Santa Rita, Texas: The Lost First County Seat of Cameron County

Santa Rita was one of the earliest Anglo-American settlements in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. It began in the late 18th century as a small ranching community established on the south side of the Rio Grande. When the river shifted course around 1830, Santa Rita ended up on the north bank, within what would later become Texas. Its location made it a convenient stopping point for travelers and ranchers in the area.

Role as County Seat

When Cameron County was created in February 1848, Santa Rita was chosen as its first county seat. The community’s role was short-lived. Official county organization took place that September, and only a few months later, in December 1848, the seat of government moved to the newly developing town of Brownsville. Residents who had settled at Santa Rita quickly followed, and some even transported their buildings into Brownsville by wagon.

Decline and Abandonment

After the move, Santa Rita lost nearly all of its importance. By the late 19th century, the site was already in decline. By the 1930s, no physical traces of the community remained—only brushland and cultivated fields. Historical accounts note that by this time, Santa Rita had been completely abandoned and existed only in local memory and archival records.

Present Location

Today, Santa Rita no longer exists as a recognizable settlement. The site lies northwest of Brownsville, near the modern colonia of Villa Nueva (sometimes associated with the San Pedro area). No visible structures survive, but historical markers identify the area and commemorate its early role in county history.

Interesting Facts

• First County Seat: Santa Rita briefly hosted Cameron County government functions in 1848, before the permanent move to Brownsville.

• Early Settlement: It is regarded as the first Anglo-American settlement in Cameron County.

• Marker Recognition: A Texas Centennial marker, erected in 1936, describes Santa Rita as “the first Anglo-American settlement on the lower Rio Grande and county seat of Cameron County, 1848–1849.”

• Complete Disappearance: By the late 1930s, nothing of the community remained—no buildings, only farmland and brush.