Historical Marker
Lombardy Irrigation Ditch
Historical marker location:
RR 2748 and 1120 intersection,, Rio Frio, Texas
( from Leakey go south on US Highway 83 approximately 6.5 miles to RR 1120; go east on RR 1120 approximately 1.5 miles to (R.O.W.) at intersection of RR 1120 and RR 2748; Rio Frio Community)
Marker installed: 1968
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. (1968).