Historical Marker

Louisiana-Rio Grande Canal Company

Historical marker location:
S. Cage Blvd., Pharr, Texas
( US 281 south at Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge, Pharr)
Marker installed: 1994
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Wisconsin native John Closner established the first steam-powered irrigation system in the lower Rio Grande Valley in 1895. Closner successfully grew sugar cane and entered a sample for judging at the St. Louis World's Fair of 1904. The award-winning sugar cane and Closner's promotion of the lower Rio Grande convinced a number of financiers and agriculturists to invest in the region's irrigation and development possibilities.

In 1909 H. N. Pharr, J. C. Kelly, John C. Conway, and A. W. Roth formed the Louisiana-Rio Grande (LRG) Canal Company to transform about 40,000 acres of arid land in Hidalgo County into productive farmland. To do this the company built two pumping stations to divert water from the Rio Grande through an elaborate irrigation system to a planned community of small farmsteads.

The agricultural success of the LRG Canal Company, its successor the Hidalgo County Water Improvement District #2, and other similar operations in the region resulted in an influx of Anglo farmers and settlers from the midwestern U.S. into this mainly Hispanic region of Texas. The bountiful harvests propelled the Rio Grande Valley to the forefront of Texas agriculture by the mid-20th century and earned the region a reputation as the "winter garden" of Texas. (1995)

Sesquicentennial of Texas Statehood 1845 - 1995

Sesquicentennial of Texas Statehood 1845-1995

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

agriculture land surveys, land companies, promotional towns water topics
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Hidalgo County, located in Southern Texas, has a rich history that spans back thousands of years. The region was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan, Karankawa, and Caddo peoples. These tribes thrived in the area, relying on agriculture, hunting, fishing, and trade.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the region, bringing new settlers and establishing missions. During this time, the land belonged to Spain and was considered a part of New Spain. The Spanish influence can still be seen today in the names of many cities and landmarks in Hidalgo County.

In the 19th century, Mexico gained independence from Spain and Hidalgo County became part of the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. However, with the Texas Revolution in 1836, the region became a part of the Republic of Texas and was eventually incorporated into the United States with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Hidalgo County experienced significant growth due to the expansion of the railroad industry and the development of irrigation techniques. This led to the establishment of prosperous agricultural communities, with cotton being the main cash crop. Over time, the population became increasingly diverse, with a mix of Mexican, Anglo-American, and other immigrant communities.

Today, Hidalgo County is a thriving region known for its vibrant culture, strong agricultural industry, and close proximity to the US-Mexico border. It is home to cities such as McAllen and Edinburg, as well as popular tourist attractions like the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge and the International Museum of Art and Science. The county continues to evolve, with a growing population and a dynamic economy driven by healthcare, education, manufacturing, and international trade.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Hidalgo County, Texas.

  • 1749 - The area that is now Hidalgo County is explored by Spanish explorers.
  • 1767 - The Spanish government establishes a settlement called Reynosa in the area.
  • 1821 - Mexico gains independence from Spain, and Hidalgo County becomes a part of Mexico.
  • 1836 - Texas declares independence from Mexico, and Hidalgo County becomes a part of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1848 - The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed, ending the Mexican-American War, and Hidalgo County becomes a part of the United States.
  • 1852 - Hidalgo County is officially established as a county in the state of Texas.
  • 1909 - The city of McAllen is founded.
  • 1944 - The Hidalgo County Courthouse, a historic landmark, is completed.
  • 1954 - The Hidalgo County Water Improvement District No. 4 is created to provide irrigation and drainage services.
  • 1970 - The population of Hidalgo County reaches over 200,000.
  • 2001 - The new Hidalgo County Administration Building opens.