Vela Building. . In 1904 Crisoforo Vela and his wife, Florinda (de la Vega Balli), moved to Hidalgo from Santo Domingo Ranch in Starr County. Six years later Vela acquired the ferry and rowboat service that connected Hidalgo with Reynosa, Mexico. This was an important commercial route in the early development of the Rio Grande Valley. Vela and two of his ten children operated the river crossing until 1926, when the first bridge connecting Reynosa and Hidalgo was built. Vela lived in this house, which has remained in the family for more than 50 years, until his death in 1932.
In 1904 Crisoforo Vela and his wife, Florinda (de la Vega Balli), moved to Hidalgo from Santo Domingo Ranch in Starr County. Six years later Vela acquired the ferry and rowboat service that connected Hidalgo with Reynosa, Mexico. This was an important commercial route in the early development of the Rio Grande Valley. Vela and two of his ten children operated the river crossing until 1926, when the first bridge connecting Reynosa and Hidalgo was built. Vela lived in this house, which has remained in the family for more than 50 years, until his death in 1932.
Erected 1984 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 5641.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.
Location. 26° 6.218′ N, 98° 15.754′ W. Marker is in Hidalgo, Texas, in Hidalgo County. Marker is at the intersection of South Bridge Street and Bogambilia Avenue, on the right when traveling south on South Bridge Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 220 S Bridge St, Hidalgo TX 78557, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 16, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 15, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 195 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on April 15, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
