The City of Brownsville Parks and Recreation Department recently completed a cleanup of the Old City Cemetery, helping preserve one of the community’s most historic and culturally significant landmarks.
Established in 1853, the Old City Cemetery is officially recognized as a Texas Historical Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site offers a glimpse into Brownsville’s frontier past, with headstones marking the lives of war veterans, victims of gunfights, and those lost to yellow fever and cholera outbreaks. It serves as a burial ground and a powerful reminder of the city’s early struggles and enduring spirit.
City crews conducted extensive maintenance throughout the cemetery grounds, clearing debris, trimming overgrown vegetation, and restoring pathways to ensure visitors’ respectful and welcoming space.
The cleanup comes just in time for an upcoming community event. The Mitte Cultural District will host “Fiesta De Vida: A Día De Los Muertos Celebration” at the cemetery on Saturday, November 1, 2025. This special event will honor the lives of those buried there through music, art, and cultural traditions tied to Día de los Muertos. The celebration invites the community to connect with the past in a vibrant and meaningful way.
