Old Brulay Plantation

Old Brulay Plantation is a plantation site located east of Brownsville that features a historic mansion with traditional architectural elements from the 1870s period. The main house and surrounding structures show how agricultural operations were organized in this part of South Texas.

The plantation was established in 1870 by George Paul Brulay, a French immigrant, and shifted from cotton production to sugar cane cultivation with a mill around 1876. Operations declined after changes in sugar tariffs in the early 1910s affected the business model.

The property reflects how different immigrant communities shaped life in South Texas, from French settlers through Japanese immigrants to the Nye family. The changing ownership tells a story of diverse peoples building lives in the region.

Since this is a private property, visitors should arrange access in advance before planning a trip. Being respectful of private ownership and preparing for possible limitations on where you can walk around is important.

The plantation operated without enslaved workers because it was established after the Civil War when slavery was already abolished. This set it apart from many other plantations in the southern states and showed a different economic path.

Location: Cameron County

Address: E of Brownsville off TX 4

GPS coordinates: 25.85417,-97.40000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:04