Community

About Rio Grande Valley cities

Alton, Texas
The City of Alton was established as a stop on the San Benito and Rio Grande Valley Railroad around 1910. It was named after the Alton Railroad, whose officials were from Alton, Illinois. Alton is an agricultural area surrounded by numerous citrus orchards, mainly grapefruit plantations. The city was incorporated in 1978 and is located right next door to the larger city of Mission on Highway 107. Alton's population has been growing steadily and is currently 3,361. Students attend Mission Consolidated Independent School District schools.

Granjeno, Texas
The City of Granjeno was founded around 1767 and incorporated in 1993 and has a Board of Commissioners consisting of a mayor and two commissioners. Descendants of the original families make this a close-knit residential community. A historical marker at the El Granjeno Cemetery notes that veterans from different wars, including the Civil War, are interred here. Granjeno is adjacent to the Anzalduas Hidalgo County Park, known for its moss covered tress and many amenities. It is located south of Mission 7 miles off FM 1016 or 4 miles South Shary Road from Expressway 83. The Anzalduas International Bridge is planned to be built across the Rio Grande river near Granjeno starting around 2003.

La Joya , Texas
La Joya received its name from a nearby lake which the Spanish ranchers called La Joya, this means "the Jewel" in English. These ranchers, settled in the area around 1750 and cultivated the area into a prosperous farming and ranching community. The beautiful lakes are still there, however many of the lakes ended up on private property. In 1934, La Joya was the first city in Hidalgo County to find and drill for oil, which brought many changes to the other Valley cities. Today, its economy is based on the service and retail industry.

La Joya was incorporated in 1965 under Type C-General Law government, with an elected mayor and 2 commissioners. The city is located at the southwest end of Hidalgo County, on Expressway 83, as you head towards the long winding roads of Starr County. La Joya has a population of 2,604, with approximately 50 businesses, a volunteer Fire Department and Police Department. The water and sewer system is owned by the City and waste is picked up by a private firm. Their 3.4 acre municipal park includes a Jr. Olympic-size pool, playground equipment and pavilions with BBQ pits. Palmshores Lake located on the southeast part of town is excellent for boating and fishing, with two public access boat ramps. History buffs can find the cemetery between 5th and 6th Streets. La Joya students attend the La Joya Independent School District schools.

Not far from La Joya is Sullivan City, the town leads the way to the town of Los Ebanos on the Rio Grande River, known for having one of the last ferry boats in Texas. The ferry at Los Ebanos crosses the Rio Grande River into Mexico. The ferry operates between 8:00 and 5:00 p.m. daily, depending on the weather. The property adjacent to the ferry on the River banks is private property and a fee is charged to go down to the river bank. A small cluster of stores and restaurant are being built for visitors' convenience.

Palmhurst , Texas
A small residential community, has its own mayor and aldermen. Palmhurst relies on Mission for fire protection and utilities. Located to the North of Mission, Palmhurst enjoys many high-end subdivisions and prefers its residential peacefulness.

Palmview, Texas
Palmview's city government is composed of the mayor and 5 aldermen. Their population is 1,818 and have over 100 businesses. They have a Volunteer Fire Department and Police Department, a public park and a pavilion used for festive occasions, a new Boys & Girls Club building and an Explorers program. A sewerage system is being planned, and they are serviced by the La Joya Water Supply. Bentsen State Park is located very close to Palmview and Penitas from Highway 83, as is the Martin Valley Golf Course, a 27 hole golf course with lovely homes and other amenities, plus several RV parks. Palmview students attend La Joya Independent School District schools.

Peņitas, Texas
Peņitas is a Type A General Law City Type of Government, with a Mayor & 5 Aldermen. The population is approximately 2,500 and has about 25 businesses. It was incorporated in 1992. However, Peņitas lays claim to being the "Oldest Settlement in Texas" and has received a Historical Marker. The City is located in the north half of Los Ejidos de Reynosa Viejo land grant established in 1740's. The English definition is "Common Ground". This was the location of the first Mission in Hidalgo County, "San Joaquin del Monte". The City is currently pursuing the establishment of a Historical district. The City will create its own law enforcement body in the first half of year 2000. Peņitas is preparing the required paperwork to develop a sewer and water system with year 2001 as a Completion deadline. Peņitas residents are currently served by La Joya Water Supply and students attend La Joya I.S.D.

The Peņitas Historical Marker's location is about 5.5 miles south of Mission on FM 2062. Possibly one of the oldest towns in the United States. Established, according to tradition, in the mid-1520's. Founders were a priest and five other Spaniards of the unsuccessful Panfilo de Narvaez expedition into Mexico in 1520. Narvaez was sent to arrest or kill Hernando Cortez, conqueror of Mexico, who was accused of disloyalty to the king. Cortez, however, defeated Narvaez in battle, imprisoned him, and took most of Narvaez's army for his own. After Narvaez was released from prison (1521), he and the remnant of his men set out for Florida. But Father Zamora and five officers gave up further plans to travel with Narvaez and settled at Peņitas. The refugees were befriended by Indians living in huts and dugout-type homes in the vicinity. The Spaniards erected stone houses with whitewashed walls. Father Zamora brought the Catholic faith to the Indians, also teaching them weaving and better farming. The Indians taught cookery to their guests. Cabeza de Vaca, aide in a later Narvaez expedition, is famous for having written of his shipwreck and wandering in Texas from 1528 to 1535. The founders of Peņitas are recalled best by their descendants, some of whom still live in this area.

Sullivan City, Texas
Sullivan City was named for Captain Ed Sullivan, a World War veteran, who owned a ranch. The town was formally opened in 1908. In 1911, the town was incorporated with Sam Hargrove as Mayor. William Jennings Bryan purchased land in the area in 1910, and he established a store and filling station.

On March 3, 1997 Sullivan City was incorporated after many years. A city hall has been established; approximately 30 businesses are being operated. A city manager has been hired, the mayor has a three year term and there are two commissioners. Fire and water are provided from nearby La Joya.