 The Rio Grande Valley's rich cultural history has many ties with Mexico up and down the Rio Grande and Mercedes in no exception. Known as, "The Queen City of the Valley" founded as a city in 1907 but has a community history that dates back to 1789 when it was deeded by Spain to Juan Jose Ynojosa de Bali. Some one hundred years later it became a ranch. In July of 1904, Mercedes became a stop on the Sam Fordyce spur of the St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railroad. Soon after the growth spurt of the agricultural boom would begin in 1907 when large-scale citrus fruits and vegetable crops were introduced.
One of it's most historically notable residents was famous Civil War General and Ex-President General Zachary Taylor whose headquarters was to the southeast of Mercedes near the river. There the old Rabb Ranch was famous for its stagecoach stop and riverboat landing for the riverboats that plied up and down the Rio Grande carrying supplies to the settlements and military installations.The old Toluca Ranch still stands east of the International Bridge at Progreso, the sister city to the south. This Ranch was close to the river and a prized target for the mexican bandits during the days of Pancho Villa. It was built with many secret rooms and passages and heavy wooden shutters on the windows to protect its residents..
Border incursions and unrest caused by the Mexican Revolution required a military presence on the border and Camp Mercedes and Camp Llano Grande were laid out – just outside the Mercedes city limits. The two camps had a combined population of 15,000 soldiers, dwarfing the town. Since that time the population has slowly grown and the once vibrant agricutural industry began to subside. But as McAllen continues to grow so does the outlying communities of Mercedes, Alamo and San Juan.
 Mercedes is one of the closest U.S. border towns to the popular Mexican city of Progreso. This community is probably the most popular among Winter Texans and Travelers to the valley who wish to "go to Mexico". Considered one of the safer Mexican cities along the border, the community strives to provide great shopping, dining and medical/dental services to its visitors.The easiest way to cross is by parking at one of the nearby parking lots and walking across. Nuevo Progreso is small and is easy to tour on foot. Remember your passport – you’ll need it to re-enter the United States.
Wildlife is everywhere in the Rio Grande Valley but it seems one of our most beautiful and noisy creatures prefer Mercedes. Green Parrots roost in large numbers in this city by the Rio Grande. Dusk is the best time to observe their unique behaviour. Everyday just 15 minutes before the sun goes down visitors will be amused at the loud raucous created by these lovely birds. It is believed that parrots have lifetime mates and at roosting time the ~200 or so birds, want to sleep on the same limb next to a certain bird. There are many disagreements over perches and it is all must be settled within 15 minutes. By dark all becomes eerily quiet, with only an occasional squawk. It's a fun ritual to observe.
Whether you stay for a day or stay for a season, you'll want to make Mercedes a part of your Rio Grande Valley itinerary.
 Mercedes Attractions: This faciltiy was built in 2006 and offers over 140 stores with a variety of shopping options at inexpensive prices. Stores include, Adidas, Banana Republic, Calvin Klien, Tommy Hilfiger and many more. The outlet has a food court and live entertainment in seasons.
This livestock show takes place every March and is now ranked one of the top 10 in the state. People from all over Texas eagerly anticipate the event and come to enjoy the many activities, which include a parade, rodeo, competitive livestock events, and the many, many attractions that are scheduled daily.
Other Valley Destinations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RG Valley
Progreso, Mexico