Mercedes Tx, a city steeped in history and brimming with Texan spirit, is nestled in the Rio Grande Valley, a vibrant region of southeastern Hidalgo County. Located twenty-five miles east of McAllen along U.S. Highway 83, Mercedes TX boasts a narrative that stretches back to the late 1770s, offering a compelling glimpse into the evolution of South Texas.
The story of Mercedes TX begins with ranching pioneers who first settled the area in the late 18th century. This land was originally part of the expansive Llano Grande Spanish land grant, officially issued on May 29, 1790, to Juan José Ynojosa de Ballí. By the mid-1850s, the area was recognized as the Anacuitas ranch, owned by Ramón and Manuel Cavazos, marking it as a significant agricultural and pastoral site in its early days. As the 20th century dawned, the Fuste ranch, also under the ownership of the Cavazos family – purported heirs of Ynojosa de Ballí – replaced Anacuitas, continuing the legacy of ranching in this fertile valley.
The transformation of this ranch land into the city of Mercedes TX is largely attributed to Lon C. Hill, Jr., a visionary land promoter and developer. Hill acquired a vast 45,000-acre tract stretching sixteen miles from the Rio Grande, which encompassed the future site of Mercedes TX. Recognizing the development potential, Hill initiated land clearing and constructed the Estarito Canal, crucial infrastructure for the burgeoning agricultural aspirations of the region. On May 29, 1904, Hill established the Capisallo Town and Improvement Company, with the initial intention of developing a town named Capisallo, situated just a mile east of present-day Mercedes TX.
However, Hill’s vision evolved rapidly. He soon renamed his nascent community Lonsboro before selling his company to the American Rio Grande Land and Irrigation Company. This new entity promptly renamed the town Díaz. Yet, the name Díaz was not to last. Through a series of further name changes, the town finally settled on Mercedes TX. The origin of the name “Mercedes” remains a subject of local debate. While popular lore suggests it was named in honor of the wife of Mexican President Porfirio Díaz, historical evidence to support this claim is notably absent. Regardless of its namesake origin, the name Mercedes stuck, marking a new chapter for the burgeoning town.
A pivotal moment in the development of Mercedes TX arrived on July 8, 1904, when it became the inaugural town on the Sam Fordyce Branch of the St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway. This railway connection was transformative, earning Mercedes TX the endearing nickname “Sweetheart of the Branch” and firmly establishing it as a vital hub for commerce and transportation in the region.
To cultivate a robust economic foundation, the Rio Grande Company implemented stringent building regulations within Mercedes TX. Commercial buildings on Main Street were mandated to be constructed from durable materials such as brick, stone, or concrete, with a minimum cost of $3,000 – a substantial investment at the time. Residential structures were required to cost no less than $2,000. Adding to the town’s unique character, the company also prohibited the sale of alcoholic beverages within Mercedes TX for the first fifteen years of its existence, aiming to foster a wholesome and industrious community.
The Rio Grande Company aggressively promoted Mercedes TX to attract settlers, particularly from the northern states. Extensive publicity campaigns painted a picture of opportunity and prosperity in the fertile Rio Grande Valley. Prospective buyers were transported to the area via railroad and treated to whirlwind tours showcasing the valley’s agricultural potential and burgeoning communities. This proactive approach paid dividends, drawing in ambitious individuals eager to establish themselves in this promising new territory.
Diversification of agriculture played a crucial role in Mercedes TX’s early economic success. Grape culture was introduced in 1907, quickly followed by large-scale production of citrus fruits and truck crops. This agricultural boom fueled the town’s growth and prosperity. The same year also saw the opening of the first hotel in Mercedes TX, signaling its growing infrastructure and capacity to accommodate visitors and new residents.
By 1908, just four years after its official founding, Mercedes TX boasted a population of 1,000 residents. The burgeoning town was equipped with essential amenities including a school, a lumberyard, a feed store, a livery stable, and its own weekly newspaper, the Enterprise, reflecting a vibrant and rapidly developing community. The establishment of the Hidalgo County Bank in 1908 further solidified Mercedes TX’s economic stability, amassing deposits totaling $100,000 by the end of the following year.
Mercedes TX officially incorporated in 1909, a landmark year that also brought adversity in the form of a devastating flood. Despite this setback, the community demonstrated resilience and continued to organize for growth and promotion. The Mercedes Commercial Club was formed in 1911, actively publicizing the town and its opportunities. That same year, the Mercedes Public Library was founded, underscoring the community’s commitment to education and cultural enrichment. A new city charter was adopted in 1914, and by 1915, the population of Mercedes TX had doubled to an estimated 2,000 residents, reflecting its sustained growth trajectory.
During World War I, Mercedes TX and the surrounding area played a significant role in supporting the war effort. Camp Mercedes and Camp Llano Grande, located just outside the town, became home to 15,000 soldiers. Amidst the patriotic fervor of the era, the Mercedes City Council passed a controversial ordinance on April 15, 1918, prohibiting the use of German and other enemy languages in public spaces, including schools and businesses, reflecting the wartime anxieties of the time.
By 1925, Mercedes TX’s population had reached an estimated 3,414. A further updated city charter was adopted in 1931, adapting to the needs of the growing municipality. A significant economic boost arrived in 1935 with the discovery of oil in the Mercedes field. This discovery spurred rapid population growth, with Mercedes TX reaching 7,624 residents by 1940. Post-World War II, Mercedes TX continued to thrive. In the 1947–48 season, it distinguished itself as the Valley’s top harvest handler, managing over 2,000 carloads of produce, underscoring its agricultural dominance.
The strategic location of Mercedes TX near the border with Mexico led to the development of international trade infrastructure. On September 17, 1952, Mercedes and Weslaco businessmen joined forces to create the B&P Bridge Company, initiating the construction of a new international bridge at the Progreso bend in the Rio Grande. Construction commenced in the fall of 1952 and was completed by the fall of 1953, fostering increased trade and connectivity. By 1952, Mercedes TX had grown to a population of 10,065 with 252 businesses, demonstrating robust economic and demographic expansion.
Throughout the 1960s, Mercedes TX solidified its position as a key center for cotton, vegetable, and livestock marketing and processing. Diversified industries emerged, including meat packing, box and boot making, and farm-chemical manufacturing, adding further economic layers to the city. In 1961, the population stood at 10,943. By 1970, the number of businesses in Mercedes TX had reached 140, indicating a consolidation and evolution of the local economy.
In the 1980s, Mercedes TX gained recognition for its annual Rio Grande Valley Stock Show, a major regional event, and for its concentration of nationally acclaimed bootmakers, showcasing local craftsmanship. In 1980, the city’s population was 10,354, and by 1990, it had increased to 12,694. The turn of the 21st century saw Mercedes TX continuing its growth trajectory. In 2000, the city reported 377 businesses and 13,649 residents.
Today, Mercedes TX stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of South Texas. From its humble beginnings as ranchland to its current status as a vibrant city, Mercedes TX embodies a rich history of agricultural innovation, economic diversification, and community resilience in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley. Its story is a compelling chapter in the broader narrative of Texas and the American Southwest.
