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Hidalgo, Texas


Hidalgo, Texas, a city six miles south of McAllen and just across the Rio Grande River from Reynosa, Mexico,dates back to 1749. It was established under the jurisdiction of the Spanish explorer Don Jose de Escandon.According to a historical monument at James B. McAllen Park, located on First Street at the center of the city, Hidalgo began as "Mission San Joaquin del Monte a Vista: which was
established to Christianize the Indians. The settlement was washed by the waters of the Rio Grande River many times. The founding fathers courageously replatted and rebuilt it. Hidalgo, having begun as "Mission San Joaquin del Monte a Vista,"later acquired the names of "La Habitacion," "Rancho San Luis," "Hidalgo", "Edinburg," and again "Hidalgo." Its name proudly emulates the Mexican respect for the leader of the Mexican Independence from Spain,"Don Miguel Hidalgo." The city is rich in cultural heritage and holds within its limits and outskirts many interesting historical places.

In 1852, the community leaders founded the county seat and decided to change the town's name to Edinburg and called the county "Hidalgo." The town held the name of Edinburg until February 7, 1861 when by a legislative act, Hidalgo regained its name. From 1852 to 1908 Hidalgo was the busy Hidalgo County Seat, having the Court House and an iron cage jail, but bad river flows washed away the original court house and iron cage jail. Construction of a new brick court house and jail was begun in May 1886. The buildings were completed in December 31, 1886. Both the Court House and jail served their purpose in Hidalgo from 1852 to 1908.

A few politicos having bought cheap acreage in a more central spot of the county, saw it was to their advantage to move the county seat to their land. Maneuvering their political skills they held and won an election in 1908 to move the county seat to present Edinburg, then called "Chapin".

In 1928, there was an attempt to incorporate the city that failed. It was not until 1959 that the City of Hidalgo was incorporated.