Our Lady of Visitation Catholic Church

A rare South Texas snowstorm marked the cornerstone laying ceremonies for this church building, Dec. 29, 1880. The Gothic Revival edifice was constructed of bricks made at nearby El Rancho de Santa Maria, owned by L.J. Hynes, who gave land for the church. Built from plans drawn by Father Peter I. Keralum, O.M.I., the structure was dedicated June 29, 1882. The wooden steeple was blown off during a 1933 hurricane. Residents of Bluetown, Santa Maria, and neighboring communities worshiped here.

Our Lady of Visitation Catholic Church is a historical marker in Santa Maria, Cameron County, dedicated in 1977. It is one of 116 historical markers documented in Cameron County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 194 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 26.0752, -97.8381 near Santa Maria. The nearest cataloged historic site is Rancho de Santa Maria (historical marker), about 0.2 miles away. Others within a short drive include Champion Cemetery, Longoria Cemetery, and Near Routes of Alonso de Leon Expeditions.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5061003887. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.