Old Hidalgo Courthouse and Buildings
Flora and 1st Sts., Hidalgo, TXThe Old Hidalgo Courthouse Complex is the only remaining cluster of historic buildings in the town and represents the late 19th-century communities that developed along the northern bank of the fertile Rio Grande River Valley founded on previous 18th-century settlements from the Spanish Nuevo Santander colony, where early settlements denoted ranch out-posts possibly as early as 1779. The historic structures in this complex share mainly a vernacular expression derived from their common Spanish heritage, as well as a temporal relationship. During the period the county seat was located in Old Hidalgo, Anglo-American settlement increased, the first railroad was brought to the area (1904), the first citrus fruit and vegetables were produced on a commercial basis, and the first newspaper was printed.
Hidalgo County was organized in 1852, following the war with Mexico, and named in honor of Father Miguel Hidalgo, leader of the Mexican independence movement in 1810. The county seat, named Edinburg, was established with the public buildings on the bank of the Rio Grande River. The relocation of the community further from the river around the new courthouse in 1886 preceded the almost destruction of the early site by an overflow of the river in 1887. In 1908, Edinburg as county seat was again relocated north some 14 miles, and the old town site was renamed Hidalgo.
While interest in saving the courthouse complex buildings is high, the community lacks the funds for major preservation or restoration efforts.
Local significance of the building:
Hidalgo County was organized in 1852, following the war with Mexico, and named in honor of Father Miguel Hidalgo, leader of the Mexican independence movement in 1810. The county seat, named Edinburg, was established with the public buildings on the bank of the Rio Grande River. The relocation of the community further from the river around the new courthouse in 1886 preceded the almost destruction of the early site by an overflow of the river in 1887. In 1908, Edinburg as county seat was again relocated north some 14 miles, and the old town site was renamed Hidalgo.
While interest in saving the courthouse complex buildings is high, the community lacks the funds for major preservation or restoration efforts.
Commerce; Exploration/settlement; Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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About Hidalgo County
Hidalgo County Timeline
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.
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.
Hidalgo County Timeline
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.