Alamo In irrigated area of southern Hidalgo County; [Image] incorporated 1924 and named for Alamo Land and Sugar Co. Abundant vegetables, citrus, and winter resort-retirement area; also one of Valley's gateways to Mexico. (Via U.S. 281; McAllen-Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge.)■ Cities within approximately 10 miles of Alamo: Donna * Edinburg * McAllen * Pharr * San Juan * Weslaco
Alice Seat of Jim Wells County. First called Bandana, then [Image] Kleberg, the town was finally named Alice after the daughter of Captain Richard King, who established the King Ranch (see KINGSVILLE). When the Texas Mexican Railroad and the San Antonio & Aransas Pass Railroad intersected the city, the community became the world's largest cattle shipping point from 1888 to 1895. Town is a dividing point between brush country to the west and coastal plains to the east; also between the border region and rest of Texas. Oil was discovered in 1930s, and town became hub for petroleum business and continues to serve in this capacity for agribusiness, tourism, and as distribution center for South Texas. Beefmaster cattle breed was developed here.■ Town's life-style is outdoor oriented. Eleven city parks offer sports fields, tennis courts, swimming pools and 18-hole municipal golf course. Outdoor band concerts on summer evenings. Hunters seek white-tailed deer, javelina, wild turkey, quail, and dove.■ For additional information on events, attractions, accommodations, and dining facilities, stop by the chamber of commerce office at 612 E. Main St., or call 512/664-3454.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Alice: Beeville * Corpus Christi * Falfurrias * George West * Kingsville * Mathis * Portland * Sinton * Taft * Three Rivers
Beeville On Poesta Creek, originally named Maryville for Mary [Image] Hefferman, only survivor of a family massacred by Indians in 1853. Became seat of Bee County, 1860, and renamed "Beeville-on-the-Poesta." Largest retail center in six-county area. Home of Bee County College, Chase Field Criminal Justice Complex, and various manufacturing industries.■ Hunters take deer, wild turkey, quail, dove, and javelina when in season. Freshwater fishing in area rivers.■ For information on area events, accommodations, and attractions, contact the Bee County Chamber of Commerce; 512/358-3267.■ Cities within approximately 30 miles of Beeville: George West * Goliad * Mathis * Refugio * Sinton * Three Rivers
Crystal City Seat of Zavala County, primary center for packing, [Image] processing and shipping vegetables; also serves a large ranching region. Most famous for its spinach crop (see below), this winter-garden area also produces large quantities of onions, carrots, tomatoes and peppers.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Crystal City: Eagle Pass * Pearsall * Uvalde
Donna Founded as station on St. Louis, Brownsville & [Image] Mexico Railroad in 1906; named for Donna Hooks, daughter of a townsite promoter. Today a retail center for ranching and intensive agriculture of Rio Grande Valley; hosts abundant winter visitors.■ Cities within approximately 20 miles of Donna: Alamo * Edinburg * McAllen * Mission * Pharr * San Juan * Weslaco
Edinburg First named Chapin for townsite promoter; renamed [Image] Edinburg 1911. Hidalgo County seat and western gateway to Lower Rio Grande Valley; center of vast vegetable and citrus culture. Industries include food processing, furniture, foundry products, fertilizers, oil, and dairy products. Home of Univ. of Texas-Pan American.■ Cities within approximately 20 miles of Edinburg: Alamo * Donna * McAllen * Mission * Pharr * San Juan * Weslaco
Eagle Pass First U.S. settlement at site on Rio Grande began [Image] during Mexican War with establishment of temporary Camp Eagle Pass. In 1849 permanent Fort Duncan was founded. Today an international gateway and tourist center, seat of Maverick County, and retail shipping center for 40,000-acre irrigated winter-garden region. International bridge to Piedras Negras, just across Rio Grande, connects U.S. 57 with Mexico 57 that leads to Monclova, Saltillo, San Luis Potosi and Mexico City. Portions of the route through scenic areas of Sierra Madres. Sportsmen enjoy fishing for the famous (and huge) Rio Grande catfish, hunting for white-tailed deer and upland game birds.■ Eight miles south of city is 125-acre site being developed as federal reservation for Kickapoo Indians, a tribe that for years had special border-crossing permission.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Eagle Pass: Brackettville * Crystal City
Falfurrias Established 1883, Falfurrias is Spanish for "Heart's [Image] Delight," the name of a local wild flower. Seat of ranch-oriented Brooks County, nationally noted for cattle breeding and meat production. Beefmaster breed of cattle originated in county. Dairying began when the town's founder, Ed Lasater, divided 60,000 acres of ranchland into small dairy farms in the early 1900s. To provide an outlet for these products, Lasater constructed the Falfurrias Creamery, still famous for its "sweet cream butter." Other agriculture products include cotton, peanuts, vegetables, and melons.■ Hunters take deer, turkey, javelina, and many types of birds in season.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Falfurrias: Alice * Kingsville
Fannin Community in eastern Goliad County. Named for [Image] James W. Fannin Jr., Texas Revolutionary hero.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Fannin: Beeville * Cuero * Edna * Goliad * Port Lavaca * Refugio * Victoria * Yorktown
Floresville Named for early rancher, Don Francisco Flores de [Image] Abrego, who established his ranch about six miles northwest in 1832. In 1833 nucleus of present town founded on land donated by Flores family; became Wilson County seat, 1885. Growing season of 285 days; marketing point for watermelons, flax, cotton, beef cattle, dairy and poultry products. Huge peanut on courthouse lawn recognizes peanut crop grown in area.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Floresville: Helena * New Braunfels * Panna Maria * Pleasanton * Poteet * San Antonio * Seguin * Selma
Goliad One of Texas' oldest municipalities; area was inhabited long before recorded history. Early Spanish explorers list an Aranama Indian village at site, then called Santa Dorotea. In 1749 Spain established a mission and, as was custom, a nearby presidio (fort) for protection. (See below.) "Remember Goliad" became a Texas Revolution battle cry honoring Col. James W. Fannin Jr. and his men who were massacred at Goliad. Memorial services at grave of Colonel Fannin and his troops on weekend near Mar. 27.■ Cities within approximately 30 miles of Goliad: Beeville * Cuero * Fannin * Refugio * Victoria * Yorktown
George West The city is near the center of Live Oak County and [Image] was named for its founder, George Washington West. West, a rancher, set out to build a town on the site of his ranch. He built a courthouse, school, highways, bridges, waterworks, light plant, and a hotel to make a town complete. Became seat of county in 1919. Town chiefly a retail center and shipping point for surrounding ranch and farm area. Area is highlighted by excellent hunting and fishing.■ Stop by West Hotel Emporium. It's in a renovated 1919 hotel and features arts and crafts boutiques. Open Mon. - Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. At 100 Houston St. (Business U.S. 59).■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of George West: Alice * Beeville * Mathis * Panna Maria * Pleasanton * Sinton * Three Rivers
Helena Though a few homes remain in rural Karnes County, [Image] Helena is a ghost town--killed, so they say, by one gunfight too many. Helena was established in 1852 near routes of famed Chihuahua Trail and Indianola-San Antonio Road. It was a boisterous frontier settlement with more than its share of outlaws and sudden death. During a saloon shooting one night in 1884, 20-year-old Emmett Butler, son of area's wealthiest rancher, Col. William Butler, was killed. Unable to determine who fired the fatal shot, Butler vowed to kill the town that killed his son. He persuaded the railroad, then building across South Texas, to bypass Helena by offering free land miles away. Other towns sprang up along railroad; Helena lost its county seat, and its citizens drifted away. Today old courthouse and other silent ruins are testimony to Butler's vow. On Texas 80 between Karnes City and Gillett.■ Historic buildings around the square include a small turn-of-the-century farmhouse, a barn, the old post office, and one of the four original jail cells. All open same hours as Courthouse Museum.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Helena: Beeville * Cuero * Fannin * Floresville * Goliad * Gonzales * Luling * Panna Maria * Pleasanton * Poteet * Seguin * Shiner * Three Rivers * Yoakum * Yorktown
Laredo Rich in south-of-the-border flavor, city is the major international crossing along U.S.- Mexican border. Established by Spanish land grant 1755; became county seat when Webb County organized in 1848. City tops state in number of flags served under: seven! Today Laredo economy is from such diversified sources as retail and wholesale consumer products, importing and exporting (Laredo is nation's largest inland port), petroleum and natural gas, feeds and fertilizers, brick and tile, and visitors from both sides of Rio Grande. Laredo Jr. College and Texas A&M International Univ. are here.■ Recent "maquiladora" industry, a binational manufacturing system where U.S. products are assembled in plants on the Mexican side, is prominent in Laredo and Nuevo Laredo.■ Since 1898 the Washington Birthday Celebration has honored George Washington as first Western Hemisphere leader to free a New World country from the dominion of European rule; ten-day fiesta celebrated on both sides of the border includes parades, fireworks, dances, and impressive coronation ceremony. Festivities strengthen friendly ties between Texas and Mexico.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Laredo: Zapata■
McAllen In Texas' lush lower Rio Grande Valley, noted for [Image] subtropical climate, access to Old Mexico and tourist facilities catering to thousands of summer and winter visitors. Many Midwesterners and Canadians spend entire winter here, strolling amid blossoming citrus groves. Tourist clubs cater to visitors with planned daily activities such as dances, tours, bridge, domino and shuffleboard tournaments, shows, and concerts. Economy based on tourists, citrus, vegetables, oil, gas, international trade with Mexico and conventions that enjoy extensive facilities.■ Cities within approximately 20 miles of McAllen: Alamo * Donna * Edinburg * Mission * Pharr * San Juan * Weslaco
Mission Established in 1824 by Oblate Fathers on site three [Image] miles south of present town; priests said to have planted orange grove that was one of first experiments with citrus culture in lower Rio Grande Valley. Mission advertises itself as "Home of the Grapefruit," the particular grapefruit being the famed Texas Ruby Red. City is commercial center for vast citrus-truck-crop area and more than 30 industrial plants.■ Cities within approximately 20 miles of Mission: Alamo * Donna * Edinburg * McAllen * Pharr * San Juan
Pearsall Established on International-Great Northern Railroad [Image] 1880; seat of Frio County and primary retail center for large area of diversified agriculture and livestock production. Giant peanut monument downtown salutes area's primary crop (over 55 million pounds marketed annually). Cotton, grain sorghum and vegetables grow on 54,000 irrigated acres. Fishing is available in Frio River and smaller streams; during seasons hunters take white-tailed deer, javelina, dove and quail.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Pearsall: Castroville * Crystal City * Devine * Hondo * Pleasanton * Poteet * Uvalde
Pharr Established in 1909, named after Henry N. Pharr, [Image] sugar planter from Louisiana. Center for winter vegetables, citrus and cotton. Visitors find modern RV resorts and tourist-related activities. Access to Mexico is available via U.S. 281 and the Pharr/Reynosa International Bridge.■ Leather factory produces variety of custom garments. Visitors welcome to watch leather craftsmen at work. Guided tours in winter at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Open Mon. - Fri. at 904 E. U.S. Business 83.■ Inquire at the Visitor Center about a large number of unusual clocks displayed in a local business. The collection consists of about 2,000 antique clocks dating back to 1690.■ Cities within approximately 10 miles of Pharr: Alamo * Donna * Edinburg * McAllen * Mission * San Juan
Panna Maria Reputed to be the oldest Polish settlement in America; [Image] is certainly the mother of Polish settlements in Texas. Established Dec. 1854 by Polish Catholics; in fulfillment of vow, immigrants named their new town Panna Maria, meaning Virgin Mary in Polish. Early years of the colony were severely difficult, plagued by disease, climate extremes and outlaws who infested the region. Neighboring cowboys and ranchers often ridiculed the strange, non-English-speaking foreigners. The community established the first Polish school in the United States, and other villages like Cestohowa, Pawelkville and Kosciusko sprang from this original settlement.■ Today, the older generation still speaks an antiquated Silesian dialect (difficult for modern Polish speakers to understand), but Polish is no longer taught in local schools, and the language is being lost.■ Visit the community cemetery and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, topped by a cross carried from Poland by the original colonists more than a century ago. A museum near the church may be visited by request at the church. Southeast of San Antonio, just off Texas 123 between Stockdale and Karnes City; near Helena ghost town (see HELENA).■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Panna Maria: Cuero * Floresville * Goliad * Helena * Pleasanton * Yorktown
Poteet In center of truck-farming region; called the [Image] "Strawberry Capital of Texas." Also extensive ranching, dairying, and production of peanuts, hay and forage grains.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Poteet: Castroville * Devine * Floresville * Pearsall * Pleasanton * San Antonio
Pleasanton Established 1858 but preceded by much earlier [Image] Spanish, Mexican and Anglo-American ranching activities, town bills itself as "Birthplace of the Cowboy," epitomized by bronze statue in front of city hall. Hunters seek white-tailed deer (among largest in Texas) as well as dove and quail during fall-winter hunting seasons.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Pleasanton: Castroville * Devine * Floresville * Panna Maria * Pearsall * Poteet * San Antonio * Three Rivers
Rio Grande City Port of entry with international bridge between [Image] U.S. and Mexico; seat of Starr County. Area included in Jose de Escandon's Colony of 1753; when Gen. Zachary Taylor established Fort Ringgold in 1848, it added population and permanence.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Rio Grande City: Alamo * Edinburg * McAllen * Mission * Pharr * Roma * San Juan * Zapata
Roma Founded in 1765, part of Jose de Escandon's Colony, [Image] around mission established 16 years earlier. On banks of Rio Grande, town was important riverboat shipping point until coming of railroads and highways. (Rio Grande is no longer navigable.) Homes, stores and ancient mission resemble town lifted bodily from interior of Mexico. Producers of film "Viva Zapata" chose Roma for outdoor scenes.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Roma: McAllen * Mission * Rio Grande City * Zapata
San Antonio In 1718, at an Indian village in a pleasant wooded area of [Image] spring-fed streams at the southern edge of the Texas Hill Country, Spain established Mission San Antonio de Valero (later called the Alamo). A customary accompanying presidio (fort), San Antonio de Bexar (Bay-er), protected mission endeavors. Today's city and county names derive from those 18th-Century Spanish beginnings that predate founding of the United States by more than half a century.■ Several other Spanish missions soon followed, but the city's real growth dates from establishment of a villa (civil settlement) in 1731, Spain's first step to colonize Texas. Original colonists were Spanish Canary Islanders, to whom many Texas families proudly trace their roots. San Antonio remained the chief Spanish, then Mexican stronghold in Texas until the Texas Revolution.■ Among many nationalities, German builders and businessmen were prominent settlers in the 19th Century. Today, San Antonio is colorfully accented by its multicultural heritage.■ Institutions of higher learning include Incarnate Word College, Our Lady of the Lake Univ., St. Mary's Univ., National Univ. of Mexico, Trinity Univ., San Antonio College, Palo Alto College, St. Philips College, Univ. of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and the Univ. of Texas at San Antonio.■ Art museums and theaters are among the state's finest; its symphony orchestra rates with the nation's best, and San Antonians' love for fiestas is unsurpassed!■ Some of those popular events include the Great Country River Festival in Sept., the Holiday River Festival in Dec., the Texas Folklife Festival in Aug., the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo in mid-Feb., and at Easter the Starving Artists Show held at La Villita and along the River Walk.■ Fiesta San Antonio spans 10 days the third and fourth weeks of Apr. This major event includes art exhibitions, coronation of King Antonio, Pilgrimage to the Alamo, concerts, band festivals, Battle of Flowers Parade, King's River Parade, Fiesta Night Parade, flower and fashion shows, musical productions, balls and street dancing, fireworks, and the fabulous series of "Nights in Old San Antonio."■ For literature and details about city attractions and events, and for a schedule of the San Antonio Streetcars--an inexpensive, fun way to get to many of the city's downtown attractions--see Visitor Information (below).■ Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, built as part of 1968 HemisFair, features 241,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, banquet halls, meeting rooms, and international conference center, and theatre for the performing arts. "The Confluence of Civilizations" mural on facade of theater is by Juan O'Gorman of Mexico. With extension of San Antonio River actually flowing into heart of the center, river boats provide an unusual means for convention delegates to travel from riverside hotels to meetings.■ What looks like a giant "red enchilada" is really the city's new library. Take time to browse through it.■ The Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Baseball Stadium is the new home for the San Antonio Missions. The beautiful facility is at Callaghan Rd. and U.S. 90 West. For schedule and ticket information, call 210/675-7275.■ San Antonio is noted for excellent golf courses with numerous municipal courses throughout the city. The newest are the La Cantera Golf Course near Fiesta Texas at 16401 La Cantera Parkway, and the Quarry Golf Course at 444 E. Basse Rd. It was named one of the top municipal golf courses in the state. For more golfing information, call the San Antonio Visitors Center at 210/270-8748 or 1-800-447-3372.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of San Antonio: Bandera * Boerne * Castroville * Devine * Floresville * New Braunfels * Pleasanton * Poteet * Seguin * Selma
Selma Settled in 1847 in a region that was open range [Image] country. A post office was established in late 1870s, but San Antonio's growth eclipsed that of all other Bexar County communities.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Selma: Blanco * Boerne * Castroville * Floresville * New Braunfels * San Antonio * San Marcos * Seguin * Wimberley
San Juan In irrigated valley of Rio Grande on Missouri [Image] Pacific Railroad; organized 1909, name derived from Spanish name given town organizer John Closner. One of South's largest plants for manufacture of concrete irrigation pipe is here. Colorful banks of scarlet bougainvillea edge the highway. On special days, San Juan invites visitors to "pick a grapefruit" free.■ Bed and breakfast accommodations offered in historic buildings.■ Cities within approximately 20 miles of San Juan: Alamo * Donna * Edinburg * McAllen * Mission * Pharr * Weslaco
Three Rivers First called Hamiltonburg, name changed to cite [Image] location near confluence of Atascosa, Nueces, and Frio Rivers. Commercial center for farming and ranching, uranium mining, and oil refineries. First glass factory in Texas established here in 1913.■ During season hunters take deer, quail, and dove.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Three Rivers: Alice * Beeville * Floresville * George West * Goliad * Helena * Mathis * Panna Maria * Pleasanton * Poteet
Weslaco Name from initials of W.E. Stewart Land Company that [Image] promoted townsite in the irrigated Rio Grande Valley in 1919. Located in heart of immense citrus, vegetable and cotton-producing area. Food processing industries; home of more than 6,000 Winter Texans.■ Charming city hall, built in 1928, features intricate cast-stone sculpture adorning entryway and cupola of the Spanish Moorish building. Interior stairway is set with colorful Spanish tiles in geometric designs; a designated historical site at 500 S. Kansas Ave.■ The public library is one of the most modern facilities in the Rio Grande Valley. It, too, boasts Old-Mexico style, complete with Spanish open courtyard. 525 S. Kansas Ave.■ Cities within approximately 20 miles of Weslaco: Alamo * Donna * Edinburg * Harlingen * McAllen * Pharr * San Juan
Zapata Earliest civilized settlement in present Zapata [Image] County was Hacienda Dolores founded by Jose Vasquez Borrego in 1750. (Ruins designated a state historic site.) Town was named in honor of Antonio Zapata, hardy Hispanic pioneer and fierce Indian fighter. When the historic old town on banks of Rio Grande was flooded by Falcon Reservoir, new Zapata was built on U.S. 83. Zapata County seat is headquarters for large ranching area and Falcon Reservoir visitors.■ Inquire locally about the nature conservatory which rescues and rehabilitates birds and animals.■ The shores of Lake Falcon is perfect for birdwatching. Almost any prized birds on any birder's list can be seen here, the White-collared Seedeater, the green jay, Kiskadee Flycatcher, and the fall migration of hummingbirds. The lake is also home to the White Pelican, White-faced Ibis, and osprey.■ For information on events, accommodations, and other area attractions, call the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce at 210/765-4871, or 1-800-292-LAKE (5253).■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Zapata: Laredo * Rio Grande City * Roma
