Dr. John R. Brinkley

North Carolina native John R. Brinkley (1885-1942) opened a medical clinic and radio station in Kansas and promoted controversial medical practices, including one that used goat gland implants to increase sexual "pep" in men. He became rich but was criticized by the American Medical Association and the Federal Radio Commission. In 1933, he moved his family to Del Rio, opening a hospital and setting up the powerful radio station XER in Villa Acuña, Mexico. He was a colorful, charitable individual, known for his lavish lifestyle. He buoyed the local economy during the Great Depression and brought much attention to Del Rio. Despite fame and wealth, authorities shut down the Brinkley enterprise in 1938. (2004)

Dr. John R. Brinkley is a historical marker in Del Rio, Val Verde County, dedicated in 2003. It is one of 61 historical markers documented in Val Verde County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 75 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 29.3408, -100.9016 near Del Rio. The nearest cataloged historic site is Brinkley Mansion (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Val Verde Winery, Mason-Foster House, and Judge Roy Bean Grave.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5507014572. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.