On March 14, 1940, at this crossing of Tower Road and the Missouri Pacific rail line occurred an automobile accident resulting in the most fatalities on a Texas highway in the 20th century. An oncoming train collided with a truck carrying more than . . . — — Map (db m180567) HM
From 1902 to 1909 Peter Ebenezer Blalock and George L. Hawkins bought 32,000 acres of land here. By 1908 they had built shipping pens at this site and named the railroad depot Ebenezer. Their ranching plans ended in 1909 when the tract was sold to . . . — — Map (db m224539) HM
Land at this site originally was deeded for church use by the Alamo Land and Sugar Company. Construction of the Gothic Revival church building was completed in 1924, the year Alamo was incorporated. Development of St. Joseph Parish was guided by . . . — — Map (db m224545) HM
The 15-square-mile Santa Ana Land Grant was awarded by Mexico to Benigno Leal in 1834. Leal established his Rancho de Adentro (inside ranch) headquarters and cemetery at this site. Leal's original grant was eventually combined with adjacent lands to . . . — — Map (db m223685) HM
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican War in 1848 and designated the main channel of the Rio Grande as the boundary between the U.S. and Mexico. Major William Emory led the border survey (1849-53). Young Washington D.C. surveyor Thomas . . . — — Map (db m266565) HM
Donna Border Post No. 107. Dedicated 1920. First American Legion Hall built or owned by any post in the world. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark — — Map (db m180544) HM
Salvador Cavazos Gallegos and his wife, Maria San Juana Anzaldua, founded Asadores Ranch in 1881 on the Mexican La Blanca Land Grant to Lino Cavazos. The Cavazos family raised cattle and horses and grew corn, beans and other crops along the Rio . . . — — Map (db m223684) HM
Two East Texas men, T. J. Hooks and A. F. Hester, began developing this area for settlement in the late 1890s. Through formation of the La Blanca Agricultural Co., they set up farms and irrigation systems and advertised the area's favorable climate . . . — — Map (db m180681) HM
Built as the result of a special bond election in 1925, this is the oldest existing structure in the Donna Independent School District. Initially an elementary school, it served as a junior high facility from 1965 to 1983. Designed by the . . . — — Map (db m195624) HM
The City of Donna was named after, the beautiful and fiercely independent Donna Hooks Fletcher (1879 - 1969). Donna was the daughter of Thomas J. Hooks, one of the founders of the original townsite. Ahead of her time, she was a pioneer and . . . — — Map (db m180743) HM
The present school system for the town of Donna can be traced to a 1904 school in the Run community (6 Mi.S). Classes were first held in the home of A.F. Hester, a founder of Donna. The earliest school for the new town opened in 1908. Teachers held . . . — — Map (db m223668) HM
Thomas J. Handy (1843-1927) first came to the Rio Grande Valley from Wisconsin as a Union solider during the Civil War. While stationed with Co. F, 4th Wisconsin Cavalry, Handy met Angelita Cavazos (ca. 1844-1925). The two were married on April 25, . . . — — Map (db m223673) HM
Illinois native Peter Preston Ackley (1858-1940) moved to Texas as a boy. He went on several trail drives in 1870s and 1880s, bringing from cattle Texas, Nebraska and Canada to Kansas railheads. Starting in the 1920s, Ackley worked to have the . . . — — Map (db m180714) HM
This area in the mid-1800's was part of the Asadores Ranch owned by Salvador and San Juana Cavazos. In 1898, east Texas rice farmers A.F. Hester, Sr. and T.J. Hooks bought land in the vicinity. They and others began La Blanca Agricultural Company . . . — — Map (db m223671) HM
Brushwood Cemetery was established as a municipal burial ground for the town of Chapin (now Edinburg) in 1913, five years after the town's founding. The earliest known burial here was that of Antonia Hernandez de Ramos, who died in 1913. Older . . . — — Map (db m292477) HM
Designed by the Austin architectural firm of Giesecke and Harris, this structure was built in 1926 to serve the newly-created Edinburg Junior College. In addition to serving the college and succeeding educational institutions, the auditorium has . . . — — Map (db m195665) HM
Front side:
Large salt lake located 26 miles northeast was principal source of salt in South Texas during the Civil War. Put under state guard and agent 1862. Salt sold to families, Texas Military Board, Army of Confederacy and wagons . . . — — Map (db m306382) HM
Hidalgo County native Emilia Schunior (1902-1960) graduated from Edinburg High in 1919 and married Rafael Ramirez in 1921; the couple had four children. Emilia attended college and earned a B.A. in 1940, becoming a teacher and principal at several . . . — — Map (db m269538) HM
One of the earliest commercial ventures in Edinburg, this building was completed in 1910 by John Closner (1853-1932), a founder of the townsite. Its first tenant was the Rev. W. O. Miller, who operated a hardware and machinery store. During World . . . — — Map (db m292472) HM
Formed from Starr and Cameron counties. Created January 24, 1842. Organized April 7, 1854. Named in Honor of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, 1753-1811, Mexican Patriot. County Seat, 1852, Edinburgh, name changed February 7, 1861, to Hidalgo. Moved to . . . — — Map (db m306380) HM
A United States aviation training field, originally financed by the nearby cities of Edinburg, McAllen and Mission, was started here in 1941. Named for Lt. Frank M. Moore, a pilot killed in World War I, it was used for the training of World War II . . . — — Map (db m292467) HM
Erected 1909-1910. One of first buildings in town after county seat moved here 1908 from Old Hidalgo. Spanish architecture, with red tile roof, white walls.
A new jail was built in 1922; this became community center, and served as a meeting . . . — — Map (db m180472) HM
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (1753-1811), for whom the county of Hidalgo is named, was born near Guanajuato, Mexico, while the country was still under Spanish rule. After being ordained a priest in 1779, he served churches in Colima, San Felipe, and . . . — — Map (db m306383) HM
This property is believed to be the only graveyard in Hidalgo County dedicated for African American burials. Prior to its founding in 1928, blacks were allowed burial space only in private ranch cemeteries. In the 1920s, Edinburg had a growing . . . — — Map (db m292474) HM
Kentucky native Richard A. Marsh had a notable military and journalism career before distinguishing himself as an educator in the Rio Grande Valley. He arrived in San Antonio in 1874 then left for Fort Ringgold (Rio Grande City) in 1880 to teach . . . — — Map (db m292479) HM
Dedicated in memory
of
Sgt. Alfredo
“Freddy” Gonzalez
USMC
1946 - 1968
Congressional Medal of Honor
Post-Humously 1969
Battle of Hue City,
Vietnam — — Map (db m62745) WM
Completed and occupied on August 1, 1927, this depot was designed by Southern Pacific Railroad architect Leonard B. McCoy, and built by Ward Construction of El Paso. The depot was part of a major railroad expansion into South Texas. Edinburg felt . . . — — Map (db m195661) HM
El Granjeno Cemetery was established in 1872 with the burial of Don Antonio Garza. His brother, Don Juan Garza Escheverria, donated the surrounding land for use by the communities of El Granjeno and nearby Madero. A native of Reynosa, Mexico, Don . . . — — Map (db m224219) HM
First Baptist Church of Hargill beginning in 1912, the Missouri-Texas Land Company brought settlers to the area for cattle ranching. After the railroad built a Raymondville-Edinburg branch line in 1926, the Harding-Gill Company sold farm tracts . . . — — Map (db m292482) HM
Located on land known as, Porcion 46, ceded by the crown of Spain to Don Jose Matias Tijerina in 1767, the community of Havana was named for Havana, Cuba, where Tijerina had stopped on his journey from Europe. Among the early settlers here were the . . . — — Map (db m224371) HM
The Hurricane and the Channel
Prior to 1933, the Rio Grande was flowing right where you're standing, and the Pumphouse behind you was peacefully pulling thousands of the gallons of irrigation water from the river every minute. Then came the . . . — — Map (db m223869) HM
Born in New York City in 1806, Elder Barton was a formative figure in Hidalgo County history. Barton joined the Republic of Texas Army on March 13, 1836, and fought at the Battle of San Jacinto under Capt. Robert J. Calder. He married Santitos Balli . . . — — Map (db m223837) HM
This historic graveyard dates from 1884, with its oldest grave marker being that of Elder B. Barton (1815-1884). The cemetery was included in the 46.4 acre Pate's addition to the town of Hidalgo, developed in 1926 by Joe Pate. His wife, Kate, . . . — — Map (db m223838) HM
The City of Hidalgo is located on lands settled by Spanish colonizer Jose de Escandon in 1749. In 1848, Scottish-born merchant John Young founded a town site straddling Spanish land grants 63 and 64 as a trading post and ferry landing opposite . . . — — Map (db m223852) HM
The semi-arid Lower Rio Grande Valley was productive only for cattle grazing until several steam-powered irrigation systems were established in the early 20th century. In 1909 a steam pump was built here to channel Rio Grande water to about 40,000 . . . — — Map (db m223863) HM
The City of Hidalgo is located on lands settled by Spanish colonizer Josι de Escondon in 1749. In 1848, Scottish-born merchant John Young founded a town site on Spanish land grants as a trading post and ferry landing opposite Reynosa, Mexico. . . . — — Map (db m180737) HM
This building served as the Hidalgo County Courthouse from its construction in 1886 until the County Seat was moved to Chapin (later name Edinburg) in 1908. Made of brick from nearby Reynosa, Mexico, it originally was a two-story structure. Its . . . — — Map (db m195639) HM
Built in 1886 by S. W. Brooks, who also constructed the nearby courthouse, this jail served Hidalgo County during a turbulent period in its history, when outlaw raids were still occurring. The city's first newspaper, "The Hidalgo Advance," was . . . — — Map (db m195647) HM
Thought to have been built about 1898, this two-story brick structure has served as an educational facility for generations. The first recorded graduation took place in 1922, with a class of three. The school housed students in elementary grades . . . — — Map (db m195659) HM
County seat of Hidalgo County 1852 - 1908 Known as Edinburgh in 1852 Name changed in 1861 to Hidalgo in honor of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, 1753 - 1811, Parish Priest who led the movement in 1810 for Mexican Independence Almost completely . . . — — Map (db m223843) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m195650) HM
Imagine standing here in the early 1900's. You would hear the sounds of the engines in the Pumphouse and watch as water spilled through the gates in the discharge channel at your feet.
Today the Pumphouse no longer siphons water from the Rio . . . — — Map (db m223851) HM
This school's roots lie in the former town of Havana (2 Mi.S), where between 1890 and 1944 area children, most of whom lived on, nearby ranches, attended classes in a one-room schoolhouse. Nellie Leo Schunior (1878- 1920), who later became the first . . . — — Map (db m224227) HM
On September 27, 1915, Jesus Bazαn and his son-in-law, Antonio Longoria – both recognized Tejano community leaders and the latter a Hidalgo County Commissioner – traveled to a local Texas Ranger camp on the Sam Lane ranch to report a . . . — — Map (db m166335) HM
Directly to the north. Upon Spanish discovery, 1746, claimed for King, under old law that salt was money. People of wide area got salt here. 1863-64 works aided Texas in the Civil War. Later disputes over El Sal del Rey established Texas laws . . . — — Map (db m166333) HM
Parts of present Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy, and Kenedy counties were once included in two Spanish land grants, San Juan de Carricitos and San Salvador del Tule. The original grantee of the Carricitos grant was Josι Narciso Cavazos. After his . . . — — Map (db m166332) HM
Apparently this is an ancient ford. First recorded usage was by Spanish explorers and colonists under Jose de Escandon in 1740s on the Rio Grande. A salt-trail led from here to El Sal del Rey (40 mi. NE). The ford was used by Mexican War troops, . . . — — Map (db m260752) HM
This one-block-square tract of land was deeded to the city of McAllen for use as a public park in 1917, six years after the town was incorporated. The donor Mayor Oliver Percy Archer (1869-1930), was a prominent local businessman and civic leader. . . . — — Map (db m225185) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m292428) HM
This site was a city park with antelope, javelina, and deer before a group of businessmen decided McAllen needed a hotel to serve as a business and social center. The Casa de Palmas, a three-story structure with a red tile roof built around a center . . . — — Map (db m224075) HM
This church began with McAllen's first Presbyterian worship service. Held by the Rev. M.W. Doggett in a local lumberyard in 1908. Dr. W.A. King and George Pollack were first elders. Although adversely affected by the Mexican Revolution (1909-1919) . . . — — Map (db m224069) HM
This burial ground, which predates McAllen, likely began as a small ranch cemetery in the 1800s. The earliest known burial here, in 1895, is of Gertrudis Cavazos. Most of the property was deeded by the Arnold family; other portions were acquired . . . — — Map (db m224087) HM
The McAllen School Board authorized construction of Lamar High School in 1938, through a bond election and funding from the Public Works Administration. Architect Marion Lee Wallers original design included an L-shaped floor plan only one room . . . — — Map (db m195634) HM
[Top plaque]
300-308 South Main Street
Built in 1949
Listed in the
National Register of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
[Bottom plaque]
City of McAllen
M & J Nelson Building . . . — — Map (db m195632) HM
This noteworthy Moderne style commercial building remains a distinctive McAllen attraction. Morris Randall Nelson built and owned the building, designed in 1949 for the use of the J.C. Penney Company. Nelson, born in McPherson, Kansas, followed his . . . — — Map (db m195630) HM
The earliest record of Methodist church activity in the lower Rio Grande Valley dates to 1849. Circuit-riding ministers served an area along the Rio Grande from Brownsville to Roma. In 1909 the Rev. C.W. Godwyn was assigned to serve Methodists in . . . — — Map (db m292418) HM
This lodge, organized by Master Mason R. M. Bounds and about 30 other Masons, was chartered on December 8, 1915. Meetings were held in the Joseph and Osborne buildings, two early downtown commercial structures, prior to the lodge erecting a temple . . . — — Map (db m292412) HM
Built in 1935, this was the sixth location of the McAllen Post Office after its creation in 1907. The facility was dedicated on January 22, 1936, and served as a postal facility until 1957. Since 1958, the building has been used for a variety of . . . — — Map (db m195629) HM
The coming of irrigation to dusty South Texas in 1890 made the Valley green and agriculture productive. In 1903, the St. Louis, Brownsville Railway Company was established. The new railroad went from Corpus Christi to Brownsville with a western . . . — — Map (db m224077) HM
During WW II, because of rationing, Andrew J. Paris (1919-1997) and his family had no sweets to sell in their Detroit, Mi. tobacconist shop. In 1942, in Mexico City, Paris found an ample supply of candies and chewing gum to save his family's . . . — — Map (db m166219) HM
One of the larger adobe homes in the state, Quinta Mazatlan was designed and built by Jason Chilton Matthews (1887-1964) during the late 1930s. Adobe blocks used in construction were made at this site. A composer, writer, and adventurer, Matthews . . . — — Map (db m224193) HM
In 1908, just one year after McAllen began to develop a group of residents established this cemetery on land donated by the Hidalgo Canal Company. The oldest marked grave here dates to 1909. The McAllen Chamber of Commerce maintained the cemetery . . . — — Map (db m225167) HM
Priests from La Lomita Chapel in nearby Mission ministered to Catholics at McAllen from 1908 until 1911, when a mission was begun here and a wood frame chapel was built. The congregation remained under the guidance of the Rev. J.M.F. Guenneugues, . . . — — Map (db m166222) HM
The town of McAllen began developing after the arrival of the railroad in 1905. Introduction of an irrigation system made vegetable farming possible. Soon there was a hotel, a grocery store, a Presbyterian church, a bank, and a weekly newspaper. In . . . — — Map (db m224071) HM
The city of McAllen was founded in 1904 and incorporated in 1911. The first medical practitioner was Dr. J.B.F. McMillan who arrived in 1906. Dr. Frank E. Osborn built a two-story building in 1918 with a pharmacy on the first floor and doctor's . . . — — Map (db m224067) HM
The San Antonio & Aransas Pass (subsidiary of the Southern Pacific) Railway laid track south to the Rio Grande Valley and McAllen in 1927. This passenger depot, designed by railroad architect Leonard B. McCoy, opened in August that year. The . . . — — Map (db m195626) HM
Organized in Pharr in 1916 by the Rev. Paul Birkman and five charter members, St. Paul Lutheran Church moved to McAllen in 1917. Early worship services, conducted in German, were held in the First Methodist Church. The Lutherans purchased the former . . . — — Map (db m224082) HM
Front Text:
Patrick Henry
"Give me liberty
or
give me death"
2nd Virginia
Revolutionary Convention
23 March 1775
Left Side Text:
Liberty or Death
On 23 March 1775, toward the end of Patricks famous . . . — — Map (db m243927) HM WM
On this wall we honor Americans who fought in all wars for our nations principles of freedom, liberty and justice. It is with sad hearts and tearful eyes that we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Let us never forget... . . . — — Map (db m225169) WM
This house was built in 1933 for Percy Herman (1884-1967), a major influence in the development of McAllen. Herman was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and in 1910, he married Stella H. Lazarus. Herman soon moved his family to Texas where he opened stores . . . — — Map (db m224081) HM
Samuel Lynn and Marjorie Williams Miller were early McAllen leaders. Sam had interests in a nursery, banking and real estate, and was co-owner of the Hidalgo International Bridge. In 1930, he donated 109 acres of land to establish the municipal . . . — — Map (db m292415) HM
In 1936, when Eugene and Georgia Hubbard found no churches for African Americans in McAllen, they established Little Bethel Baptist Church on the corner of Fresno and 18th streets. It was named Little Bethel as Bethel is Hebrew for House of God. . . . — — Map (db m225176) HM
Famed New York Infantry Regiment. Encamped in McAllen during 1916-1917 bandit troubles, guarding the border and preventing the smuggling of arms across Rio Grande to Pancho Villa. Tour of duty here seasoned the men for rigors of World War I, wherein . . . — — Map (db m224085) HM
In March 1917, prior to U.S. entry into World War I, Maj. Gen. John J. Pershing chose Mercedes as the site of a permanent camp for training personnel to serve overseas in France. Construction of Camp Mercedes on the 80-acre Emerson Farm tract . . . — — Map (db m165822) HM
Hιctor Pιrez Garcνa (1914-1996) was a courageous leader in the civil rights movement. He achieved profound change in the treatment of fellow Mexican-Americans through peaceful protest and legal recourse. Garcνa was born in Mexico; in 1917, when . . . — — Map (db m165816) HM
This cemetery, named for the land's clusters of ebony trees, began in 1922. The American Rio Grande Land and Irrigation Company developed Mercedes and about 200 square miles of adjacent farmlands, also deeding nearly nine acres to the Mercedes . . . — — Map (db m165823) HM
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo which ended the Mexican War (1846-48) designated the main channel of the Rio Grande as the Mexico-U.S. boundary. Disputes arising from frequent changes in the river's course led to the Treaty of 1884 which . . . — — Map (db m164458) HM
The Rev. E.J. Moebus was sent by officials of the Texas District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod to establish Lutheran congregations in the Rio Grande Valley. Evangelical Lutheran Emanuel Church organized at Mercedes on October 30, 1910. . . . — — Map (db m165848) HM
This cemetery was established in 1913 on land give by the American Rio Grande Land and Irrigation Company to Immanuel Lutheran Church. The cemetery has served Lutherans throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The oldest grave is that of Wilhelm . . . — — Map (db m165860) HM
Constructed in 1928 to house the town's municipal offices and fire station, this building was designed by architect R. Newell Waters of Weslaco. The two story Gothic style building, constructed of red brick, features a copper cupola designed to . . . — — Map (db m165814) HM
On October 8, 1908, Isadore Moritz published the first issue of the Mercedes Enterprise. He continued the operation until 1914; that same year, Ben E. Brooks and L.T. Hoyt began the Mercedes Tribute. Another paper, the News-Item, started in 1922 . . . — — Map (db m166217) HM
In 1908, the Capisallo Land Company donated land to the Oblate Fathers for construction of a Catholic church. Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church on Hidalgo Street was dedicated in February 1909 and Rev. Enrique Janvier, OMI, became the first pastor . . . — — Map (db m165859) HM
The town of Mercedes was platted by the Capisallo Town and Improvement Company in 1907. The Oblate Provincial Council in Austin requested that the company provide a site for a Catholic church, and Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church was dedicated in . . . — — Map (db m165863) HM
During the 1910s, several Hidalgo and Cameron County families founded a small Jewish congregation. The temple lacked a permanent Rabbi; lay readers led most services, while a student Rabbi was hired to lead High Holy Day Services. The group first . . . — — Map (db m165818) HM
Land developer B.F. Yoakum saw agricultural potential along the Rio Grande and found investors in 1905 for an irrigation project. They purchased 250,000 acres and the townsite of Mercedes for business headquarters. The pump station began operating . . . — — Map (db m165812) HM
The oldest Hidalgo County bank still in operation, this institution opened in 1907 in a frame house on Third Street. Incorporators of the firm were area leaders J.M. Johnson, Sr., who served as the first president, his son J.M. Johnson, Jr., . . . — — Map (db m165825) HM
One of the towns that sprang up in the Rio Grande Valley in the early 20th century, Monte Christo was platted in 1909 by the Melado Land Co. Among the first settlers were Otto Woods (1882-1956), who managed the townsite, and Virgil Lott . . . — — Map (db m292469) HM
Baseball was introduced to the Lower Rio Grande Valley in the 1800s by soldiers stationed at forts Brown and Ringgold. Games played against each other and local city teams were popular public events. Popularity of the game increased with the rapid . . . — — Map (db m292458) HM
Before colonization, this valley was a lush thicket of woodlands and brush, nourished with rich soil deposited by the Rio Grande. Throughout the Lower Valley the landscape represented a broad variety of plants and animals. Types more common north of . . . — — Map (db m269539) HM
The Capilla de la Lomita was built on the ranch of Mr. Rene Guyard in 1865 by the Oblate fathers. In addition to being a place of worship, it acted as a way station for Oblates traveling on horseback between Brownsville and Roma. It was rebuilt in . . . — — Map (db m239812) HM
In 1907, John J. Conway and James W. Hoit began the Mission Canal Co. Irrigation System, which was instrumental in the early agricultural growth of the area. Here they built the first pump station out of hand made brick from Madero. The 106-ft. . . . — — Map (db m224226) HM
In 1909, Dr. Samuel McPheeters Glasgow gave the first sermon in Mission and organized a Sunday school class. Along with Dr. M.W. Doggett, Dr. Glasgow organized First Presbyterian Church of Mission on January 9, 1910. The pair was also instrumental . . . — — Map (db m292430) HM
Taken at Fort Ringgold in Rio Grande City, this photo shows members of the U.S. 4th Cavalry's baseball team circa 1934. Soldiers stationed there came from all over the United States and many played baseball in their free time. During World War . . . — — Map (db m292456) HM
David Gregg Wood, Sr. (1876-1965) originally came to the Valley in 1893 and settled in Mission in 1908. Wood, who served as mayor, city commissioner, and president of the First National Bank, led the way for many improvements in the area's water, . . . — — Map (db m292460) HM
Site of the guest house at La Lomita. Built of adobe at the same time as the Cook House, it housed transient visitors to the Mission and Oblates in route to other destinations in the valley. Like the other outbuildings of the chapel, it was torn . . . — — Map (db m239811) HM
Once the lands of the Mission of the Oblate Fathers, this property (160 acres) was owned by Bryan from 1910 to 1916. While residing here he wrote many articles and engaged in a magazine debate with Senator Albert J. Beveridge. — — Map (db m292466) HM
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