Rio Grande Valley

Geography

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The Rio Grande Valley is located in the southernmost tip of Texas. It lies along the northern bank of the Rio Grande river that separates Mexico from the United States.

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In reality, the Rio Grande Valley is not a valley, but a delta. However, early promoters of this region felt that the term "Valley" sounded more inviting to tourists and northern investors than did "Delta." The Rio Grande Valley, is also affectionately called "the Valley" by those who live there.

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The region is made up of four counties: Starr County, Hidalgo County, Willacy County, and Cameron County.

Related Topics:
Starr County - Hidalgo County - Willacy County - Cameron County

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Major cities include Brownsville, Harlingen, McAllen, Edinburg, Weslaco,and Mission.

Related Topics:
Brownsville - Harlingen - McAllen - Edinburg - Weslaco - Mission

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Historical Interest

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The area is known among the locals for its folklore. Ghosts and specters still haunt the streets of some Valley cities. It was once believed that vampires from Mexico's northern border towns would cross into the Rio Grande Valley cities and hunt for prey. This makes for the older generations of Valley citizens to share some rich and vast tales pertaining to supernatural folklore and vampire myths.

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It was said that Pablo Montes, a character from popular modern fiction, was in fact based on a real outlaw. The citizens of most of these towns, however, are reluctant to speak of these events.

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Economy

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The Rio Grande Valley is a thriving region that is rapidly becoming an important commercial center of the South. Hispanics comprise a large percentage of the Valley's population, ranging from 80% in some centers to 92% in the southernmost city of Brownsville. Its many bridges bring in many Mexican nationals to shop, sell and do business in many border cities along the Rio Grande River.

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The Valley is also a popular tourist destination during the winters for residents from all parts of the United States and Canada. Winter Texans, Mexican nationals, and thousands of college students who visit South Padre Island throughout March and April for Spring Break create the bulk of the Valley's tourism. Winter Texans usually composed of retired senior citizens that arrive in mid to late fall and stay until early to mid spring.

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