, incompetence, and our more embarrassing history long enough to publish a feel-good story about the heroic accomplishments of our tireless civic leaders. Surely there must be countless examples of their selfless devotion to transforming this struggling community into a model of prosperity.
Instead of constantly dwelling on scandals, perhaps we should celebrate the many high achievers who quietly improve themselves, their families, and Brown Town without demanding a parade. Even guys like Gus deserve a tip of the hat for trying to build something better.
And let's not forget our indefatigable City Commission. They just keep going like the Eveready Bunny, undeterred by critics, setbacks, or reality itself. Meanwhile, carpetbaggers like Elon may come and go, but our local government marches on with unwavering confidence.
So here's to optimism, ribbon cuttings, strategic plans, and endless promises of a brighter tomorrow. Keep on trucking—and don't let the bastards keep us down.
Now....make it a homeless shelter.
That would be true justice.
Stereo Typical White person. . .got a place their name on everyone else's things.
You're a genius!
Lest rename 7th street to slavery row!
7th and park cofee can become
Masters coffee shop
You're mind is telling you to move to McAllen.
Love our Black community!!
Give'em Hell, bro!!!!
The events unfolding in Brownsville raise an uncomfortable question: Is the City Commission and City Management making a mockery of the principles championed by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the Texas Municipal League (TML)?
These organizations have built their reputations on promoting ethical public administration, professionalism, integrity, accountability, and transparency. They award credentials, provide training, and recognize excellence in local government. But what responsibility do they bear when serious questions arise about the conduct of the officials they train, recognize, or support?
Will these respected organizations insist that the standards they promote are upheld, or will they remain silent when allegations of cronyism, conflicts of interest, favoritism, or pay-to-play politics emerge? Do ethics apply only in the classroom and conference hall, or do they matter when public confidence is at stake?
Professional titles, certifications, and leadership positions should be earned through competence, integrity, and merit—not through political loyalty or a willingness to protect insiders. When advancement is perceived to depend on who is willing to “grease the skids” for the political establishment rather than who best serves the public interest, taxpayers inevitably lose.
Brownsville residents deserve more than polished mission statements and ethics presentations. They deserve a local government that lives by those principles every day. They also deserve professional organizations that are willing to hold their members accountable when conduct appears inconsistent with the standards those organizations publicly champion.
If organizations such as ICMA and TML are truly committed to ethical local government, they should not simply celebrate success stories. They should also be willing to confront situations where public trust has been called into question. Integrity is demonstrated not when times are easy, but when accountability is inconvenient.
To many observers, Brownsville increasingly appears to operate as though the foxes and the hens have learned to coexist comfortably inside the same henhouse. The question is whether those entrusted with promoting ethical government are willing to acknowledge the problem—or whether they are content to look the other way.
The city continues to do stupid stuff. Spend mo ey like they have it... oh yeaj they do they will take out another loan via Certificate of Obligations. How's that new police station going? Did GBIC give the city the land or is the city building something on land they don't own again? Maybe it is time for the state to start to come and oversee how this city is being ran.....
Back to Mexico for you, illiterate fool.
No one keeps someone down. They keep themselves down.
Long overdue!
You guys really have to work on your self esteem. Always the race card. Always blaming everyone for your misfortunes.
Gus? Come on! The guy is trying to fuck tax payers out of a million dollars. Those million do not include the resources that were used to improve their property.
As for "feel good stories" from people in the community, nobody wants to hear those. I can even provide a great candidate for a story. El borracho de Jerry McHale. That POS did a lot for his students and even though I know that he did a lot for his students I don't want to hear or read about.
So, no. I rather read stories that can prevent people from fucking over. The truth will set you free.
Torch those old dwellings. Problem solved. 🔥
Total waste of my money.
The best thing that could happen to this structure is a match. If the history associated with this place was so important why did the city let it get into this condition. Spending $400k for this, paying the department (EPMO) heading this project up more than they are worth, the entire trespass to build a road and yes the disaster of what the Public Works directorship is should make each and every single voter ask what is going on! And why are my tax dollars paying for this nonsense. They are purposing putting this dilapidated building in the middle of Linear Park where it will set right next to Farmer Market Stands, where children will be within breathing distance. What if that place has Black Mold, termites or invested with something worse. Moving ut will be $400k but what will the cost of revelation who will psy for that? BCIC BHA or another non-profit that gets tax payer dollars only to give them back to the city for projects?!!! But only after they get theirvhigh salaries first. It is time for an outside firce to audit this city. How can a poor city like Brownsville afford these high salaries for their leadership? When will enought be enought for the citizens?
Great! It's about time. This is the oldest wood frame structure likely between San Antonio and Mexico. So much negativity on this site! I am sure that William Neale was much more than what you claim he was. He came from England to Mexico long before Texas Independence. He served in their Navy and had this house built on the north side of the river, which eventually became Brownsville. Stop whining about EVERYTHING!
Agreed total waste of money but someone’s pocket is getting full, another 2 million dollar project coming for what…..
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