McAllen in Hidalgo County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Bessie
Photographed by Dave W, January 24, 2026
1. Bessie Marker
The steamboat "Bessie", last of the Mifflin Kenedy-Richard King Rio Grande shipping fleet of the mid-1800s, carried this 400-pound bell instead of a whistle. After its final trip on the river in 1902, the bell "Bessie" was used until 1909 on John Closner's plantation east of Hidalgo. A dispute over its ownership delayed the purchase of "Bessie" by Sacred Heart Catholic Church in McAllen, and saved it when a fire destroyed (1924) the church. In 1926 it was placed in the rebuilt church. Cracked in 1937, and recast from original metal, the bell was later moved here to St. Joseph the Worker Church.
Erected 1975 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 384.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.
Location. 26° 11.802′ N, 98° 14.825′ W. Marker is in McAllen, Texas, in Hidalgo County. It is at the intersection of South 23rd Street and Ithaca Ave W, on the right when traveling south on South 23rd Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 900 S 23rd St, McAllen TX 78501,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in South Texas. It is also in the American South. 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 walking distance of this marker: TXDARS Plaza of Liberty & Patrick Henry Statue (approx. 0.6 miles away); Bethel Baptist Church (approx. 0.6 miles away); Southern Pacific Depot (approx. 0.7 miles away); Campsite of "The Fighting 69th" (approx. 0.7 miles away); McAllen War Memorial (approx. 0.7 miles away); Site of McAllen Hospitals (approx. Ύ mile away); Sacred Heart Catholic Church (approx. Ύ mile away); We Remember (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in McAllen.
Regarding Bessie. The bell that this marker refers to does not seem to be at this location.
Also see . . .
1. Blog post about the ship and some historical information and photos.
The Corvette(Submitted on January 25, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado.)was one of Brownsvilles fastest ways to get around 150 years ago.Photographed by Dave W, January 24, 20262. Bessie MarkerMarker seen here in front of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church.
Built as a luxury Ohio River passenger liner, it transported Army VIPs up and down the Rio Grande River during the Mexican-American War, when the alternatives were horses, ox-drawn wagons and donkey carts.
The Corvette was part of a colorful steamboat industry that moved passengers and goods between Brownsville and Roma when the river was wide and deep enough to be navigated. For 70 years until the beginning of the 20th century steamboats played a crucial role in the early economic development of the Rio Grande Valley.
2. Newspaper article with additional information on Richard King and his relation to steamships on the.
Richard King arrived on the Rio Grande in the spring of 1847. It was almost a year after the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de La Palma had been fought.(Submitted on January 25, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado.)
King was second pilot on the Colonel Cross. His friend Mifflin Kenedy was captain of the Corvette. They ferried troops and supplies for Zachary Taylor's army from the mouth of the Rio Grande to Camargo, a trip of six days over the shallow twisty river.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 25, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 87 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 25, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
