Industry
2
The semi-arid Lower Rio Grande Valley was productive only for cattle grazing until several steam-powered irrigation systems were established in the early 20th century. In 1909 a steam pump was built here to channel Rio Grande water to about 40,000 acres of land. The Louisiana-Rio Grande Canal Company installed additional equipment in 1911-12 to increase production to the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo area. It was sold to the Hidalgo County water improvement district in 1920. The pump plant continued in operation until 1983, when an all-electric plant opened downstream.
Hear stories like this as you drive
ExploreHere reads historical markers out loud as you pass them: over 325,000 stories across the US. No account needed.
4.7 · 800+ ratings · Free
FIND IT
Hidalgo, Texas · United States
