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Historic Sites
In Rio Grande City, the line between past and present gently fades. Time slows and the gracious residents make guests feel like royalty. Few people visit just once - visitors are inexplicably drawn time and time again to this 18th century river community. Rio Grande City, seat of Starr County, lies along the Rio Grande River near the border of Texas and Mexico. It is part of Los Caminos del Rio or "roads of the river," a heritage corridor rich in natural and cultural legacies. In 2001, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Los Caminos del Rio to its list of 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. Rio Grande City and the surrounding area is where Mexico really to spread architecturally into Texas. It is area quietly enriched with history, and it beckons you to stop and walk and examine. The Texas Historical Commission designated Rio Grande City an official Texas Main Street City in 2002, an indication that visitors can count on the continued preservation and revitalization of this vibrant and lush border town.
La Borde House 1877-1898
601 E. Main Street / Rio Grande City, Texas 78582
This two-story brick structure, originally known as the La Borde House Hotel, was built between 1877 and 1898 by French immigrant and merchant Francois La Borde. It was later purchased by Mr. Larry Sheerin (a San Antonio business man who farmed extensively in Starr County) in 1978. In 1980 Mr. Sheerin completely renovated the hotel and insured that much of the original balconies, trim and color be retained. Great credit is due to the Sheerin's for their vision and care in making this a truly historical place.
The Robert E. Lee house - Fort Ringgold 1856
Inside Fort Ringgold / Rio Grande City, Texas 78582
The Lee House was build circa 1856 and is located on the little hill behind the one time officers Quarters in the fort camp grounds. General Lee came to Fort Ringgold on two occasions, first in 1859 to investigate activities of Juan Cortina, and then in 1860 to preside over court materials. It was in 1965 that Fort Ringgold was designated a Texas Historic Landmark by the Texas Historical Commission.
Mifflin Kenedy Warehouse 1854
203 W. Water St. / Rio Grande City, Texas 78582
This two-story brick structure, originally known as the La Borde House Hotel, was built between 1877 and 1898 by French immigrant and merchant Francois La Borde. It was later purchased by Mr. Larry Sheerin (a San Antonio business man who farmed extensively in Starr County) in 1978. In 1980 Mr. Sheerin completely renovated the hotel and insured that much of the original balconies, trim and color be retained. Great credit is due to the Sheerin's for their vision and care in making this a truly historical place.
Arcadio F. Salinas House Late 1800
600 E. Mirasoles St. / Rio Grande City, Texas 78582
The Salinas house was build of brick in a Southern Colonial Style in front of the old homestead of Domingo and Tamasa Garza. Arcadio F. Salinas began Construction in the late 1800's, he then added to and remodeled the house in 1915. He said he carved the date on the entrance and back door frame. Credit is due to Joel F. Salinas and his family (descendants of the Felix Salinas family) for contribution to the restoration and renovation of this truly magnificent building.
Fort Ringgold
Highway 83 & Fort Ringgold / Rio Grande City, Texas 78582
Fort Ringgold was a military reservation consisting 325 acres on the east side of Rio Grande City. It was then known as Camp Ringgold; named after the first officer killed in the Mexican-American War. In 1849 the name was changed to Ringgold Barracks and in 1850 declared a permanent for by the War Department. It was de-activated in 1944 and sold to the RGCCISD for $250,000.00. This included all buildings, land, and the historic Robert E. Lee House.
Grotto of Lourdes
305 N. Britton / Rio Grande City, Texas 78582
Dedicated on April 27, 1928 the Grotto is a replica of the Grotto of Lourdes in France and is as true to the original as it could be. Built by Father Gustavo Golbach, it is constructed of native rocks, and petrified wood found in West Starr County and measures 30 by 90 feet. The Statues of the Virgin and the peasant girl, Bernadette Soubirous , cost $1.000.00 each and came from Lamus Studio in Paris, France.
First United Methodist Church 1888
312 E. 4th Street / Rio Grande City, Texas 78582
A small building was built on this site in 1882 which served as a church. It was in 1888 that the present brick church was constructed and thus formed the first protestant church in Starr County. As far back as 1859 church records show that H.C. Davis wrote the Bishop of the West Texas Methodist Conference asking to have a study made of the need for a Spanish speaking minster in Starr County. It was not until 1857 that the first Spanish speaking minister, Clemente E. Vivero, was appointed to Rio Grande City. Today there are three memorial windows on the east side of the church honoring the Rev. Matilde Trevino, Rev. Farias and John Kelsey.
Headley - Edgerton Buliding 1894
Corner of Hwy. 83 and F.M. 755 / Rio Grande City, Texas 78582
Build by Leopoldo Reynaga in 1894; this is a brick structure with ornamental brick trim ober doors, windows, and around roof edges. Dr. Alexander Manfield Headley borught the building in 1899 and used it as his home and office. Dr. Headley was a native of Rothbury, England, ex-Confederate surgeon who had joined General Jo Sheldy's "Undefeated Rebels" in an expedition into Mexico in 1865. This is also the home of Dr. Mary Ann Headley who was one of two female students from the entire state of texas in the sophomore medical class in Glaveston, Texas. Dr. Mary Ann Headley was the first native of The Rio Grande Valley to graduate as physician, a rare distinction by the fact that only six percent of physicians at that time were women.
Sliverio De La Peña Building 1886
423 E. Main Street / Rio Grande City, Texas 78582
Built in 1886, this two-story brick structure features intricately detailed, pressed brick. It is recognized as one of the most impressive structures built by South Texas Builder Heinrich Portscheller. Portsheller, a German master brickmason, who was well known for structures that exhibited sophisticated, molded brick details. From 1890 until 1957, It served as a Post Office.
