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Mcallen History, Texas

McAllen is a great historical city in Texas, USA. McAllen is popular throughout the United States for its vibrant culture, history and traditions. McAllen history indicates that this area has been inhabited for a long time. It is neighbored by Mission, Edinburg, San Juan, Phar and Alamo etc. Different historical findings indicate that the area of McAllen has been established from pre historic times.

McAllen History: Ancient History

The exact date of McAllen’s history has been lost in the antiquity. There are four different historical accounts for the History of McAllen. The ancient history of this city dates back to centuries. Aztec Indians moved into this area to collect peyote to use in their rituals. In 1519, Alonzo de Pineda was discovered in Rio Grande Valley. Many European explorers visited this place making it the second place visited by Europeans. Cabeza de Vaca also made his way through this area.

McAllen was a not a civilized town until 1749 when Jose de Escandon established a mission in Hidalgo. In 1887, a disastrous flood destroyed the mission. In 1890, Sheriff John Closner enforced the law, extended the railroads and established a great farming area. McAllen began to grow around the Main Street and South 17th areas.

McAllen History: Founding McAllen

McAllen has a long history of culture and traditions. The majority of the people believe that the city of McAllen was founded in 1909. There are many prominent figures in the history of McAllen. James McAllen moved into this valley in the early 1850s. He bought 65,000 acres of land in this area. In 1909, William Briggs purchased 1200 acres from him.

William Briggs established a two-storey building and used it as a hotel for tourists. In 1908, a Presbyterian Church was built in McAllen. In 1909, the first Chamber of Commerce was established in McAllen.

McAllen History: Irrigation System

The progressive spirit of the people was evidenced when a well was dug using donations from the locals. It made very easy for the cowboys to water their ponies and to purchase supplies from this well. In 1904, an irrigation system developed by D.R. Swift was the third largest irrigation system in this valley and it served 600 acres of land in McAllen. With the efforts of the people, the irrigation system proved to be successful. Later it was extended to cover more area. In 1907, Hidalgo Canal Company took control of the irrigation system and served the 900 acres of land.

By 1914, the irrigation capacity increased to 6,000 acres. James McAllen was a prominent figure in the history of McAllen who fought along the border in 1916. Due to the continuous raid, 12,000 soldiers arrived in 1916 and stayed here for many months to come.

McAllen History: Industrial Development

The arrival of the army boosted the economy of McAllen. Business made McAllen grow rapidly and turned it into a city. After few years, buildings started to be constructed into every part of the city. Soldiers started to leave McAllen in 1917. The industrial and economical development of McAllen can be attributed to the arrival of the troops here in the early 19th century. Since that then, McAllen has grown into one of the major cities of Texas, USA.

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