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52-736: Based in Weslaco , the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council is a member of the Texas Association of Regional Councils . LRGVDC operates regional transit services under the name Valley Metro. This Texas -related article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Weslaco, Texas Weslaco ( / ˈ w ɛ s l ə k oʊ / WESS -lə-koh ) is a city in Hidalgo County , Texas , United States. As of

104-520: A Head Start Program , pre-kinder programs as well as several privately owned day care centers. Continuing education facilities located within Weslaco include South Texas College (Mid-Valley Campus), South Texas Vocational Technical Institute, and Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies. Texas A&M operates an agricultural research center in Weslaco. The Mayor Joe V. Sanchez Public Library serves Weslaco. In addition to its book collection,

156-540: A humid subtropical climate , abbreviated " Cfa " on climate maps. It is the most easterly city in the central states of the Great Plains with a humid subtropical climate bounded by a semi-arid climate to the west, reflecting in its most shrubby vegetation . The average high in January is 71 °F (21.7 °C) and the average low is 50 °F (10.0 °C). The average high is 97 °F (36.1 °C) and

208-552: A critical role in the Mexican-American civil rights movement, focusing on bilingual and bicultural education for underserved communities. Established in response to the limited access Mexican-Americans had to higher education and to challenge mainstream educational systems, the college became an emblem of Chicano self-determination and empowerment. The college was founded during the height of the Chicano Movement,

260-445: A female householder with no husband present, and 19.7% were non-families. 18.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.27 and the average family size was 3.75. 32.9% of the population were under the age of 18, 11.5% from 18 to 24, 22.8% from 25 to 44, 18.4% from 45 to 64, and 14.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age

312-653: A major portion of the Llano Grande grant and platted the West Tract in 1913. In an effort to control raids from Mexico, the United States government stationed troops along the Rio Grande in 1916. A camp was established at the Llano Grande railroad depot. This camp was located between Mercedes and the current site of Weslaco. A watchtower was constructed at Progreso by these troops. On December 14, 1917,

364-517: A period in which Mexican-Americans were organizing for civil rights, labor rights, and educational equity. Named after Jacinto Treviño, a Mexican-American revolutionary and educator, the institution was conceived as a space where Chicano students could receive an education relevant to their cultural identity, history, and the socioeconomic challenges faced by their communities. It was created by activists and educators who sought to decolonize education, asserting that traditional institutions failed to reflect

416-649: Is Joel Rivera, a former Division Chief at the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office . The United States Postal Service operates the Weslaco Post Office at 109 N Border Ave. The Texas Department of Public Safety operates the Region 3 McAllen office in Weslaco. The United States Border Patrol Weslaco Station is located at 1501 E. Expressway 83. The Sergeant Tomás Garces Texas Army National Guard Armory located at 1100 Vo Tech Dr, in

468-487: Is a U.S. city in Hidalgo County , Texas . The population was 15,570 at the 2010 census . It is part of the McAllen–Edinburg–Mission and Reynosa–McAllen metropolitan areas. Mercedes is located in southeastern Hidalgo County at 26°8′58″N 97°55′7″W  /  26.14944°N 97.91861°W  / 26.14944; -97.91861 (26.149315, –97.918675). It is bordered to the west by Weslaco and to

520-624: Is a brand of Simon Property Group , opened in November 2006. The city is roughly the geographical center of the Rio Grande Valley urban agglomeration and is located on Interstate 2 / U.S. Highway 83 , which connects the major urban centers of McAllen , Brownsville and Harlingen . The city is located near a major Mexico–United States border crossing making it accessible to the growing middle class population of Nuevo León and Tamaulipas . The United States Postal Service operates

572-418: Is a native of Weslaco, Texas. Weslaco residents can check with local providers for other specialized needs. The current City Officials are Mayor Adrian Gonzalez, Mayor Pro-Tem Letty Lopez, Commissioner Leo Muñoz (District 1), Commissioner Greg Kerr (District 2), Commissioner JP Rodriguez (District 3), Commissioner Adrian Farias (District 4) and Commissioner Josh Pedraza (District 6). The current Chief of Police

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624-547: Is bordered to the east by the city of Mercedes and to the west by the city of Donna . Interstate 2 and U.S. Route 83 pass through Weslaco, leading west 16 miles (26 km) to McAllen and east 19 miles (31 km) to Harlingen . Weslaco is 5 miles (8 km) north of Progreso and 7 miles (11 km) north of the bridge over the Rio Grande to Nuevo Progreso in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas . According to

676-644: Is home to a wide variety of animals, including species such as the White-tailed deer , Skunk , and reptiles, crocodilians, and amphibians such as the Green Anole , Cane Toad , and American Alligator . There are many introduced species in the area such as the Brown Anole , Green Iguana , and the Monk Parakeet . Weslaco is a Winter Texan destination and a gateway between Texas and Mexico. In

728-561: Is in Weslaco, Texas, a town that didn't exist in 1916 and Mercedes was the nearest town. The National Defense Act called for the establishment of several National Guard camps, including Camp Llano Grande, to counter cross-border attacks led by Pancho Villa. Soldiers from Indiana, Minnesota and North Dakota were stationed at the camp from 1916 - 1917. Upon the onset or World War I, the camp merged with Camp Mercedes to train soldiers for service in France. General John J. Pershing chose Mercedes as

780-748: Is in the Mercedes Independent School District , zoned to Mercedes High School , while western Mercedes is in the Weslaco Independent School District , zoned to Weslaco East High School In addition, South Texas Independent School District , which is headquartered in Mercedes, serves magnet students in many Rio Grande Valley communities, including Mercedes. The Science Academy of South Texas and South Texas High School for Health Professions , schools of STISD, are in Mercedes. In 2015,

832-617: Is one of the oldest towns in the Rio Grande Valley , and the city celebrated its centennial in 2007. The city was located in Capisallo Pasture, part of Capisallo Ranch owned by Jim Welles. This location was known as the Pear Orchard because of the vast numbers of prickly pear cactus growing there at that time. The origin of the city name - Mercedes - is not clear. A common claim is that the first name given to

884-404: Is only 25.73 inches (654 mm). Most precipitation occurs in the wet season which occurs from April to September, with the least precipitation distinctly occurring in the dry season from October to March. As September is the peak of the north Atlantic hurricane season and tropical storms and hurricanes occasionally drop copious amounts of rainfall on the region, this month tends to be by far

936-492: Is outfitted with a Heli-Pad, Level 3 Trauma Unit and 233 hospital beds. Surrounding Knapp Medical is an unofficial healthcare district featuring a concentration of physicians, medical services and pharmacies. This district draws patients from the entire Mid-Valley. There is a double board certified, fellow trained Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Total Joint Replacement and fracture care. Dr. Michael D. Sander

988-450: Is well preserved and only the facade of a 15-acre nature preserve in the heart of the City of Weslaco in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas providing a haven for birds, butterflies and other wildlife that thrive among the native habitats of its Tamaulipan Thornscrub forest, orchard butterfly garden, wetlands, and ponds, according to fronteraaudubon.org. Mercedes, Texas Mercedes

1040-414: The 2020 United States census , there were 16,258 people, 4,834 households, and 3,726 families residing in the city. At the 2000 census , there were 13,649 people, 4,170 households and 3,348 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,591.2 inhabitants per square mile (614.4/km ). There were 5,455 housing units at an average density of 636.0 per square mile (245.6/km ). The racial makeup of

1092-454: The 2020 census the population was 41,103, Studies from 2023 show the population is 43,053 and in 2020 the estimated population was 40,160. It is located at the southern tip of Texas in the Rio Grande Valley near the Mexican border, across the Rio Grande from the city of Nuevo Progreso, Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas . Weslaco derives its name from the W . E . S tewart La nd Co mpany. It

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1144-638: The United States Census Bureau , Mercedes has a total area of 11.5 square miles (29.8 km ), of which 11.4 square miles (29.6 km ) are land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km ), or 0.55%, are water. Mercedes is known as "The Queen City of the Valley" or "La Reina del Valle". Mercedes was founded September 15, 1907, by the American Rio Grande Land & Irrigation Company, and was incorporated March 8, 1909. It

1196-497: The United States Census Bureau , Weslaco has a total area of 14.8 square miles (38.3 km ), of which 14.7 square miles (38.1 km ) are land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km ), or 0.49%, are water. The climate in this area is characterized by two seasons; a wet season from April to September and a dry season from October to March. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Weslaco has

1248-684: The Valley International Airport in Harlingen. Local public transportation is provided by Valley Metro . Public education in Weslaco is provided by the Weslaco Independent School District , Idea Public Schools, and South Texas Independent School District . There are 4 private schools: San Martin de Porres Catholic School, Valley Grande Adventist Academy, Mid-Valley Christian School, and First Christian Academy. Weslaco also has two Charter schools: Horizon Montessori and Technology Education Charter High School. The city has

1300-481: The Mercedes Post Office. Mercedes incorporated in 1909 and formed a City Council style government. The first city election installed six council members: John Puckett, Gouverneur K Watson, Mayor William Lingenbrink, Dr. Edward Schoonmaker, Fred Cutting, and Lyle Harrison. Current elected city officials (2023): Police department Mercedes is divided between two school districts: eastern Mercedes

1352-474: The Rio Grande Valley share of NAFTA trade increased 168% from $ 11.1 billion to $ 31.6 billion. It is estimated that there are 40 million visits per year from Mexican citizens coming to Texas for vacations and shopping trips. These people contribute greatly to the retail sales volume that occurs in Weslaco and the surrounding communities. Prime Healthcare Services , through its subsidiary Knapp Medical Center, serves Weslaco's emergency medical needs. The facility

1404-537: The Weslaco post office 26 panes (totalling 1,300 stamps) of the 1938 6 cent eagle airmail stamp printed in ultramarine and carmine rather than dark blue and carmine. This color error is recognized by the Scott catalog as C23c. No other examples of this color error were ever reported. Weslaco is located in southeastern Hidalgo County at 26°9′33″N 97°59′15″W  /  26.15917°N 97.98750°W  / 26.15917; -97.98750 (26.159130, –97.987374). It

1456-485: The armistice, the camp was demobilized and closed in 1922. The old Toluca Ranch still stands east of the International Bridge at Progreso , the sister city to the south. This ranch was close to the river and a prized target for the bandidos during the days of Pancho Villa . It was built with many secret rooms and passages, and had heavy wooden shutters on the windows to protect its residents. As of

1508-403: The average family size was 3.68. In the city, the population was spread out, with 31.8% under the age of 18, 9.9% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 17.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.4 males. The median income for a household in the city

1560-534: The average low is 76 °F (24.4 °C) in August. The warm season is extremely long, as average high temperatures from May through September are above 90 °F (32.2 °C) and average low temperatures are above 70 °F (21.1 °C), with relatively high dew point values resulting in higher relative humidity values and heat index values. Heat index values can consistently reach over 100 °F (37.8 °C) during these months. Average annual precipitation

1612-438: The city joined other cities in south Texas in support of the newly formed University of Texas Rio Grande Valley by adopting a resolution declaring August 31 as UTRGV day. Also, they recognized the university by installing a boot with the university logos right across the municipal city hall. Colegio Jacinto Treviño located in Mercedes, Texas, was a pioneering Chicano institution of higher education founded in 1970. It played

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1664-506: The city was "Diaz" in honor of Porfirio Diaz , then president of Mexico. Later it was supposedly renamed "Mercedes Diaz" in honor of the president's wife, and from that, Mercedes became the Queen City. This story, however, is historically inaccurate, given that neither of Diaz's two wives were named Mercedes. During President Woodrow Wilson's administration, Camp Llano Grande was founded in 1916 southwest of Mercedes. Today, its location

1716-400: The city was 79.42% White , 0.36% African American , 0.89% Native American , 0.07% Asian , 0.01% Pacific Islander , 16.95% from other races , and 2.31% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 90.01% of the population. There were 4,170 households, of which 41.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.7% were married couples living together, 21.4% had

1768-430: The city. The population density was 2,123.1 inhabitants per square mile (819.7/km ). There were 10,230 housing units at an average density of 806.4 per square mile (311.4/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 14.92% White , 0.27% African American , 0.49% Native American , 1.14% Asian , 0.06% Pacific Islander , 20.93% from other races , and 2.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 83.76% of

1820-566: The east, in Cameron County , by La Feria . The Interstate 2 / U.S. Route 83 freeway passes through the northern side of Mercedes, leading west 21 miles (34 km) to McAllen and east 14 miles (23 km) to Harlingen . Mercedes is 9 miles (14 km) north of the Progreso–Nuevo Progreso International Bridge over the Rio Grande, connecting Texas with the Mexican state of Tamaulipas . According to

1872-748: The electric tram nature tour. The park is also available for school programs and field trips. The Valley Nature Center is a six-acre park and environmental education center that focuses on the plants and animals of the Rio Grande Valley. The City of Weslaco Parks & Recreation Department maintains six city parks, and three public swimming pools. The parks host parades, festivals, holiday programs, special gatherings, and dedications. The department coordinates cultural programs, leisure activities, and events for citizens. Perennial and summer recreation programs are coordinated with residents, athletic organizations, and schools. Weslaco has several baseball and softball leagues as well as little league and soccer. Weslaco

1924-480: The end of October, the highest temperature ever recorded in Weslaco was 110 °F (43.3 °C) on April 17, 1920. The lowest temperature ever recorded in Weslaco was 16 °F (−8.9 °C), on January 12, 1962 and December 23, 1989. As of the 2020 United States census , there were 40,160 people, 12,671 households, and 9,998 families residing in the city. According to the census of 2000, there were 26,935 people, 8,295 households, and 6,602 families residing in

1976-632: The grant was allocated to his children. Manuela and María received the land on which Weslaco is located today. The Ballí family ranched and maintained ownership of the land until 1852. In 1904, the Hidalgo and San Miguel extension of the St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway made its way to the site. It was promoted by Uriah Lott, Lon C. Hill, Jr., and others interested in developing the area through farming as opposed to ranching. The American Rio Grande Land and Irrigation Company of neighboring Mercedes purchased

2028-526: The home for the C Company 3rd Battalion (Mechanized) 141st Infantry and Detachment 1, Company A, 536th Brigade Support Battalion. This armory was dedicated in honor of Weslaco native Sgt. Tomás Garces, the first Texas Army National Guard combat casualty since World War II . Private air services are accommodated by the Weslaco Mid Valley Airport . Commercial flights are available at the nearby McAllen Miller International Airport , or

2080-478: The irrigation company sold 30,000 acres (12,000 ha) at ninety dollars an acre to the W. E. Stewart Land Company. The town name "Weslaco" was derived from the company's name. The Stewart Company later sold the townsite to Ed C. Couch, Dan R. Couch, R. C. Couch, and R. L. Reeves. The site was surveyed and platted on September 18, 1919, by H. E. Bennett and Ed Payne, a civil engineer hired by Ed Couch and R. L. Reeves, whose partners, fearing failure, had backed out of

2132-576: The library offers computer classes and various community events. Meeting rooms and an auditorium are available. The Weslaco Museum has exhibits and hosts events for local residents. Weslaco is home to one of the nine sites of the World Birding Center in the Rio Grande Valley . The site is located within the Estero Llano Grande State Park . Visitors can take bird walks, butterfly walks, dragonfly walks, and

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2184-409: The population. There were 8,295 households, out of which 41.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.2% were married couples living together, 17.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.4% were non-families. 18.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.21 and

2236-650: The ratification of the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994. In Hidalgo County, cross-border cargo and vehicular traffic have increased 345% and 36.4% respectively since the beginning of the 1990s, from 228,133 to 1,015,554 cargo trucks in 2008 and from 10.92 million to 14.9 million automobiles. US/Mexico trade crossing the international bridge in Hidalgo County increased from $ 5.0 billion in 1994, pre-NAFTA, to $ 12.56 billion in 2000 and $ 19.9 billion in 2006. From 1995 to 2006

2288-450: The realities and needs of Mexican-American students. Dr Hector P Garcia Library serves Mercedes. Mercedes is home to a unique public art project: there are 30 handcrafted 5 + 1 ⁄ 2 -foot-tall (1.7 m) cowboy boots dispersed throughout the city, each painted with the insignia of different colleges from around the state, country and even Mexico. These FM radio stations broadcast from Mercedes: The climate in this area

2340-505: The site for a permanent training camp when the United States entered WW1 in 1916. Construction of Camp Mercedes on a 80-acre tract southeast of town was completed in early 1917. Until the WWI recruits arrived, a 16th Cavalry training cadre occupied the camp. The soldiers who later arrived for WWI training specialized in the management of horses for service in France. At its peak, Camp Mercedes hosted 16 officers, 700 enlisted men and 600 horses. After

2392-523: The summer months, many travelers come to the area to visit the lower Texas coast and the beaches of South Padre Island. Many Mexican vacationers visit the Texas Valley and stay or maintain homes in Weslaco and surrounding communities. Current estimates show this company has an annual revenue of 30926590 and employs a staff of approximately 630. English: Home located at 1027 S. Texas Blvd. Weslaco, Texas, coordinates 26°8′54″N 97°59′22″W. Presently it

2444-527: The tracks be reserved for "Anglo" residences and businesses. During World War II , sandbag production reached a peak in Weslaco, and the town declared itself the "sandbagging capital of the world". Weslaco is part of the McAllen–Edinburg–Mission and Reynosa–McAllen metropolitan areas. The present location of Weslaco was originally part of the Llano Grande Land Grant granted to Juan José Ynojosa de Ballí in 1790. After Ynojosa's death,

2496-486: The venture. Nearby communities circulated flyers discouraging settlement at the proposed town. Nevertheless, the sale of lots was held on December 8–10, 1919. Prices ranged from $ 50 to $ 400 per lot. To make a claim, individuals had to choose a lot and camp on it until the day of the sale. Lots were given away free to church groups. Three cars were also given away as a promotion during the sale. In 1941 stamp collector Oliver Rumbel and Weslaco Postmaster Davenport discovered at

2548-560: The wettest, averaging 5.64 inches (143 mm) of rain. The driest month is February, with only 0.95 inches (24 mm) of precipitation. The record snowfall was 3.00 inches (76 mm) on December 25, 2004. It snowed again on December 8, 2017. Weslaco received 10-12 inches of rain in October of 2015 that impacted several areas, particularly with drainage systems being overflooded. Temperatures are frequently above 100 °F (37.8 °C), occasionally as early as February and as late as

2600-460: Was $ 26,573, and the median income for a family was $ 29,215. Males had a median income of $ 24,202 versus $ 19,688 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 11,235. About 26.5% of families and 30.9% of the population were below the poverty line , including 40.6% of those under age 18 and 23.5% of those age 65 or over. The focal point of economic activity has shifted from agriculture to international trade, healthcare, retail and tourism since

2652-556: Was 29 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.3 males. The median household income was $ 23,064 and the median family income was $ 25,339. Males had a median income of $ 19,945 versus $ 18,387 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 8,658. About 30.4% of families and 36.4% of the population were below the poverty line , including 49.4% of those under age 18 and 30.3% of those age 65 or over. The Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets, owned by Chelsea Property Group which

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2704-548: Was the hometown of Harlon Block , one of the Marines photographed raising the flag at Iwo Jima , and of film and television actor David Spielberg . Streets north of the railroad tracks have Spanish names, and streets south of the railroad tracks bear names in English, as a consequence of a 1921 municipal ordinance which declared that land north of the tracks be reserved for Hispanic residences and businesses, and land south of

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