-
The perfect winter climate, the perfect summer playground, Zapata has a lot to offer visitors to the Lone Star State, not the least of which is beautiful Falcon Lake, the second largest fresh water lake in Texas...
|
 It doesn't really matter where you have come from or where you are going, Deep South Texas is full of great surprises for the visitor, and Zapata is a jewel on the South Texas prairie that shouldn't be overlooked when you're searching for great outdoor fun and a remote, peaceful place to pitch your tent or park your RV.
Welcome to Zapata and beautiful Lake Falcon, king of the fishing lakes of Texas, nestled against the international border, full of abundant wildlife and unspoiled prairie wilderness, and just awaiting your discovery.
It's been called the jewel of the borderlands, and one visit to this rugged region of Texas and you'll discover why more and more Winter Texans, like migratory birds, are flocking to the region each year.
Zapata dates to Spanish land grants of 1767. When the first settlers crossed the Rio Grande the town was called Habitacion. Then Carrizo, then Bellville after Governor Peter Bell. Finally the permanent name of Zapata was authorized to honor Col. Antonio Zapata, one of the founders of the Republic of the Rio Grande.
Little is known about this makeshift Republic that existed before Texas' fight for independence. Apparently settler and land owners along the Rio Grande had experienced enough rule of Mexican authorities and declared themselves independent. The fledging Republic didn't last long, and later became a free region when Texas became the larger Republic.
 But that "Republic" attitude is still alive and well in Southmost Texas, and Zapata is a prime example of independent living, a trait often favored by winter visitors looking for a place with personality and zest. From the peaceful sunsets to the high quality fishing afforded by the famous lake, Zapata offers a lot to visitors regardless where they are from.
Modern day Zapata prides itself in catering to the tastes of year round visitors. There are RV parks, assorted motels and lodges, guest ranches, hunting ranches, fish camps and Falcon Lake State Park, offering plenty of camping opportunities.
But there's more than just fishing to catch the attention of outdoor enthusiasts. More Hang Gliding World Records have been set from Zapata, Texas than any other location in the world. The World Record Encampment has been taking place at the Zapata County Airport since 2000, and the first hang glider flights to break the 308 mile barrier took place there the first year. The current distance record is 438 miles set by Mike Barber in 2002. Three new world records were set in 2005.
 Zapata is the seat of Zapata County and is located fifty miles south of Laredo toward Rio Grande City along US 83 and Hwy 16 on International Falcon Reservoir, which is the United States/Mexico border.
The town site was relocated to higher ground upon the completion of Falcon Dam in 1953, when many acres of rich, irrigated farmland were inundated by the waters of the reservoir.
Zapata is the center of extensive oil and gas wells. In 1985 ranching continued to be a major industry in the area. Zapata has attracted winter tourists and vacationers because of the mild climate and fine fishing in the reservoir.
Whether for a winter retreat or a weekend at the Lake, Zapata and Lake Falcon offer plenty for the visitor to South Texas. Discover the beauty and diversity of this remarkable region! Visit the Zapata Chamber of Commerce for more.
|
Rio Grande Valley