The Old City Cemetery was established in 1853 and is recognized as an outstanding historical landmark by the Texas Historical Commission. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The cemetery reveals much of the city's history; from victims of war and gunfights, to those who died from yellow fever and cholera epidemics. Those buried here reveal the hard life and the early conditions of a Texas border town. The Cemetery is located on East Madison Street and East 5th Street and is open daily from 7AM-8PM.

The Old City Cemetery is not as spooky as it sounds. Besides graves, the Brownsville Historical Association is also interested in the folk art and customs of the area, especially pertaining to the cemetery. One of the most distinctive cemeteries in the Rio Grande Valley, the architecture in the cemetery is worth noticing. Brownsville Historical Association hopes to enrich the community with information and programs on the cemetery and surrounding neighborhood.