71-720: Weslaco ( / ˈ w ɛ s l ə k oʊ / WESS -lə-koh ) is a city in Hidalgo County , Texas , United States. As of 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
142-516: 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,
213-462: 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 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
284-552: 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,
355-614: A day) are all in the southern part of the country (Table 1) [7], and the nation's poorest large metropolitan area is McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Texas. Hidalgo County tends to vote for the Democratic Party , although there is representation of the Republican Party in some of the offices that affect the county. Hidalgo County is represented by Monica De La Cruz of Texas's 15th congressional district and Vicente González of Texas's 34th congressional district . In
426-410: A household in the county was $ 30,134, and the median income for a family was $ 31,760. Males had a median income of $ 22,635 versus $ 17,526 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 12,130. About 32.60% of families and 35.80% of the population were below the poverty line , including 47.4% of those under age 18 and 29.8% of those age 65 or over. The county's per-capita income makes it one of
497-517: 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
568-551: 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 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
639-662: 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 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
710-493: Is 91.9% Hispanic as of 2020, it is Texas' second-most populous majority-Hispanic county and the fifth-largest nationwide . It is also the largest county which is over 90% Hispanic . It is also the southernmost landlocked county in the United States, and in 2021, it was the largest county in the nation with a total fertility rate above the replacement level (at 2.13). According to the United States Census Bureau ,
781-647: 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
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#1732779713682852-417: 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
923-671: 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 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
994-643: 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
1065-748: 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,
1136-612: 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 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
1207-631: Is located in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas and is one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States . Hidalgo County is designated by the U.S. Census Bureau as the McAllen–Edinburg–Mission metropolitan statistical area , which itself is part of the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission-Rio Grande City, Texas combined statistical area with neighboring Starr County . With a population that
1278-541: Is located in the U.S. state of Texas . As of the 2020 census , its population was 870,781, making it the ninth-most populous county in Texas , and the most populous county outside of the counties in the Texas Triangle . The county seat is Edinburg and the largest city is McAllen . The county is named for Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla , the priest who raised the call for Mexico 's independence from Spain . It
1349-404: 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
1420-492: 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
1491-600: 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 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
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#17327797136821562-495: 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
1633-710: Is subtropical and humid. Temperatures range from an average low of 47 °F (8 °C) in January to an average high to 96 °F (36 °C) in July; the average annual temperature is 73 °F (23 °C). Rainfall averages 23 inches (580 mm) a year, and the growing season lasts for 320 days of the year. As of the census of 2010, there were 774,769 people living in the county. 88.0% were White , 1.0% Asian , 0.6% Black or African American , 0.3% Native American , 8.8% of some other race and 1.3% of two or more races . 90.6% were Hispanic or Latino (of any race). There were 216,471 households, and 179,668 families living in
1704-413: Is the primary provider of law enforcement services to the unincorporated areas of the county. The following school districts serve Hidalgo County: In addition, the county is served by the multi-county South Texas Independent School District . The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brownsville operates three PK-8th Grade schools, two lower-level elementary schools and two high schools. The Edinburg campus of
1775-546: 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. Hidalgo County, Texas Hidalgo County ( / h ɪ ˈ d æ l ɡ oʊ / ; Spanish pronunciation: [iˈðalɣo] )
1846-563: The 2012 presidential election , 70.4% voted for Barack Obama , while 28.6% voted for Mitt Romney . The last time Hidalgo County voted Republican was in the 2024 presidential election when Donald Trump won 51% of the votes, the first time the county voted for the Republican candidate since 1972 . In the 2020 presidential election, Hidalgo County saw a significant shift to the Republican Party, with Donald Trump increasing
1917-445: The 66th most populous primary statistical area of the United States as of July 1, 2022. It has the lowest per capita income of the 276 MSAs within the 50 states at $ 9,899. Its median household income is also the lowest within the states at $ 24,863. In a survey done in over 190 metropolitan areas it had the highest obesity rate of residents at 38.8 percent. Today, the states with the highest poverty rates (of over 20 million living on $ 2
1988-594: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (formerly University of Texas-Pan American ) is located in Hidalgo County. All of the county is in the service area of South Texas College . The Pecan, Mid-Valley, Technology, and Nursing & Allied Health campuses of South Texas College are located in Hidalgo County. In 2020, the total value of products produced in Hidalgo was $ 11.5 billion. In 1982, 91% of
2059-678: 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
2130-509: The W . E . S tewart La nd Co mpany. It 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
2201-514: The poorest counties in the United States . In 2009, it was tied with Bronx County, New York for "the greatest share of people receiving food stamps: 29 percent." Las Milpas , previously unincorporated, was annexed by Pharr in 1987. The United States Office of Management and Budget has designated Hidalgo County as the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area . The United States Census Bureau ranked
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2272-505: The McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area as the 65th most populous metropolitan statistical area of the United States as of July 1, 2022. The Office of Management and Budget has further designated the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area as a component of the more extensive McAllen-Edinburg, TX Combined Statistical Area , the 63rd most populous combined statistical area and
2343-481: 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
2414-645: 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 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
2485-528: The Republican vote from 27.9% in 2016 to 41%. However, as an urban county, the shift was not as large as nearby less densely populated counties. On his third run, Trump was able to win the county by 2 points, following a trend that resulted in many Hispanic majority counties in Texas and Florida flipping red. For the Texas House of Representatives is covered by districts 39 , 40 and 41 . The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office operates jail facilities and
2556-472: 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
2627-569: 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, 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
2698-684: The Rio Grande, brown to red clays are found. Hidalgo County is in the South Texas Plains vegetation area, which features grasses, mesquite, live oaks, and chaparral. Native plants, reduced in recent years by extensive farming, include chapote , guayacán , ebony , huisache , brasil , and yucca . Natural resources included caliche, sand, gravel, oil, and gas. Oil and gas production in 1982 totaled 98,487,211,000 cubic feet (2.7888472 × 10 m ) of gas-well gas, 139,995 barrels of crude oil, 1,101,666 barrels of condensate, and 15,784,000 cubic feet (447,000 m ) of casinghead gas. The climate
2769-403: 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
2840-403: 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 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
2911-533: 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 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
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2982-477: 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 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
3053-438: 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
3124-429: 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 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
3195-428: 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
3266-433: The county has a total area of 1,583 sq mi (4,100 km ), of which 12 sq mi (31 km ) (0.8%) are covered by water. The northern part of the county has sandy and light loamy soils over deep reddish or mottled, clayey subsoils . In some areas, limestone lies within 40 in (1 m) of the surface. The southern part of the county has moderately deep to deep loamy surfaces over clayey subsoils. Along
3337-513: The county. The population density was 363 people per square mile (140 people/km ). There were 248,287 housing units at an average density of 123 units per square mile (47/km ). There were 216,471 households, out of which 54.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.00% were married couples living together, 18.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.0% were non-families. 14.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.6% had someone living alone who
3408-747: 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
3479-479: 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
3550-525: 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
3621-443: The land was in farms and ranches, with 52% of the farmland under cultivation and 85% irrigated; 51 to 60% of the county was considered prime farmland. The primary crops were sorghum, cotton, corn, and vegetables; Hidalgo County led Texas counties in the production of cabbage, onions, cantaloupes, carrots, and watermelons. The primary fruits and nuts grown in the county were grapefruit, oranges, and pecans. Cattle, milk cows, and hogs were
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#17327797136823692-573: 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
3763-618: 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 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
3834-405: 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 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
3905-409: 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
3976-475: The primary livestock products. Hidalgo is the highest-producing county in the state for oilseeds and dry beans . The Southern Cattle Tick ( Rhipicephalus microplus ) is invasive here. Populations here have also become highly permethrin resistant . In 2014 the problem had become so severe in Cameron that spread here (and to other neighboring counties) was feared. A Temporary Preventative Quarantine Area
4047-586: 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
4118-450: 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
4189-431: 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 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
4260-463: 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 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
4331-522: 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
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#17327797136824402-475: 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 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
4473-410: The tracks be reserved for Hispanic residences and businesses, and land south of 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
4544-557: 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
4615-490: 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 is a brand of Simon Property Group , opened in November 2006. The city
4686-460: 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
4757-530: 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 the east, in Cameron County , by La Feria . The Interstate 2 / U.S. Route 83 freeway passes through
4828-454: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.55 and the average family size was 3.94. In the county, the population was spread out, with 34.7% under the age of 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 27.1% from 25 to 44, 18.2% from 45 to 64, and 9.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28.3 years. For every 100 females there were 94.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.90 males. The median income for
4899-477: Was established in Cameron to preserve efficacy in these counties. This was unsuccessful however, due at least in part to the ticks' infestation of wildlife including whitetail ( Odocoileus virginianus ). 26°23′48″N 98°10′52″W / 26.39672°N 98.18107°W / 26.39672; -98.18107 Mercedes, Texas Mercedes is a U.S. city in Hidalgo County , Texas . The population
4970-463: 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 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
5041-544: Was originally part of the Llano Grande Land Grant granted to Juan José Ynojosa de Ballí in 1790. After Ynojosa's death, 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
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