Rio Frio in Real County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Lombardy Irrigation Ditch

Photographed by James Hulse, December 21, 2021

1. Lombardy Irrigation Ditch Marker

Inscription. Dug in 1868, in pick-and-shovel operation, by Lombardy Irrigation Company, whose officers were N.M.C. Patterson, W.F. Smith and T. Watkins.

Besides channeling water to irrigate over 800 acres, the 2-mile ditch furnished power for a cotton gin and shingle, grist, and flour mills.

The settlement which grew up in the area was known as "The Ditch" until a post office was established in 1875. It was then named "Rio Frio" ("Cold River").

For a century the Ditch has irrigated lands of families of two original company officers.

Erected 1968 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 3112.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.

Location. 29° 38.051′ N, 99° 44.258′ W. Marker is in Rio Frio, Texas, in Real County. It is at the intersection of Ranch to Market Road 1120 and Ranch to Market Road 2748, on the right when traveling east on Highway 1120. The marker is located along the highway at the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6191 Ranch Road 1120, Rio Frio TX 78879, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Hill Country.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Civilian Conservation Corps at Garner State Park (approx. 3.4 miles away); Catherine R. McLauren (approx. 6.4 miles away); Leakey Cemetery (approx. 6.4 miles away); Real County (approx. 6½

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miles away); Real County Courthouse (approx. 6½ miles away); a different marker also named Real County (approx. 6½ miles away); John Leakey (approx. 6½ miles away); Leakey Church of Christ (approx. 6.6 miles away).

Photographed by James Hulse, December 21, 2021

2. Lombardy Irrigation Ditch Marker

The view of the Lombardy Irrigation Ditch Marker from the highway image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, December 21, 2021

3. The view of the Lombardy Irrigation Ditch Marker from the highway

Credits. This page was last revised on January 1, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 1, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 662 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 1, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.